Top 2026 class CB Elbert Hill confirms taking Alabama visit for game against Georgia this Saturday

After earning Division II first-team All-Ohio honors as a sophomore, Elbert Hill has launched an incredible junior season to become a prime target for major college programs. The four-star recruit set his eyes on making a college commitment before his senior year and remains heavily recruited, with Alabama being one of his top options after extending an offer on June 22.

Hill, who attends Archbishop Hoban High School in Akron, Ohio, plans to visit Tuscaloosa this Saturday when the No. 4 Crimson Tide take on the No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

The 5-foot-10.5, 170-pound Hill has received offers from two dozen colleges. These include USC, Ohio State, Louisville, Penn State, Michigan, Tennessee, Notre Dame, Texas A&M, Wisconsin, Missouri, West Virginia, Oregon and Miami, among others.

Hill's Archbishop Hoban Knights had a rocky start to their 2024 season after losing to Archbishop Spalding on Aug. 23, but they have since bounced back and now stand at 4-1. Their latest 45-14 win against St. Ignatius on Friday was marked by Hill’s phenomenal performance, which included two 70-plus-yard touchdown plays on offense.

Elbert Hill is ranked as the top cornerback prospect in the 2026 class and the top recruit in Ohio, per Rivals. He is also placed as the No. 15 overall prospect in the nation.

Ohio State remains the frontrunner for Elbert Hill's commitment

In-state Ohio State offered Elbert Hill last year and leads the race for his recruitment. Both 247Sports and the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine favor the Buckeyes, with On3 giving the school an 86.9% chance of securing his commitment.

Hill is no stranger to OSU's campus, as he has made multiple visits to the school. He attended a one-day camp in June and returned for Ohio State’s season opener against Akron on Aug. 31 alongside his father, Elbert Hill Sr.

Ohio State has already secured a major commitment for its 2026 class with five-star wide receiver Chris Henry Jr. Hill is closely monitoring the class the Buckeyes are building, and he sees tremendous potential in it.

"The class that is coming in is great," Hill told Bucknuts. "Them recruiting me gives me a chance to learn off of those guys in front of me and also compete."

Aside from the promising cycle, a big factor in Ohio State’s recruitment of Hill is cornerbacks coach Tim Walton.

"One thing that makes Coach Walt special is if he wants you, he is going to consistently keep coming after you," Hill said. "He's not going to back off you. He's going to keep coming at you and talking and have fun with you."

Safeties coach Matt Guerrieri has also built a strong relationship with Elbert Hill. With momentum on their side, the Buckeyes are now waiting to see if they can officially secure this four-star prospect's pledge.