Top 25 College Football Recruiting Classes Post-Under Armour All-America Game
We've reached the final month of a whirlwind 2017 college football recruiting cycle, creating high stakes for teams attempting to cap things off with an infusion of future roster difference-makers.
The vast majority of coaching staffs are close to completing their latest classes, though head coach and coordinator hirings and firings across America can complicate the situation. Programs such as Alabama, Ohio State and Georgia have gained momentum throughout, vaulting toward the top in terms of perceived talent hauls, and yet even those squads still have work to do during these upcoming weeks.
Other coaches will attempt to collect high-volume talent hauls down the stretch, needing to assemble greater numbers in classes that still haven't quite come to fruition. Here's a glimpse at how we rank the top 25 recruiting classes, rewarding greater consideration to quality than quantity.
25. Arkansas Razorbacks
1 of 25
Class Size: 22 (three 4-stars)
Analysis
Bret Bielema loves building a big, nasty wall of offensive linemen, and reinforcements are en route to Fayetteville this year. Shane Clenin (6'6", 287 lbs) and Dalton Wagner (6'8", 300 lbs) land in top-60 offensive tackle rankings and have the ability to slide inside and dismantle interior defenders.
They'll aim to pave paths for Tennessee running back Chase Hayden, who is among the more underrated recruits at his position. He followed up an impressive July performance at The Opening with 1,940 yards (12.1 per carry) and 30 scores as a senior, per his Twitter account.
Junior college receiver Brandon Martin, a 4-star recruit, provides the Razorbacks with another offensive weapon. A December commitment from Oklahoma product Kyrei Fisher gives Arkansas three commits considered top-100 linebacker recruits.
24. Colorado Buffaloes
2 of 25
Class Size: 25 (three 4-stars)
Analysis
The Buffaloes enjoyed a breakout regular season that earned Mike MacIntyre Associated Press Coach of the Year honors, though lopsided losses in the Pac-12 title game and Alamo Bowl spoiled some of the fun late. Colorado has also advanced to a new level on the recruiting trail, specifically with several key acquisitions in the trenches.
Junior college products Chris Mulumba and Javier Edwards are both projected to play along the defensive interior. In-state standout Jon Van Diest and California defender Jacob Callier should help provide support along the edge.
The outlook on the offensive line may be even greater, as center Xavier Newman and tackle Jake Moretti—a former Ohio State commit—are considered top-15 overall prospects at their respective positions. Those anchors up front should help the development of Southern California quarterback Tyler Lytle, whose targets will feature 4-star DeSoto High School (Texas) receivers Laviska Shenault Jr. and KD Nixon.
23. Mississippi State Bulldogs
3 of 25
Class Size: 22 (five 4-stars)
Analysis
Mississippi State has the makings of a dynamic offensive backfield with in-state running back Kylin Hill and New Orleans quarterback Keytaon Thompson on board. Hill is a 4-star rusher who warranted attention from across the college football landscape, while Thompson earned Gatorade Player of the Year in Louisiana after tallying 4,785 total yards and 64 touchdowns.
The Bulldogs bagged a bunch of talent while targeting junior college athletes, headlined by former Georgia players Chauncey Rivers (defensive tackle) and Jonathan Abram (safety). Florida linebacker Tyler Dunning and Tennessee defensive back Kaleb Oliver should also add new bite to coordinator Peter Sirmon's attack.
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22. Nebraska Cornhuskers
4 of 25
Class Size: 14 (six 4-stars)
Analysis
The Cornhuskers continue to flex recruiting muscles as a program capable of plucking premier prospects from different corners of America. Calabasas High School (California) teammates Tristan Gebbia (quarterback) and Keyshawn Johnson Jr. (receiver)—son of former USC Trojans great Keyshawn Johnson—keep momentum rolling on the West Coast.
Gebbia tossed 61 touchdowns as a senior, per MaxPreps, with 11 scores sent in the direction of Johnson. Their offensive supporting cast is set to include another 4-star talent in Missouri receiver Jaevon McQuitty and top-25 tight end Austin Allen, who is an in-state product.
Key successes this cycle also include faraway pledges from 4-star Delaware linebacker Avery Roberts and 4-star Texas defensive tackle Deiontae Watts. It should be entertaining to watch the 6'3", 302-pound Watts battle top-15 offensive guard prospect Matt Sichterman.
21. Stanford Cardinal
5 of 25
Class Size: Eight (two 5-stars; three 4-stars)
Analysis
This is likely higher than you'll find the Cardinal listed elsewhere, mainly due to the fact Stanford has secured just a single-digit total of commitments. Still, head coach David Shaw is maximizing those limited scholarship spots, headlined by Elite 11 MVP contender Davis Mills.
The Georgia quarterback serves as a catalyst for an offensive group that also includes top-rated tight end Colby Parkinson, 5-star tackle Walker Little and 4-star receiver Osiris St. Brown, who turned down a chance to join older brother Equanimeous St. Brown at Notre Dame. There is a case to be made for Mills, Parkinson and Little to each warrant consideration as the No. 1 overall recruit at their respective positions.
Stanford also reached into Salt Lake City for Sione Lund, a 4-star athlete who presents potential at running back and linebacker. Half of the Cardinal's class is comprised of out-of-state players.
20. Texas Longhorns
6 of 25
Class Size: 12 (six 4-stars)
Analysis
Newly hired Longhorns head coach Tom Herman may be primed for an impressive push toward national signing day, and a solid foundation is already in place for this class' fortunes. Quarterback Sam Ehlinger, an Elite 11 finalist who enjoyed a prolific career at nearby Westlake High School, remained a steadfast catalyst of this class following his post-sophomore year commitment.
His pledge was actually preceded by 4-star receiver Damion Miller, another key holdover from the Charlie Strong regime. An offensive haul was recently augmented by the additions of running backs Daniel Young and Toneil Carter Jr., who were previously slated to play at Houston and Georgia, respectively.
Herman also bolstered his class' offensive outlook with December commitments from a pair of tight ends—Reese Leitao and Cade Brewer—and lineman Derek Kerstetter, a former Oklahoma State pledge who is set to compete as a U.S. Army All-American. Edge-rusher Taquon Graham and cornerback Josh Thompson are crucial defensive building blocks inherited by Herman from the previous staff's recruiting efforts.
19. South Carolina Gamecocks
7 of 25
Class Size: 23 (five 4-stars)
Analysis
South Carolina has loaded up with defensive beasts throughout this cycle. We're especially fond of Georgia cornerback Jamyest Williams, who has drawn comparisons to Arizona Cardinals star Tyrann Mathieu and may be the best pound-for-pound cornerback in this class.
He will be surrounded in the Gamecocks defense by other blue-chip recruits such as 6'4" safety Hamsah Nasirildeen, North Carolina linebacker Sherrod Greene and junior college cornerback Keisean Nixon. South Carolina secured an outstanding in-state pass target in September when OrTre Smith pledged, leading a receiving group that also features top-70 positional prospects Shi Smith and Chad Terrell.
18. Florida Gators
8 of 25
Class Size: 15 (eight 4-stars)
Analysis
Elite 11 finalist Jake Allen established his reputation as a fiery winner during his career at Sunshine State powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas. Longtime Gators commits Daquon Green and Kemore Gamble are both 4-stars in the passing attack, while Tampa-area running back Malik Davis joined the class in October.
Skill positions aside, Florida's offensive class features 4-star blockers T.J. Moore and Kadeem Telfort. The defensive haul is headlined by defensive end Zachary Carter, another Tampa standout, and tenacious 4-star cornerback Marco Wilson. Kadarius Toney—rated a 4-star athlete—could contribute across the field, with receiver, dual-threat quarterback and defensive back warranting attention.
17. Miami Hurricanes
9 of 25
Class Size: 20 (seven 4-stars)
Analysis
Head coach Mark Richt delivered Miami its first bowl victory in a decade and now aims to make strides toward ACC title contention with an emphatic finish to his inaugural full recruiting cycle in Coral Gables, Florida. He added 4-star linebacker DeAndre Wilder in November, bolstering a defensive unit that's also set to welcome former Oklahoma Sooners cornerback commit Trajan Bandy, top-20 tackle Jonathan Ford and heavily targeted California edge-rusher D.J. Johnson.
Offensively, Richt netted a pivotal victory by convincing 4-star N'Kosi Perry to remain a member of this class despite staff changes. His 2017 offensive counterparts include local products such as lineman Navaughn Donaldson and running back Robert Burns, New Jersey receiver Evidence Njoku (younger brother of standout Hurricanes tight end David Njoku) and Georgia athlete DeeJay Dallas, who could vie for a role in Miami's defensive backfield or receiver rotation.
16. Maryland Terrapins
10 of 25
Class Size: 29 (eight 4-stars)
Analysis
First-year Terrapins head coach D.J. Durkin commands some attention for putting together such a large class so quickly, though the loss of Baltimore native and top-10 defensive end Joshua Kaindoh (now a Florida State commit) certainly stings in College Park.
Maryland helped ease that loss by bringing aboard several defensive linemen in December, including former Tennessee Volunteers pledges Breyon and Brandon Gaddy, talented twins from Virginia. The Terrapins also landed versatile New Jersey defender Markquese Bell, a 4-star safety/outside linebacker who announced collegiate intentions at the Under Armour All-America Game.
Concentration on keeping local talent home helped net Washington, D.C., studs Cam Spence (defensive tackle), Johnny Jordan (center) and Kasim Hill (quarterback). Quality in-state commitments include 4-star offensive linemen Jordan McNair and Marcus Minor, cornerback Deon Jones and linebacker Ayinde Eley.
15. Tennessee Volunteers
11 of 25
Class Size: 26 (one 5-star; five 4-stars)
Analysis
The Volunteers suffered a series of costly decommitments late in the regular season but managed to rebound admirably during December. Trey Smith, a 5-star in-state offensive tackle, provided a turning point Dec. 6 and was joined soon after by a trio of defensive targets (linemen Matthew Butler and Deandre Johnson, along with linebacker Shanon Reid).
It wasn't necessarily a headline-grabbing move, but Tennessee also secured a commitment from 3-star Texas quarterback Will McBride during this span. However, no offensive pledge garners more excitement in Knoxville than 4-star Nashville running back Ty Chandler.
Cornerback Cheyenne Labruzza, defensive tackle Eric Crosby and safety Maleik Gray are each 4-star additions to the defensive roster.
14. Washington Huskies
12 of 25
Class Size: 14 (10 4-stars)
Analysis
Given Oregon's recent struggles and Washington's rise to a Pac-12 Championship and College Football Playoff appearance, there's a strong case to be made for the Huskies as the pre-eminent power of the Pacific Northwest. Head coach Chris Petersen and company have undoubtedly capitalized on this clout through recruiting efforts, securing commitments from five blue-chip prospects who live in either Oregon or Washington.
It's a group comprised of defensive tackle Marlon Tuipulotu, cornerback Elijah Molden, tight end Hunter Bryant, offensive lineman Henry Bainivalu and scintillating athlete Salvon Ahmed, who tied for the fastest 40-yard dash (4.32 seconds) at The Opening.
California has also been kind to the Huskies. Alex Cook and Terrell Bynum formed a 4-star duo before their senior seasons, while defensive backs Keith Taylor and Brandon McKinney also both carry 4-star distinction. Late-rising quarterback recruit Jake Haener showed he belongs in Power Five competition during a strong effort at Elite 11 Finals, while Utah receiver Ty Jones was a semifinalist for U.S. Army All-American Player of the Year after catching 20 touchdowns in 2016, per MaxPreps.
13. USC Trojans
13 of 25
Class Size: 16 (one 5-star; seven 4-stars)
Analysis
The Trojans rebounded from a rough start to challenge for inclusion in the Pac-12 Championship Game and earn a spot in the Rose Bowl. USC knocked off Penn State in the high-profile showdown, led by redshirt freshman quarterback Sam Darnold.
Jack Sears, who replaced Darnold as quarterback at San Clemente High School in Southern California, could become the next Trojans passer to know. This Elite 11 finalist flipped his commitment from Duke in November, enhancing an offensive class that includes two 4-star linemen (Alijah Vera-Tucker and Brett Neilon) and 5-star rusher Stephen Carr.
USC continues to stockpile talent in the defensive front seven, most notably landing onetime UCLA edge-rusher commit Hunter Echols and Florida lineman Jacob Lichtenstein. Along with Lichtenstein, the Trojans reached into Florida for dynamic athlete Juwan Burgess, who could contribute on either side of the ball, much like fellow 4-star prospect Tayler Katoa.
12. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
14 of 25
Class Size: 17 (13 4-stars)
Analysis
The Fighting Irish continue to find top-tier offensive line talent from across the country. Notre Dame's latest efforts include commitments from 4-star prospects Josh Lugg (Pennsylvania), Dillan Gibbons (Florida), Robert Hainsey (Florida) and Aaron Banks (California).
Tight ends Brock Wright and Cole Kmet—both considered top-five players at the position—can also provide support as run-blockers. This is excellent news for 4-star Connecticut athlete C.J. Holmes, who is expected to vie for carries in the backfield.
Texas quarterback Avery Davis, an Elite 11 finalist, was one of several early commitments for head coach Brian Kelly. He joined the class before the conclusion of his junior year, along with fellow blue-chip targets such as Pennsylvania linebacker David Adams and Illinois safety Isaiah Robertson.
11. Penn State Nittany Lions
15 of 25
Class Size: 18 (one 5-star; nine 4-stars)
Analysis
Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin managed to make plenty of recruiting noise through his first few cycles in Happy Valley, but he's in place to best those results after a Big 10 Conference title run.
Prized recruits responded swiftly to the success, as in-season pledges included 4-star Detroit speedsters Donovan Johnson (cornerback) and K.J. Hamler (receiver), former Florida Gators defensive tackle commit Fred Hansard and 5-star Pittsburgh cornerback Lamont Wade.
These latest additions vault this class on the verge of top-10 territory. Elite 11 finalist quarterback Sean Clifford, 4-star defensive linemen Yetur Matos and Damion Barber, top-20 outside linebacker Dylan Rivers and 4-star safety Jonathan Sutherland were among the building blocks already in place before Franklin's recent flurry of recruiting success.
10. Clemson Tigers
16 of 25
Class Size: 13 (11 4-stars)
Analysis
Clemson once again proves it doesn't require expansive volume to stockpile substantial value. Preparing for a second straight appearance in the College Football Playoff championship game, the future looks bright well beyond quarterback Deshaun Watson's impending departure.
The Tigers carry commitments from two Elite 11 finalists in Chase Brice and Hunter Johnson, who may have the best pure passing arm in this cycle. You won't find a more complementary receiver tandem in one class than Tennessee studs Amari Rodgers and Tee Higgins, while the offensive line group (Blake Vinson, Matt Bockhorst and Noah DeHond) is also primed to dominate competition.
The team's three most recent pledges—North Carolina linebacker Justin Foster, Georgia defensive back A.J. Terrell and lineman Jordan Williams—further enhance a defensive unit that's developed into one of college football's finest. Just like head coach Dabo Swinney's current squad, Clemson's 2017 class offers tremendous balance.
9. Texas A&M Aggies
17 of 25
Class Size: 27 (one 5-star; 10 4-stars)
Analysis
The Aggies' inability to surpass eight victories for a third consecutive season could place head coach Kevin Sumlin on a warming seat in College Station, but he continues to assemble recruiting classes that rival any in the Lone Star State.
During the past two months, Texas A&M picked up a trio of blue-chip prospects considered top-10 players at their respective positions. This list includes No. 1 overall inside linebacker Anthony Hines, Dallas outside linebacker Devodrick Johnson and former LSU receiver pledge Jhamon Ausbon.
Ausbon spent his senior season alongside Aggies commits Kellen Mond (quarterback) and Santino Marchiol (linebacker) at IMG Academy in Florida. He augments a 2017 Texas A&M receivers group that already featured fellow 4-star standouts Hezekiah Jones and Camron Buckley.
This impressive group of young pass-catchers should improve by competing against a crop of incoming defensive backs led by blue-chippers Derrick Tucker and Myles Jones.
8. Auburn Tigers
18 of 25
Class Size: 19 (two 5-stars; 10 4-stars)
Analysis
After a few swings and misses this cycle, Auburn's search for a quarterback was well worth the wait. The Tigers landed 5-star prospect Jarrett Stidham, who departed Baylor after one season with the program.
A crown jewel of the 2015 quarterback class, he should provide increased consistency for an offense that's also set to add three linemen considered top-200 overall recruits (Nick Brahms, Austin Troxell and 5-star Florida tackle Calvin Ashley). Auburn also went the junior college route to find 4-star running back Octavius Matthews, who flipped his commitment from Louisville.
Defensively, key additions come in the form of 4-star in-state linebacker Tadarian Moultry and a pair of promising blue-chip defensive backs (Carlito Gonzalez and Malcolm Askew).
7. LSU Tigers
19 of 25
Class Size: 19 (12 4-stars)
Analysis
LSU has surely endured its share of dicey moments on the 2017 recruiting trail, most notably dealing with the aftermath of Les Miles' dismissal. However, new head coach Ed Orgeron has the Tigers in position to rise even further up these rankings, helped in part by staff continuity and the addition of former Pittsburgh Panthers offensive coordinator Matt Canada.
Canada helped LSU sustain a pledge from 4-star quarterback Myles Brennan, who considered exploring alternative options after setting Mississippi's all-time state passing record as a senior. He'll be joined on campus by fellow Elite 11 finalist Lowell Narcisse, who remains a compelling dual-threat playmaker despite knee injuries impacting each of his past two seasons.
They will have plenty of weapons to work with downfield, including coveted junior college receiver Stephen Guidry and 4-star Texas pass target Mannie Netherly. Crucial defensive commitments feature safety Jacoby Stevens, cornerback Kary Vincent Jr. and tackle Tyler Shelvin, who must contend with three 4-star offensive linemen (Edward Ingram, Austin Deculus and Saahdiq Charles) during years of practice ahead in Baton Rouge.
6. Florida State Seminoles
20 of 25
Class Size: 17 (two 5-stars; nine 4-stars)
Analysis
The final stretch toward national signing day is off to a fantastic start for Florida State. Mississippi running back Cam Akers, a U.S. Army All-American Player of the Year finalist who belongs in the conversation as No. 1 overall recruit this cycle, joined the Seminoles' class Dec. 27.
His announcement followed a two-week span that also featured Florida State pledges from top-10 defensive end Joshua Kaindoh, elite junior college linebacker Adonis Thomas and former Oregon Ducks tight end commit Tre' McKitty. It's a huge heap of icing on the cake for Jimbo Fisher, who already held commits from six other players considered top-20 prospects at their respective positions.
Alternative headliners include 5-star cornerback Stanford Samuels III, 4-star running backs Khalan Laborn and Zaquandre White, highlight-waiting-to-happen receiver D.J. Matthews and top-15 quarterback Bailey Hockman.
5. Oklahoma Sooners
21 of 25
Class Size: 23 (17 4-stars)
Analysis
The Sooners surged early and often in the 2017 recruiting cycle, locking in a multitude of highly respected blue-chip recruits well in advance of this season. Initial headliners included Elite 11 finalist quarterback Chris Robison, who further increases competition in what figures to be one of college football's most contentious and talented quarterback rooms.
Expect 4-star receivers Marquise Brown, Charleston Rambo and CeeDee Lamb to enjoy life as beneficiaries of the big-time arms in that quarterback arsenal. You can also extend that sentiment to top-10 tight end Grant Calcaterra and a 4-star running back duo (Trey Sermon and Kennedy Brooks).
Future championship pursuits also require elevated play on defense, which will add a collection of top-25 linebackers (Kenneth Murray, Levi Draper, Jacob Phillips and Addison Gumbs). Safety Robert Barnes and cornerback Tre Brown will attempt to back up that group by shutting down passing lanes in the Big 12 Conference and beyond.
4. Michigan Wolverines
22 of 25
Class Size: 26 (one 5-star; 18 4-stars)
Analysis
The Wolverines landed 11 new commitments between mid-October and Christmas, creating a collection of recruits that threatens to top what head coach Jim Harbaugh accomplished in his first full cycle in Ann Arbor. Celebrated 5-star Detroit receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones gave Michigan a long-awaited pledge Dec. 15, just one day after 4-star Connecticut pass-catcher Tarik Black put his name in the mix.
December also saw the team's future defensive attack grow stronger courtesy of commitments from 4-star linebacker tandem Jordan Anthony and Drew Singleton, in-state end Deron Irving-Bey and top-five cornerback Ambry Thomas. They bolster a collection that also includes seven other 4-star recruits, most notably another three along the defensive line.
Quarterback Dylan McCaffrey, the younger brother of 2015 Heisman Trophy finalist Christian McCaffrey, displays a rare level of football IQ at the prep level. He should be well-protected by a collection of offensive linemen led by 4-stars Jaraymond Hall and Andrew Stueber.
3. Georgia Bulldogs
23 of 25
Class Size: 23 (two 5-stars; 20 4-stars)
Analysis
Georgia's first campaign under head coach Kirby Smart saw the ascension of several young standouts, and youth should again be a prevalent factor next fall considering the amount of talent heading to Athens.
This edition of Bulldogs commits is comprised of 11 prospects rated among the top 10 players at their positions, with Elite 11 finalist quarterback Jake Fromm, U.S. Army All-American Player of the Year finalist Richard LeCounte III (safety) and top-five running back D'Andre Swift serving as catalysts throughout the 2016 season.
Things continue to trend upward following four blue-chip commitments since Christmas. Deangelo Gibbs, a 5-star athlete who commands respect at receiver and defensive back, announced plans to play in Athens during the Under Armour All-America Game.
Former Auburn pledge Tray Bishop, who is also considered a top-10 athlete, and 4-star linebackers Monty Rice and Nate McBride each pledged in the past week. Isaiah Wilson, a mammoth offensive tackle from Brooklyn, New York, surprised many when he spurned Michigan and Alabama for the Bulldogs last month, becoming the sixth blue-chip blocker in this class.
2. Ohio State Buckeyes
24 of 25
Class Size: 17 (six 5-stars; 10 4-stars)
Analysis
According to Scout, Ohio State leads college football in top-100 commitments (12) and 5-star pledges (six). This kind of recruiting success has almost become commonplace for Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer, dating back to his days with the Florida Gators.
His positional hauls this cycle include multiple top-10 commitments at cornerback (Shaun Wade,
1. Alabama Crimson Tide
25 of 25
Class Size: 26 (five 5-stars; 17 4-stars)
Analysis
Believe it or not, Alabama appears to be on the verge of claiming a seventh straight No. 1 overall recruiting class in composite rankings. This perennial roster reload has been paramount in head coach Nick Saban's tenure, which could add a fifth national championship next week.
This latest crop of recruits features three players rated top-20 overall in Scout rankings (California running back Najee Harris, Louisiana linebacker Dylan Moses and offensive tackle Alex Leatherwood). Harris, who stands approximately 6'3", 220 pounds, surpassed 2,000 rushing yards during the past three seasons at Antioch High School, while Moses was named the 2016 Butkus Award winner (top high school linebacker).
Leatherwood is joined by two 4-star offensive tackles (Elliot Baker and Jedrick Wills). Elite 11 finalists Tua Tagovailoa (event MVP) and Mac Jones will push freshman phenom Jalen Hurts to improve. Expect epic practice battles between elite incoming receivers (Jerry Jeudy and Tyrell Shavers), along with two 4-star tight ends and a loaded back seven that also adds 5-star linebacker VanDarius Cowan and a pair of top-20 safeties (Daniel Wright and Xavier McKinney).
Tyler Donohue is a national recruiting analyst for Bleacher Report. Quotes and observations obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. All player ratings and information are courtesy of Scout.
Follow Tyler via Twitter: @TDsTake.
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