Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham has reeled in a top-50 recruiting class with 17 commits so far from 2026 prospects Christopher Creveling-Imagn Images

Utah football commit receives 5-star recruiting grade boost

Originally posted on Utah Utes on SI | By Cole Forsman | Last updated Jul 14, 2025 2:14 PM ET

Kelvin Obot's recruiting profile has grown in prestige since the highly-touted offensive lineman prospect committed to the Utah football program earlier this month.

Two weeks after the Fruitland High School (Idaho) product pledged himself to the Utes as a four-star prospect, Rivals' database boosted Obot up to a five-star in its updated rankings of the top 300 prospects in the 2026 class.

Previously checking in as a four-star and the No. 24-ranked offensive lineman in the class, Obot is now the No. 7 overall player in the country and one of just 12 2026 recruits with a five-star grade on Rivals' database.

"Obot shows outstanding functional athleticism and is a dominant player against weaker competition," wrote Rivals' scouts. "We feel like the great film, stellar movement skills, projectable frame and multi-sport background (53-1 foot shot put throw this spring) give him one of the higher upsides at offensive tackle in the cycle.”

Extremely honored to be ranked a 5 star and 7th player in the nation! @Rivals pic.twitter.com/sCfcGKwCAq
— Kelvin Obot (@KelvinObot72) July 14, 2025

Obot decided to join the Utes over his other finalists, Michigan, Nebraska and Oregon, becoming the highest-rated commit in Utah's 2026 recruiting class. He was also the Utes' second pledge from Idaho, joining Meridian High School standout and three-star linebacker LaGary Mitchell.

With two likely first-round NFL draft picks and three other upperclassmen set to graduate next spring, the Utes front five is likely due for a revamp next spring. Utah will certainly utilize the transfer portal to help replace its outgoing talent, though landing star-studded high school prospects like Obot should help the transition process in 2026.

Utah's 17-player 2026 recruiting class ranks No. 50 nationally and No. 10 in the Big 12, according to 247Sports. Obot is still seen as a four-star prospect on 247Sports and the No. 10 offensive lineman recruit in the 2026 class.