Biggest College Football Recruiting Need for Every Top 25 Team

Every college football team has a recruiting need, even those ranked in the Top 25 BCS Standings.

Projecting a roster in future seasons is one of the most critical skills a college coach needs to build a consistently talented team.

Although it's November, the Top 25 teams still have a need or two on the recruiting trail. The nation's No. 1 program has done a great job of filling some future voids, while some surprising squads are aiming at targets to keep them among the elite.

25. Georgia

With Georgia's biggest recruiting need being both running back and defensive line, head coach Mark Richt has already filled his voids.

The Bulldogs boast commitments from running backs such as 5-star Florida native Sony Michel and 4-star runner Nick Chubb. In the defensive trenches, 4-star defensive linemen Lamont Gaillard and Dontavius Russell lead the way.

Look for UGA to adopt a "best player available" mentality on the trail through the end of this recruiting cycle.

24. Texas

The defensive line was Texas' top need coming into this recruiting cycle, so head coach Mack Brown and his staff secured five pledges for that unit.

However, Derick Roberson is the only 4-star player in the group, so Texas needs one more high-end prospect in the defensive trenches. The Longhorns are notoriously known for shutting down their recruiting during the fall, but they need to keep an open mind through February to fill a pressing need. 

23. Miami

The top need for head coach Al Golden was defensive tackle, but he now has four commitments from players at that position.

With a 27-man class, Miami is almost out of available slots.

However, signing another running back could prove to be a wise choice. The Hurricanes should aim for a back with a powerful running style to compliment the quickness of 4-star commit Joseph Yearby in the backfield. 

22. Wisconsin

The Badgers run a 3-4 defense now, which means it needs the proper personnel to make a smooth transition in the next few seasons.

Wisconsin has four commitments for its defensive line, but only one prospect is a pass-rusher. So head coach Gary Andersen needs to add a few more players who can get after the quarterback before national signing day. 

21. LSU

Head coach Les Miles did not sign a running back in 2013, so he needs at least two in this class. The Tigers have a commitment from 3-star runner Sione Palelei, but they need one more. 

Perhaps a running back from New Orleans with an outstanding set of skills would be an alright fit for LSU. 

20. Louisville

Louisville is another program that did not sign a running back in its 2013 class. Currently, the Cardinals have two commitments from fullbacks, but they need a true running back in this class before it gets too late.

Head coach Charlie Strong needs to work his connections in Florida and throughout the South to find a running back or two for his program. If not, the Cardinals are going to have some depth issues at the position in 2014. 

19. Arizona State

With commitments from 4-star dual-threat passer Manny Wilkins and 3-star prospect Coltin Gerhart, Arizona State has already filled its need at quarterback.

However, head coach Todd Graham only has one pledge from an offensive lineman. Focusing on adding several offensive linemen must become the main recruiting objective in Tempe. 

Maintaining depth in the offensive trenches in every recruiting cycle is vital for every program in the nation. 

18. Oklahoma

Oklahoma's biggest recruiting need falls in the trenches, and really on both sides. The Sooners only have two offensive line commitments, as they are set to lose a ton of depth in the next few years.

Oklahoma also has failed to land any defensive tackles for 2014, although 3-star defensive end Brandon Glenn could be moved inside. Look for head coach Bob Stoops to be looking to address both fronts between now and national signing day. 

17. UCF

Things are starting to get thin in the Knights' defensive backfield, so they need to add more depth to their secondary.

UCF only has one defensive back in its 13-man class, so it's obvious where its focus should be on the recruiting trail. Adding another defensive lineman also wouldn't hurt. 

16. Michigan State

Michigan State has three offensive linemen in its 2014 class, but the Spartans should attempt to acquire three more blockers before February for depth. 

Also, Michigan State routinely is a tough and strong football team in the interior of the defensive trenches. Adding speed and quickness on the edges to get after quarterbacks in the Big Ten could take the unit to a new level. 

15. Northern Illinois

Northern Illinois only signed one defensive tackle in last year's class, plus it doesn't have any committed in its 2014 group. Head coach Rod Carey made a name for himself as an offensive line coach, so he knows how important it is to control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.

Without question, the Huskies need to come out of this recruiting cycle with multiple defensive tackles. 

14. Fresno State

Although Zack Greenlee and JUCO prospect Brian Burrell were signed in the 2013 class, Fresno State would be wise to add another quarterback this year.

Greenlee is the quarterback of the future for the Bulldogs, but they must make sure they have a strong insurance policy. With only four commitments, this class has room for two quarterbacks.

Also, it's never a bad idea to add a few offensive linemen. 

13. UCLA

The Bruins have a need on the defensive line, specifically to address their future pass-rushing ability.

Anthony Barr won't be in Westwood forever, so finding a replacement for the stud outside linebacker/defensive end must be a priority.

Plus, UCLA plays in the Pac-12, which means unless its playing Stanford, it will be facing a team that likes to play pitch and catch on Saturdays. The best way to combat offenses with sophisticated passing attacks is to have players who can pressure the passer. 

12. Oklahoma State

Oklahoma State has done a great job of filling its recruiting needs during this cycle.

The Pokes have filled voids at linebacker, plus they have commitments from several players who could help at safety.

With 22 commitments, head coach Mike Gundy is in a rare position of sitting back and going after the best players on his board regardless of position. Perhaps adding an extra offensive lineman or two could be a smart idea. 

11. Texas A&M

Although Texas A&M has three commitments at defensive back, the Aggies could stand to add more before February rolls around. Head coach Kevin Sumlin has filled his needs on the offensive line, so giving more attention to the secondary would be a wise move.

Adding more depth and talent at the top of the Aggies defense is their top need. A JUCO quarterback could be another possibility. 

10. South Carolina

Head coach Steve Spurrier is known for his offensive intelligence, so South Carolina failing to sign a true receiver recruit in 2013 was puzzling.

Although the Gamecocks have two commitments at the position for 2014, one or two more should be added.

Also, Spurrier needs to bring in more prospects who can rush the passer. Look for him to try to get more firepower on the perimeter for his offense, while also adding more prospects who can menace the pocket on passing plays. 

9. Missouri

Based on filling needs, Missouri has one of the nation's most complete recruiting classes. It came into the cycle needing defensive backs, and now it has five commitments at the position.

The Tigers have six offensive line recruits, plus they have three linebackers. With 26 commitments, they could be close to being finished with 2014 recruiting.

However, an extra defensive lineman could help. 

8. Clemson

Clemson has two commitments from top-caliber receivers, but the Tigers could stand to add another one or two to the mix. Head coach Dabo Swinney is one of the best recruiters in the country, so that should not be too hard of a task.

Clemson could also add another linebacker and offensive lineman. 

7. Auburn

Cornerbacks and offensive linemen are needed in a major way at Auburn. Both positions need to be replenished with talent and depth for future seasons.

The Tigers have a great recruiting class, but only have one commitment at both positions of need. Head coach Gus Malzahn must fill these voids or the Tigers are going to be mighty thin at both units. 

6. Oregon

Technically, 3-star prospect Jalen Jelks is the only defensive tackle in Oregon's class. However, 3-star recruit Tui Talia could develop into a player who plays in the interior trenches on defense.

Yet the Ducks still need more talent and depth at the defensive tackle position. Numbers at the spot will be low on the roster soon, so Oregon must make sure it has players waiting in the wings to clog holes in Eugene. 

5. Baylor

Baylor's top need at the start of this cycle was at defensive line, but the Bears now have five commitments from players who play either defensive tackle or end.

With the offense Baylor has, it would be wise to subscribe to the theory of taking a quarterback in every recruiting class. No current passers are set to sign up to play in Waco in 2014, so perhaps a JUCO quarterback or a low-rated high school field general to develop could be an objective. 

4. Stanford

Head coach David Shaw has a methodical approach to recruiting, so his program doesn't have many pressing needs.

Yet Stanford did not bring in a true defensive back in 2013, and it only has two commitments for the secondary in its 2014 class.

Although three of its "athlete" prospects could easily find themselves playing on top of the defense, the Cardinal must add another defensive back or two before February comes along. 

3. Ohio State

The Buckeyes have added so much talent during Urban Meyer's tenure that they do not appear to have a major recruiting need.

They boast four offensive linemen in their 2014 class, plus Meyer even has a quarterback to develop from this group. As the Buckeyes look to get faster on defense, adding another linebacker who can help in coverage could help down the line. 

2. Florida State

Head coach Jimbo Fisher is offensive-minded, so he knows how important it is to set the tone upfront. To do that, a program needs depth in the offensive trenches, which is something Florida State needs.

Fisher has three blockers in his 2014 class, but he should add one or two more before the end of this recruiting cycle. The Seminoles have a talented roster, so Fisher doesn't need 5-star caliber linemen, but merely players who can provide depth. 

1. Alabama

Offensive line was the biggest need for Alabama coming into this recruiting cycle. Yet seven offensive linemen have committed to play in Tuscaloosa, so it's safe to say that need has been filled.

'Bama also has commitments from three safeties, so they no longer have a void at that position. Adding another talented cornerback or two is probably the biggest remaining recruiting goal for the Crimson Tide.

Edwin Weathersby is the College Football Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. He has worked in scouting/player personnel departments for three professional football teams, including the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns.