Ranking Top 25 Recruiting Classes Heading into National Signing Day 2016
We're just days away from the conclusion of another unpredictable college football recruiting cycle. Prospects of the 2016 class will put pen to paper Wednesday when national signing day festivities get underway.
Most commitments are locked in, and many recruits arrived on campus in January as early enrollees, but intrigue still runs rampant in every corner of the country. Coaching staffs aim to cap off countless hours of investment by sealing the deal with key uncommitted targets.
We took stock in where things currently stand among America's 2016 recruiting classes, ranking the top 25 talent hauls based on assessment of both immediate impact and long-term benefit. Here's a look at how programs stack up heading into the final stretch, with this order expected to change significantly as final pledges arrive.
25. Texas A&M
1 of 25
Total Commitments: 19 (seven 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Aggies head coach Kevin Sumlin likely didn't intend to prioritize the quarterback position in this cycle with two former blue-chip recruits on his roster and 5-star passer Tate Martell pledged to Texas A&M's 2017 class. Following the transfers of former 5-star prospects Kyle Allen and Kyler Murray, Sumlin secured a commitment from former Oklahoma State pledge Nick Starkel, who competed at Elite 11 finals.
He joins an offensive arsenal that includes top-10 tackle Kellen Diesch, 4-star Louisiana wide receiver Clyde Chriss and early enrollee running back Trayveon Williams. The Aggies' defensive attack welcomes a pair of bookends up front in versatile linemen Justin Madubuike and Mark Jackson Jr., while 4-star cornerbacks Charles Oliver and Travon Fuller should compete for early roles.
24. Houston
2 of 25
Total Commitments: 20 (one 5-star; three 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Aside from Notre Dame, a university that annually appears on this list, Houston is the lone non-Power Five program to break into our Top 25. Cougars head coach Tom Herman earned himself a new contract with the work he's done on and off the field.
Defensive tackle Ed Oliver and wide receiver Tyrie Cleveland are rated second and third overall, respectively, in composite 2016 Texas rankings. Former TCU pledges Courtney Lark and D'Eriq King add firepower to the receiving corps, while Na'Ty Rodgers is among the most elite junior college offensive tackles, which is great news for quarterback commit Bowman Sells and Texas A&M transfer Kyle Allen, a former 5-star passer.
23. Oklahoma
3 of 25
Total Commitments: 19 (eight 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
The Sooners are set to stockpile significant talent at quarterback for years to come with 4-star North Carolina product Austin Kendall and Texas A&M transfer Kyler Murray, a 5-star standout of the 2015 recruiting cycle. Oklahoma will supply new offensive weapons in the form of 4-star junior college wide receiver Ryan Parker and former Michigan State running back pledge Abdul Adams.
Head coach Bob Stoops reached far and wide for defensive help, headlined by a January commitment from Kansas lineman Amani Bledsoe. The 4-star haul also includes Texas cornerback Parrish Cobb, California cornerback Jordan Parker and California linebacker Bryce Youngquist.
22. Oregon
4 of 25
Total Commitments: 18 (seven 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
The Ducks continue to cash in on recruiting efforts in California, beating out a slew of fellow Pac-12 programs for 4-star defenders Darrian Franklin (linebacker) and Bryson Young (defensive end). Linebacker LaMar Winston and safety Brady Breeze further bolster the defensive unit as in-state additions.
Expect the Oregon offense to sustain its high-octane attack with Tennessee wide receiver Dillon Mitchell, Hawaii running back Vavae Malepeai and Texas athlete Tristen Wallace among the most paramount pickups. The Ducks found another dual-threat quarterback to develop in Oklahoma product Terry Wilson.
21. Arkansas
5 of 25
Total Commitments: 20 (one 5-star; five 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
The Razorbacks will look to bully opponents in the trenches as 5-star defensive end McTelvin Agim leads the charge. He is joined by 4-star tackles Austin Capps, a fellow Arkansas product, and Briston Guidry, who heads to Fayetteville from Louisiana.
Arkansas aims to stock up on skill positions with incoming 4-star wide receiver T.J. Hammonds and powerful Texas running back Devwah Whaley, who previously pledged to Georgia. Iowa offensive lineman Jake Heinrich, one of the Midwest's premier blockers, has the makings of an SEC road-grader up front.
20. TCU
6 of 25
Total Commitments: 22 (seven 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
The Horned Frogs already welcomed two of America's top 10 junior college prospects as mid-year enrollees, with wide receiver Taj Williams and linebacker Tyree Horton on campus. In-state defensive linemen Isaiah Chambers and Ross Blacklock will fight for early reps in the rotation, while Austin Myers is among the Lone Star State's finest offensive tackles.
Sewo Olonilua, rated No. 5 nationally in the athlete category, has the skill set to excel in several spots, but running back is probably his most promising position. The offense will also add 4-star Louisiana wide receiver Isaiah Graham and in-state quarterback Brennen Wooten, who threw 35 touchdowns as a high school senior.
19. Tennessee
7 of 25
Total Commitments: 17 (seven 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Tennessee will attempt to quickly capitalize on an influx of junior college talent that is already on campus, including 4-star defensive tackle Alexis Johnson and 6'5 ½" wide receiver Jeff George. North Carolina cornerback Marquill Osborne, who is rated as a Top 20 recruit at his position, also enrolled for spring semester.
Top-ranked dual-threat quarterback Jarrett Guarantano chose the Volunteers over Ohio State and in-state Rutgers in April, setting the tone for an offensive haul that has since welcomed Georgia wide receiver Marquez Callaway, Tennessee tackle Ryan Johnson and Florida running back Carlin Fils-aime, who are each 4-star recruits. Head coach Butch Jones bagged the state's No. 1 linebacker prospect in Daniel Bituli.
18. Stanford
8 of 25
Total Commitments: 24 (eight 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
The Cardinal continue to collect assets for future aerial offensive endeavors, headlined by No. 3 overall quarterback recruit KJ Costello. The Southern California passer will partner with Texas tight end Kaden Smith and Utah wide receiver Simi Fehoko, who are both 4-star talents.
Stanford showed off its extensive national reach again last spring with a pledge from Virginia offensive tackle Clark Yarbrough, considered a Top 20 prospect at the position. Linebacker Curtis Robinson and cornerback Treyjohn Butler are big in-state additions on defense, while tackle Michael Williams makes the journey to Palo Alto from Texas.
17. Penn State
9 of 25
Total Commitments: 19 (one 5-star; eight 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin is hard-pressed to improve offensive efficiency, so expect incoming freshmen such as 5-star running back Miles Sanders and top-rated Pennsylvania lineman Michal Menet to receive early opportunities. Fellow in-state lineman Connor McGovern is considered the class' No. 3 overall center prospect, while New York quarterback Jake Zembiec competed at Elite 11 finals.
Penn State raided Maryland for 4-star defenders Shane Simmons (end), Ellison Jordan (tackle), Zechariah McPhearson and Cameron Brown (linebacker). Prized Illinois pass-rusher Daniel Joseph and Pennsylvania safety Andrew Pryts provide more compelling pieces for the Nittany Lions defense.
16. Baylor
10 of 25
Total Commitments: 21 (seven 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Baylor fans have become accustomed to witnessing explosive offensive outbursts under the direction of head coach Art Briles, and the Bears are set to bring in more high-profile weapons. Tren'Davian Dickson, who set a national single-season record with 39 touchdown catches in 2014, and state track champion Devin Duvernay form a 4-star wide receiver duo.
Running back Kameron Martin is another major threat to score any time he touches the ball, while 4-star offensive linemen Patrick Hudson and JP Urquidez will do their best to make the skill guys look good. Baylor hopes to enhance its defensive performance with pledges from 4-star linemen Brandon Bowen and Bravvion Roy, along with rangy linebacker Deonte Williams.
15. UCLA
11 of 25
Total Commitments: 23 (eight 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
The Bruins have enjoyed a late push with pivotal offensive prospects, picking up January commitments from former Arizona quarterback pledge Devon Modster and No. 3 overall all-purpose back Damian Alloway. They increase the potential of a group that already included three 4-star wide receivers (Darian Owens, Dymond Lee and Theo Howard).
UCLA's biggest defensive pledge came early from local end Breland Brandt, who committed midway through his junior season. In-state linebackers Lokeni Toailoa and Krys Barnes present enough range to compete at multiple positions.
14. Miami
12 of 25
Total Commitments: 15 (nine 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
The Hurricanes haven't exactly taken the recruiting world by storm since the arrival of longtime Georgia Bulldogs head coach Mark Richt, but a new staff has managed to maintain key commitments from the past regime while picking up a few fresh pledges. Quarterback Jack Allison, defensive end Patrick Bethel and linebackers Zach McCloud and Shaquille Quarterman are 4-star talents already receiving collegiate tutelage on campus.
They will soon be joined by a collection of fellow 4-star recruits headlined by wide receivers Sam Bruce and Dionte Mullins and speedy running back Travis Homer. Other notable defensive additions include edge-rusher Joseph Jackson and cornerback Tyler Byrd, a Top 10 prospect at the position who turned heads during U.S. Army All-American Bowl action.
13. Michigan State
13 of 25
Total Commitments: 20 (10 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
The Spartans are attempting to build off a Big Ten conference title with key additions across the board, particularly at wide receiver. Michigan State welcomed 4-star pass-catchers Donnie Corley and Cam Chambers to campus early, while Justin Layne and Trishton Jackson will join the party this summer.
The Spartans coaching staff continues to capitalize on foreign territory within the conference, securing three 4-star Illinois defensive linemen (Josh King, Naquan Jones and Mike Panasiuk), top-rated Indiana defender Auston Robertson and Ohio quarterback Messiah deWeaver, who took part in Elite 11 finals. In-state additions on defense include linebacker Brandon Randle and safety Demetric Vance.
12. Notre Dame
14 of 25
Total Commitments: 22 (10 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Notre Dame landed a pair of Top 10 offensive tackles in Tommy Kraemer and Liam Eichenberg, listed No. 3 and No. 7, respectively, in positional rankings. Heavily recruited Florida offensive guard Parker Boudreaux further increases the promise of an evolving Fighting Irish front, which should be encouraging for 4-star running back Tony Jones Jr.
Wide receivers Chase Claypool and Javon McKinley command constant defensive attention along the perimeter, and they'll contend with 4-star cornerbacks Donte Vaughn and Troy Pride Jr. early and often during practice sessions. Early enrollees could contribute to 2016 defensive efforts, as linebacker Daelin Hayes and end Khalid Kareem—both 4-star Michigan products—get to work this spring with safeties Devin Studstill and Spencer Perry.
11. Auburn
15 of 25
Total Commitments: 16 (nine 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
The Tigers struggled to get much going in the passing game last season and enter the 2016 season with little experience at wide receiver, which could open the door for 4-star prospects Kyle Davis and Eli Stove to play right away. Georgia tight end Landon Rice, rated No. 8 overall at the position, also presents a new downfield target for a group of quarterbacks that will include newcomers John Franklin and Woody Barrett.
Auburn continues to load up on lauded defensive linemen, with 4-star talents Antwuan Jackson, Paul James and Marlon Davidson each enrolled early. Cornerback John Broussard is also on campus, while 4-star defensive end Nick Coe and standout safety Marlon Character arrive this summer.
10. USC
16 of 25
Total Commitments: 13 (one 5-star; eight 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Few coaching staffs can claim they've collected as impressive a group of receivers as USC, which is a credit to first-year offensive coordinator and former Tennessee quarterback Tee Martin. This Trojans' class includes four of America's top 30 wide receiver recruits in Tyler Vaughns (No. 3), Michael Pittman (No. 8), Trevon Sidney (No. 26) and Josh Imatorbhebhe (No. 29).
Offensive tackles Nathan Smith and Frank Martin II provide further 4-star talent on that side of the ball, along with Pennsylvania tight end Cary Angeline. Early enrollee Oluwole Betiku is the 2016 cycle's premier pass-rusher after racking up 28.5 sacks as an upperclassman at nearby Junipero Serra High School, per MaxPreps, and will be joined on campus by high school teammate and defensive back C.J. Pollard.
9. Florida
17 of 25
Total Commitments: 26 (nine 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
The Gators bring two early enrollee quarterbacks on board with Elite 11 finalist Feleipe Franks and less publicized Texas passer Kyle Trask presenting fresh options at a position of need. Whoever ultimately enters 2016 as starter behind center will have versatile options around him, headlined by 4-star wide receivers Freddie Swain and Joshua Hammond and top-ranked junior college running back Mark Thompson.
Chauncey Gardner warrants consideration as the 2016 cycle's top overall cornerback and will team up with several fellow 4-stars on defense. Linemen Antonneous Clayton, Jordan Smith and Shavar Manuel bring some bite to the front-seven attack, along with Alabama linebacker Jeremiah Moon.
8. Clemson
18 of 25
Total Commitments: 15 (one 5-star; nine 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Clemson is already loading up for an attempted return run to the College Football Playoff, welcoming a group of early enrollees that features 5-star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, the nation's No. 2 overall recruit. He's joined on campus by 4-star linebackers Tre Lamar and Rahshaun Smith, who returned to the Tigers' class after a lengthy decommitment.
Dabo Swinney's deep offensive roster becomes even more dangerous in 2016 when top-ranked all-purpose back Tavien Feaster, dangerous dual-threat quarterback Zerrick Cooper and three 4-star wide receivers (Tavares Chase, Diondre Overton and Cornell Powell) enter the equation. In addition to impressive early enrollees, Clemson will welcome several standout defenders to school this summer, including athletic Kansas pass-rusher Xavier Kelly and Georgia linebacker Jamie Skalski.
7. Georgia
19 of 25
Total Commitments: 16 (two 5-stars; nine 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Head coach Kirby Smart and offensive coordinator Jim Chaney did an excellent job solidifying things with 5-star quarterback Jacob Eason, the Gatorade and U.S. Army All-American Player of the Year. He enrolled early and is underway with development in Athens alongside No. 1 overall tight end prospect Isaac Nauta, 4-star wide receiver Riley Ridley and a pair of linemen (defensive tackle Julian Rochester and offensive tackle Ben Cleveland) who are considered Top 10 recruits at their respective positions.
Wide receiver/tight end Charlie Woerner and running back Elijah Holyfield, the son of champion boxer Evander Holyfield, will also boost the Bulldogs offense. Defensive linemen Tyler Clark and Chauncey Manac are 4-star pickups, as is in-state linebacker Jaleel Laguins.
6. Alabama
20 of 25
Total Commitments: 16 (one 5-star; nine 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Alabama aims to close strong in search of its sixth straight No. 1 recruiting class and already has plenty of premier prospects enrolled in Tuscaloosa, including 5-star offensive tackle Jonah Williams and No. 1 overall junior college offensive linemen Charles Baldwin. The big boys will enter their first Crimson Tide spring camp with several fellow newcomers, such as 4-star Texas quarterback Jalen Hurts and Georgia tight end Miller Forristall.
Dominant North Carolina running back B.J. Emmons takes his place in line for an eventual shot at Alabama's featured rusher role, while Maryland playmaker Trevon Diggs could make an impact at wide receiver or defensive back. Defensive tackles Kendell Jones (6'5", 375 lbs) and Raekwon Davis (6'6 ½", 327 lbs) provide plenty of size inside.
5. Florida State
21 of 25
Total Commitments: 21 (one 5-star; 12 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Seminoles head coach Jimbo Fisher may have found his next star quarterback in California product Malik Henry, who is rated No. 4 overall among 2016 passers. He enrolled on campus early along with man-child defensive end Janarius Robinson, local defensive tackle Cedric Wood and 4-star linebacker Josh Brown.
Cornerback Levonta Taylor and offensive center Baveon Johnson are both ranked No. 1 overall at their respective positions, while Jamel Cook is considered the cycle's No. 2 athlete. Former Miami running back commit Amir Rasul and Philadelphia tight end Naseir Upshur supply the Florida State offensive with firepower, while Josh Ball could develop into a multiyear starter at left tackle.
4. Michigan
22 of 25
Total Commitments: 25 (12 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh has been a lightning rod on the recruiting trail, and the reaction from top-tier recruits is resoundingly positive. His group of early enrollees features Elite 11 finalist and U.S. Army Player of the Year finalist Brandon Peters, former Ohio State running back commit Kareem Walker, versatile New Jersey athlete Ahmir Mitchell, 4-star Florida linebacker Devin Bush Jr. and No. 1 overall Colorado recruit Carlo Kemp, a defensive end.
Camden High School (New Jersey) teammates Brad Hawkins (wide receiver) and Ron Johnson (defensive end) arrive this summer, along with Flanagan High School (Florida) teammates/defensive backs Devin Gil and Josh Metellus. Headliners include prospects from near (Wisconsin offensive tackle Ben Bredeson and Detroit offensive guard Michael Onwenu) and far (cornerback David Long and Dylan Crawford of California).
3. Ole Miss
23 of 25
Total Commitments: 22 (three 5-stars; 10 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Ole Miss is the only program that currently claims more than two 5-star commitments, which come in the form of No. 1 overall quarterback Shea Patterson, No. 1 overall offensive lineman Gregory Little and former Alabama defensive tackle commit Benito Jones. Bryce Matthews, a 4-star Tennessee offensive tackle, could line up opposite of Jones for multiple seasons.
Patterson will have an opportunity to develop with a plethora of incoming pass targets, including Rebels legacy DeKaylin Metcalf, 4-star tight end Octavious Cooley and Florida speedster Tre Nixon. The defensive group features several out-of-state standouts, such as Texas cornerback Jaylon Jones (high school teammates with Little) and Georgia edge-rusher Charles Wiley.
2. Ohio State
24 of 25
Total Commitments: 22 (one 5-star; 15 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer is arguably college football's best closer this time of year, and he's proved it again with a list of January commitments that includes No. 7 overall quarterback Dwayne Haskins, No. 8 outside linebacker Keandre Jones and No. 12 wide receiver Binjimen Victor.
These latest additions augment a class that already features seven 4-star early enrollees, headlined by Indiana wide receiver Austin Mack, North Carolina running back Antonio Williams and in-state defensive lineman Jonathon Cooper.
Sensational H-back Demario McCall and 5-star defensive end Nick Bosa, the younger brother of Buckeyes standout Joey Bosa, will arrive later this year. Meyer's latest haul also includes a pair of Top 10 tight ends (Luke Farrell and Jake Hausmann) and 4-star Virginia cornerback Wayne Davis.
1. LSU
25 of 25
Total Commitments: 23 (one 5-star; 17 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
It's been quite a journey for this LSU class, considering the fact it seemed head coach Les Miles was on his way out of Baton Rouge in November. Instead, he stuck around and recently welcomed an impressive collection of early enrollees that includes Top 5 prospects at cornerback (Saivion Smith), outside linebacker (Michael Divinity) and running back (Devin White).
Defensive tackle 2, the No. 2 overall recruit in Louisiana and a 5-star talent, chose the Tigers over Ohio State in January, joining 4-star linemen Glen Logan and Edwin Alexander up front. Wide receivers Stephen Sullivan, Dee Anderson and Drake Davis each measure in at 6'4" or taller, providing stiff practice competition for incoming 4-star defensive backs Eric Monroe, Cameron Lewis and Andraez Williams.
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