Unexpected Big 12 Program Lands Nation's No. 9 Recruit

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kevin Borba | Last updated Jul 1, 2025 9:34 PM ET

Recruits from the 2026 class have been flying off the board around the country the past couple of days.

As both the college and high school seasons approach, it isn't uncommon for recruits to try to get their future program picked so they can focus on their final season of high school ball without having to deal with the constant questions hanging over them.

On Tuesday, the Nation's No. 9 recruit, according to On3's rankings, made his decision. Four-star offensive tackle Kelvin Obot out of Idaho was confirmed to have committed to play for Kyle Whittingham and the Utah Utes.

BREAKING Elite OT Kelvin Obot has committed to Utah, @Hayesfawcett3 reports⚪️

Obot is Rivals’ No. 9 overall recruit in the 2026 class.

Read: https://t.co/AruTVJ1XBv pic.twitter.com/GgVTuP4cmJ
— Rivals (@Rivals) July 1, 2025

Ranked as the No. 1 player in Idaho, Obot chose the Utes over some of the premier programs in college football. Schools such as Michigan, Michigan State Nebraska and Oregon were all in the mix for him.

Per On3's recruiting prediction machine, the Ducks were viewed as the heavy favorite with an 88% chance of landing Obot.

As it stands right now, Obot is the lone four-star commitment for the Utes, with their next highest-ranked commit being three-star running back LaMarcus Bell.

If the Utes can pick up steam on the recruiting trail, they can get back into the mix of being one of the best teams in college football. Utah is coming off back-to-back disappointing seasons, going 13-12 over the past couple of years despite beginning each year as a popular selection to win the Pac-12/Big 12 and make the College Football Playoff.

Following the addition of Obot, Utah now has 14 commits and ranks as the No. 62 class in the country.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: