College Football Recruiting 2012: Updated Top 10 Classes Post-Gunner Kiel to LSU

With the regular season coming to a close and bowl games only left to play, these next few months will be focused on recruiting. Where will some of the top players in the country end up, and which teams will fill their needs with future stars?

As we get closer and closer to national signing day, several top players have already committed to the school they will be playing for next year. However, there are still quite a few players that are undecided.

While we wait for the remaining players to make their commitments, it's never too early to rank the top 10 classes right now. Especially with the recent commitment from top quarterback Gunner Kiel.

Here are the top 10 classes as of right now.

10. Clemson Tigers

5-Star Recruits: 0

4-Star Recruits: 8

3-Star Recruits: 12

As if Clemson needed any more young talent on their already-loaded team, they got more. They loaded up with wide receivers Gerome Hopper, Zac Brooks and Cordrea Tankersley, who are all 4-star players.

They also got solid players at the safety position and defensive line.

They haven't had a commitment in about two months, but are still in the running for some top players and already have a solid class.

With the team he has now and this recruiting class, it's easy to see why Dabo Swinney didn't leave the university for another job.

9. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

5-Star Recruits: 3

4-Star Recruits: 7

3-Star Recruits: 5

Notre Dame already has a talented team, and this deep recruiting class is only going to help them get back on top of the college football map. Not too many schools have more 5-star commitments than them right now.

They've added the top cornerback in the country in Ronald Darby and another top corner in Tee Shepard. They also have a pair of top defensive tackles in Jarron Jones and Sheldon Day. A verbal commitment from wide receiver Deontay Greenberry is huge as well.

The pressure may be on Brian Kelly to succeed, but with this class, there should be no problem with him getting the job done.

8. Florida Gators

5-Star Recruits: 1

4-Star Recruits: 10

3-Star Recruits: 7

Florida's top recruits are offensive tackle D.J. Humphries and cornerback Brian Poole. They also added two of the top tight ends in the country with Kent Taylor and Colin Thompson. Their most recent addition comes in Damien Jacobs, who is a top defensive tackle.

The reason I have the Gators falling a bit in the rankings is because of the loss of Charlie Weis. Florida is in serious danger of losing some top recruits like Stefon Diggs if they don't make a move quickly.

7. Miami Hurricanes

5-Star Recruits: 1

4-Star Recruits: 3

3-Star Recruits: 18

Running back Lamar Miller may be leaving for the NFL draft, but they shouldn't miss a beat with Duke Johnson heading to the "U."

The Hurricanes have a ton of depth in this class, as they added four cornerbacks, five linebackers, five wide receivers and four quarterbacks. Nearly every commitment in this recruiting class is a top player.

With a scandal hanging over this university's head, it's safe to say that it really isn't hurting the recruiting class. At least for now.

6. Ohio State Buckeyes

5-Star Recruits: 3

4-Star Recruits: 8

3-Star Recruits: 9

The Buckeyes brought in head coach Urban Meyer to turn this program around, and it all starts with the solid recruiting. In one day, he brought in two 5-star players with running back Brionte Dunn and defensive tackle Tommy Schutt. Both players were considering going to different schools.

Landing top defensive end Noah Spence moves this team up a couple of notches.

Ohio State also added four wide receivers, including 4-star recruit Mike Thomas.

This instantly put them in the top 10, in my opinion, with Meyer still on the hunt. The Buckeyes are another team that can continue to climb up the list despite receiving penalties from the NCAA.

5. Texas A&M

5-Star Recruits: 1

4-Star Recruits: 8

3-Star Recruits: 14

Texas A&M landed one of the top running backs in the country in Trey Williams, although it is just a soft verbal commitment. The addition of quarterback Matt Davis didn't hurt either.

With the Aggies moving to the SEC, they needed a strong recruiting class, and they were able to get just that. They also have the chance to land several other top players and continue to move up the list as well.

4. LSU Tigers

5-Star Recruits: 1

4-Star Recruits: 11

3-Star Recruits: 9

I had the Tigers as the No.4 class before they landed 5-star recruit Gunner Kiel, but now that locks them in this spot. Kiel is considered the top quarterback prospect in the country and fills a need with two senior quarterbacks on their way out.

Of course, they also loaded up on defense, adding players like Toshiro Davis and Derrick Raymond.

They also added one of the top tight ends in the country in John Thomas.

LSU is slowly moving up the ladder.

3. Michigan Wolverines

5-Star Recruits: 1

4-Star Recruits: 10

3-Star Recruits: 13

Ever since Urban Meyer has joined the Big Ten, the Wolverines' commitments have slowed down. However, they do still have the chance to put together one of the best offensive lines in the country with six offensive linemen already committed, including 5-star offensive lineman Kyle Kalis.

They also have three of the top linebackers in this year's class with Joe Bolden, Royce Jenkins-Stone and James Ross.

I think it's safe to say the Michigan Wolverines are back.

2. Alabama Crimson Tide

5-Star Recruits: 1

4-Star Recruits: 10

3-Star Recruits: 11

Alabama has 24 commits currently, and all of them are at least 3-star recruits. Right now, their prized player is linebacker Reggie Ragland, who is extremely athletic and will be a great addition to this Crimson Tide defense.

The reason they jump the Michigan Wolverines is because of the recent commitment from offensive lineman Alphonse Taylor. He is massive at 6'6", 340 lbs. and will be capable of playing either side of the ball.

Also, with players like Dillon Lee, Eddie Williams, Tyler Hayes and Geno Smith, Alabama will continue to be known for their defense for a very long time.

1. Texas Longhorns

5-Star Recruits: 3

4-Star Recruits: 14

3-Star Recruits: 6

Texas has a fantastic recruiting class and is No. 1 overall on both Scout.com and Rivals.com. They have arguably the top offensive lineman in Curtis Riser and one of the top running backs in Jonathan Gray. 

Nearly every player in this recruiting class is at least a 3-star player. And what's even scarier is the fact they still have tons of other top players that are considering joining the team as well.

With this recruiting class and the young talented team returning, the Longhorns will once again be at the top of the college football world.

Randy Chambers is a B/R Featured Columnist that covers College Football and the NFL. You can contact him @Randy_Chambers or [e-mail]