Top 3 landing spots for 2026 class prospect Chancellor Barclay ft. Florida 

By Maliha

Modified Jul 25, 2024 16:57 GMT

Chancellor Barclay, an offensive tackle prospect from First Academy High School in Lake Minneola, Florida, is drawing huge attention as a top recruit for the class of 2026. He already received offers from Florida, Duke, Iowa State, Miami, Penn State and Vanderbilt for the 2026 recruiting rankings.

Barclay was a left tackle at Lake Minneola during his sophomore year and participated in the FBU Freshman All-American Bowl in 2022. He is ranked as the No. 187 prospect in the nation, the No. 12 interior lineman and the No. 31 recruit in Florida, according to On3. Rivals lists him as the No. 168 prospect in the nation, the No. 4 interior lineman and the No. 29 recruit in Florida

Let's see which three programs have the most potential to earn Chancellor Barclay's pledge.

Top 3 landing spots for Chancellor Barclay's commitment

#3. Arkansas

Arkansas has made a huge impression on Chancellor Barclay, even though he hasn’t yet visited the campus. When he received the offer, Barclay said (via Athlon Sports):

“When getting the offer, I was expecting it but also excited for it as of course it’s an SEC school and that they bring offensive linemen into the NFL, which is my dream,” said Barclay.

Barclay expressed a desire to learn more about the Razorbacks as the recruitment process continues.

“What is unique about Arkansas would have to be the culture, of course, it’s an SEC school, but as of right now hopefully I can learn more about Arkansas as they recruit me more!”

Arkansas has only safety Tay Lockett committed in the 2026 class.

#2. Penn State

According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, Penn State has a 9.4% chance to earn Chancellor Barclay’s commitment. His visit to Penn State left a strong impression on him:

“For my first time at Penn State, it was great!” Barclay said (via On3). “One of the things that stood out to me his the atmosphere out the game. Even if this was a spring game, a great amount of people came out to support."

Barclay was particularly impressed with coach James Franklin’s focused approach on the field. He also revealed the Nittany Lions' state on his priority list.

"Penn State is a great program and is definitely one of the high ones in my recruitment now.. and hopefully over the fall season I can come up for a White Out game and see the full atmosphere of Penn State.”

The Nittany Lions have already secured commitments from Messiah Mickens and Troy Huhn in the 2026 class.

#1. Florida

Florida stands out as the leading contender for Chancellor Barclay’s commitment, with the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine giving the Gators a 40.2% chance of landing him. His connection with Florida began after he camped there last summer, earning his fourth offer.

Since then, the prospect has made multiple visits to the campus, including a game day experience inside The Swamp and a comprehensive Junior Day trip.

"Definitely the two highlights of the visit were of course putting on the (uniforms) and stuff like that — and definitely the atmosphere," Barclay told On3. "I’ve been there before — just feeling it again, it’s amazing."

Barclay also praised the holistic development offered by head coach Billy Napier's program.

"Really the biggest thing I saw, and not even just me but my mom, was the development of the player," Barclay told 247 Sports. "Not even the physical things they can develop you with on the field, but mentally, educationally, and socially… They have a whole building for academics and stuff.

"There are tutors there, and even if you don't need them, they still have them. They have rehab areas there to keep your body right..Florida has anything for you that you want to take advantage of."

Chancellor Barclay also shares a strong bond with Florida's co-offensive line coach Rob Sale. The Gators have four-star prospects Will Griffin and Jaelen Waters committed in the 2026 class.