Blue-chip defensive lineman Richard Wesley reclassifies to the 2026 class

Sierra Canyon (Calif.) High blue-chip defensive lineman Richard Wesley will reclassify from the 2027 class to 2026.

“Real excited,” Wesley said. “I just feel like I’m prepared to make this next step into college.

The 6-foot-5, 250-pound Wesley was tabbed as the No. 1 defensive lineman and No. 2 prospect overall in the class. Through his first two varsity seasons Wesley has racked up 94 tackles with 27.5 coming for loss, 18.5 sacks and 23 more quarterback hurries. He forced three fumbles this past season.

“This off-season right now leading into the summer and football season I’m going to be grinding as hard as i can to get prepared for college. I know when I get to college I’ll be competing against grown men. I’m going to be working real hard this spring and summer and this high school year and I’m going to show whoever doesn’t think I’m ready for college, show them that I am and have a great last year.”

It’s a blue-chip recruiting battle for Richard Wesley

Wesley already has offers from coast to coast. Oregon, Texas, Texas A&M and USC are a few schools in the mix but Wesley says he doesn’t have any favorites and looks forward to developing relationships with other programs.

“I’m open to any school that really wants me,” Wesley said.

Wesley is aiming to take some spring visits with Texas already in line to get one either March 12 or March 28-29. Oregon, USC and Texas A&M are three that he’s definitely familiar with.

Regarding Oregon: “They show great hospitality. The coaching staff is great. They have many players that enter the draft this year. I love how they’re developing players. Matayo (Uiagalelei) had crazy sacks for being such a young player. I can’t wait to see what he has in store for this season. They did a great job with Jordan Burch. He had a great season in my opinion. Felt he was dominant on the line. I lvoe their coaches. Coach Tosh’s (Lupoi) history of coaching elite players is good. They have great things going up there.”

Regarding USC: “They’re in LA. That’s home. That’s my hometown. I haven’t sat down with any of the coaches. I haven’t been to a junior day or any good visits. I’m excited to go down there and speak with the coaching staff over there. They know ball. They came down check me out my school had good conversations. They have a lot of knowledge of my position. Coach Henny (Eric Henderson), Coach (Shaun) Nua, I love talking to them. They’re real welcoming people and USC being so close thats a good feeling.”

Regarding Texas A&M: “A&M I loved it when I went down there. Their facilities are great. Coaching staff produces elite talent. I’m excited to get back down there really.”

In addition to his football accolades Wesley is a 4.0 student. He’ll certainly help factor into who lands the On3 Industry’s No. 1 ranked recruiting class. Oregon, USC and Texas A&M rank No. 1, No. 2 and No. 4 respectively. Texas finished No. 1 a cycle ago.