Ranking the Top 25 Recruiting Classes After High School All-America Games
The 2015 recruiting cycle has officially hit crunch time, as coaching staffs across the country look to lock up key commitments just a month shy of national signing day. All-American events often accelerate the process since premier prospects annually take advantage of the spotlight to declare their collegiate intentions.
This flurry of activity swiftly alters the recruiting landscape, improving potential for some programs and crippling the hopes of others. Here's our latest look at college football's top classes, giving an edge to teams that have addressed needs and accumulated top-to-bottom quality.
Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports' composite rankings.
25. Texas Tech
1 of 25
Total Commitments: 16 (five 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
This class lost some luster when 5-star quarterback Jarrett Stidham changed his commitment to Baylor, but it remains a quality group.
Hawaii defensive lineman Breiden Fehoko has the skill set to become one of the Big 12's most feared defenders, while wide receiver Carlos Strickland is a 6'5" target with above-average speed.
24. North Carolina
2 of 25
Total Commitments: 17 (five 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Defensive end Jalen Dalton and interior offensive lineman Tommy Hatton instantly upgrade the Tar Heels' two-deep in the trenches.
Offensive tackles Mason Veal and William Sweet will look to create space for dual-threat quarterback Anthony Ratliff and running back Ty'Son Williams in the future.
23. West Virginia
3 of 25
Total Commitments: 24 (four 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
The Mountaineers continue to make the most of recruiting efforts in Florida, finding 4-star prospects Tyrek Cole (cornerback), Jovon Durante (wide receiver) and Kendrell McFadden (safety).
Junior college cornerback Rasul Douglas could immediately compete for a starting role, while former USC quarterback commit David Sills is a project worth monitoring moving forward.
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22. Miami
4 of 25
Total Commitments: 19 (five 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
The Hurricanes offense will receive upgrades in the form of 4-star JUCO tight end Jerome Washington and local running backs Mark Walton and Jordan Scarlett, who initially committed to FIU.
Miami defensive back Jaquan Johnson has the makings of a top-level safety capable of covering the run and pass alike. Maryland wide receiver Lawrence Cager, a 6'5" target, committed to Miami over Alabama at the Army All-American Bowl.
21. Arizona State
5 of 25
Total Commitments: 20 (five 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Everything starts with California quarterback Brady White, who threw for more than 10,000 yards and 109 touchdowns in high school as a three-year starter.
Explosive Virginia athlete Jaason Lewis offers possibilities along the offensive perimeter, while 4-star linebackers Davon Durant and Khaylan Thomas bring intensity to the Sun Devils defense. Potential two-way standout Stanley Norman, a 4-star Southern California recruit, committed at the Army All-American Bowl.
20. Arkansas
6 of 25
Total Commitments: 17 (six 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Arkansas has collected the components for a revitalized aerial attack by taking care of business in its home state, securing 4-star commitments from quarterback Ty Storey, wide receiver K.J. Hill and tight end Will Gragg.
Ferocious defensive linemen Hjalte Froholdt and Jamario Bell bring additional bite to the Razorbacks' front wall.
19. Mississippi State
7 of 25
Total Commitments: 26 (six 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Dan Mullen capitalized on a strong regular season by maintaining several key commitments, including 4-star in-state receivers Malik Dear and Donald Gray. Mississippi defenders Jamal Peters (safety) and Fletcher Adams (tackle) are 4-star talents who spurned several SEC offers in favor of the Bulldogs.
Alabama running back Nick Gibson has workhorse potential in the Bulldogs backfield.
18. Oregon
8 of 25
Total Commitments: 17 (six 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Don't expect the Ducks' offensive attack to slow down at all next season with the arrival of speed demon running back Taj Griffin, do-it-all slot weapon Malik Lovette, immensely productive Missouri wide receiver Alex Ofodile and dual-threat quarterback Travis Waller.
The defense can also expect an influx of talent, headlined by 6'7", 280-pound Hawaiian defensive end Canton Kaumatule.
17. Ole Miss
9 of 25
Total Commitments: 16 (six 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Ole Miss managed to sign the top-ranked JUCO prospects at defensive tackle (D.J. Jones) and cornerback (Tony Bridges). They bolster a defensive haul that also features Leo Lewis, the nation's No. 1 middle linebacker recruit.
Elite offensive linemen Javon Patterson and Drew Richmond will look to pave pathways for 4-star Georgia running back Eric Swinney.
16. Oklahoma
10 of 25
Total Commitments: 18 (10 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Oklahoma added a pivotal piece in December when 4-star Virginia linebacker Ricky DeBerry hopped on the bandwagon. He joins cornerback P.J. Mbanasor, safety Will Sunderland and nose guard Marquise Overton in a class that should provide more defensive stability in Norman.
Do-it-all running back Rodney Anderson teams up with fellow 4-star Texan Bobby Evans (tackle) in the Sooners' offensive attack. Dominant Canadian defensive tackle Neville Gallimore committed to Oklahoma over Ohio State and Florida State at the Army All-American Bowl.
15. UCLA
11 of 25
Total Commitments: 17 (two 5-stars; six 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Local quarterback Josh Rosen is the class' top-ranked passer and serves as catalyst in a class that includes top-ranked tight end Aliz'e Jones and 4-star wide receiver L.J. Reed. Out-of-state offensive linemen Fred Ulu-Perry (Hawaii) and Andre James (Utah) are also consensus 4-star talents.
South California defensive end Keisean Lucier-South bolstered the Bruins' defensive fortunes when he committed in November. The 5-star defender chose UCLA over USC and Michigan.
14. Notre Dame
12 of 25
Total Commitments: 22 (nine 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
The Fighting Irish flipped a pair of special Penn State commits during this cycle, landing linebacker Josh Barajas and quarterback Brandon Wimbush. Notre Dame also secured a commitment from former Michigan cornerback commit Shaun Crawford.
Top-rated center Tristen Hoge and Louisiana tackle Jerry Tillery reinforce the offensive front. Linebackers Tevon Coney and Asmar Bilal were big-time October additions, while speedy wide receiver C.J. Sanders joined the class as a junior.
13. South Carolina
13 of 25
Total Commitments: 26 (11 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
The Gamecocks continue to stockpile defensive talent in a class that includes 4-star front-seven standouts Shameik Blackshear, Sherrod Pittman, Dante Sawyer, Arden Key and Marquavius Lewis. Versatile Maryland athlete Jalen Christian could also land on defense, though a role at wide receiver is more likely.
Dual-threat quarterback Lorenzo Nunez joins Steve Spurrier's offense. He'll team up with 4-star offensive tackle Christian Pellage and Georgia pass-catcher Christian Owens as key additions on that side of the ball.
12. Penn State
14 of 25
Total Commitments: 20 (12 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
After losing grips on its initial 2015 quarterback commit, Penn State stole underrated 6'4", 200-pound passer Tommy Stevens away from Indiana. The offensive attack becomes more dangerous downfield with the additions of New Jersey wide receivers Juwan Johnson and Irvin Charles.
In-state running backs Andre Robinson and Saquon Barkley complement each other well and can each catch the football with consistency. Offensive tackles Sterling Jenkins and Paris Palmer create a nice pair, as do cornerbacks Garrett Taylor and John Reid.
11. Auburn
15 of 25
Total Commitments: 20 (12 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Running back Jovon Robinson arrived on campus as a freshman in 2012 but left the program due to academic issues. He's now set to return as the nation's top-ranked JUCO prospect, supplying another element to the Auburn backfield with 4-star Florida rusher D'Anfernee McGriff.
Kerryon Johnson, perhaps the most impressive all-around prospect in Alabama, presents options at defensive back, wide receiver, running back and kick returner.
Offensive linemen Kaleb Kim, Bailey Sharp and Marquel Harrell are each big additions from Georgia, along with quarterback Tyler Queen. Linebacker Darrell Williams intercepted a pair of passes in the Under Armour All-American Game.
10. USC
16 of 25
Total Commitments: 21 (one 5-star; 11 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Steve Sarkisian established a solid foundation for this group when 4-star quarterback Ricky Town flipped from Alabama last January. A commitment from 5-star Georgia offensive tackle Chuma Edoga arrived in the spring, while prolific Texas running back Ronald Jones jumped on board during 2015 Under Armour All-America Game festivities.
The team also welcomes a pair of pass-catchers who previously pledged elsewhere in wide receiver Tristan Payton (Florida) and tight end Tyler Petite (Duke). In-state defensive standouts Jacob Daniel (tackle), Cameron Smith (linebacker) Isaiah Langley (cornerback) are also headed to USC.
The Trojans picked up potential 4-star safety tandem Marvell Tell and Ykili Ross at the Army All-American Bowl.
9. Texas A&M
17 of 25
Total Commitments: 22 (two 5-stars; 10 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Quarterback Kyler Murray, son of former Aggies star Kevin Murray, finished his high school career with a 42-0 record, three state titles and nearly 200 total touchdowns. He'll join forces with 5-star Arizona wide receiver Christian Kirk, who also has an established relationship with current Texas A&M starter Kyle Allen.
A trio of 4-star offensive linemen—Keaton Sutherland, Trevor Elbert and Connor Lanfear—add immediate depth up front. Rangy in-state safeties Justin Dunning and Larry Pryor have the potential to ramp up an Aggies secondary that struggled at times in 2014.
8. Clemson
18 of 25
Total Commitments: 22 (two 5-stars; nine 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Florida prospects Ray-Ray McCloud (wide receiver/running back), Deon Cain (wide receiver) and Garrett Williams (tight end) provide Clemson with more downfield weapons. Offensive tackle Mitch Hyatt could be a plug-and-play talent, while Jake Fruhmorgen is an aggressive blocker who could line up at multiple positions.
The Tigers have also addressed defensive needs. Edge-rushers Clelin Ferrell and Austin Bryant arrive from out of state, while tackle Albert Huggins headlines homegrown South Carolina talent.
7. LSU
19 of 25
Total Commitments: 17 (three 5-stars; five 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Coveted Jacksonville cornerback Kevin Toliver and 5-star New Orleans wide receiver Tyron Johnson should wage epic battles during LSU practices for years to come. All-American running backs Nick Brossette and Derrius Guice are set to join a backfield that already features freshman phenom Leonard Fournette.
That group should be aided up front by 5-star Texas offensive lineman Maea Teuhema, a former Texas commit. Xavier Lewis brings additional size to the cornerback position.
6. Texas
20 of 25
Total Commitments: 26 (one 5-star; 10 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Charlie Strong has enjoyed a late run on in-state talent, highlighted by commitments from top-ranked linebacker Malik Jefferson, dominant Dallas edge-rusher Anthony Wheeler and fast-rising 4-star athlete DeAndre McNeal, who could fill roles on either side of the ball. The Longhorns already held pledges from promising in-state safeties DeShon Elliott and Jamile Johnson.
New Mexico quarterback Zach Gentry is among the most intriguing passers in this class, standing at 6'7" with surprising mobility. Texas commit Patrick Vahe is arguably the country's top offensive guard prospect.
The Longhorns secured a pair of 4-star South Florida commitments at the Army All-American Bowl, landing tight end Devonaire Clarington and defensive back Tim Irvin, the nephew of NFL Hall of Fame wide receiver Michael Irvin.
5. Ohio State
21 of 25
Total Commitments: 24 (one 5-star; 10 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Elite linebackers Justin Hilliard, Nick Conner and Jerome Baker join forces for their home-state squad. The Buckeyes also landed Ohio pledges from 4-star cornerback Eric Glover-Williams and wide receiver Alex Stump, a former Kentucky commit.
Ohio State is set to welcome a pair of promising dual-threat quarterback prospects to campus in Torrance Gibson and Joe Burrow. Key additions from beyond state borders include Virginia offensive guard Matt Burrell and Minnesota defensive end Jashon Cornell. Running back Michael Weber is a beastly downhill rusher with workhorse capabilities.
4. Tennessee
22 of 25
Total Commitments: 27 (two 5-stars; 10 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Field-stretching wide receiver Preston Williams brings a rare combination of length and quickness from Georgia. He joins an offensive attack that's also set to add multidimensional JUCO running back Alvin Kamara and dominant in-state tackle Jack Jones.
Defensive tackles Shy Tuttle and Kahlil McKenzie, a Tennessee legacy, spearhead an outstanding defensive class. Georgia cornerback Micah Abernathy and former Michigan linebacker commit Darrin Kirkland also provide key pieces.
Tennessee landed one of its top in-state targets at the Army All-American Bowl, where 4-star defensive end Kyle Phillips announced his pledge.
3. Georgia
23 of 25
Total Commitments: 27 (two 5-stars; 12 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Mark Richt managed to secure commitments from 5-star in-state prospects Trent Thompson (defensive tackle) and Terry Godwin (wide receiver/cornerback). A haul of four 4-star defensive ends features Atlanta pass-rusher Natrez Patrick and former Alabama pledge Jonathan Ledbetter.
Georgia identified receiver as a position of need early in the cycle, addressing it with several prospects. The group, which will be counted on to contribute early, includes Tennessee pass-catcher Van Jefferson and Atlanta star Darius Slayton. In-state target D'Andre Walker committed at the Army All-American Bowl and projects as an outside linebacker.
2. Florida State
24 of 25
Total Commitments: 21 (four 5-stars; 10 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Florida State has fortified its future defensive outlook with quality commitments across the field. Safety Derwin James and defensive end Josh Sweat are the top-rated prospects at their position, while Tarvarus McFadden is a consensus 5-star cornerback.
In-state wide receivers George Campbell and Da'Vante Phillips present big-bodied options along the perimeter, adding to a potent offense that's also set to bring in 4-star running back tandem Johnny Frasier and Jacques Patrick.
The team holds commitments from three potential quarterback prospects, headlined by Deondre Francois, who was coached in high school by former Seminoles star Chris Weinke.
1. Alabama
25 of 25
Total Commitments: 24 (five 5-stars; 14 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Quarterback Blake Barnett and wideout Calvin Ridley could become a dominant duo during their time in Tuscaloosa. The 5-star tandem lit up elite defensive units during seven-on-seven action this summer at The Opening, as Ridley earned overall MVP honors and Barnett finished on top at Elite 11 finals.
Minkah Fitzpatrick, Kendall Sheffield and Deionte Thompson give Nick Saban a trio of 5-star additions in the defensive backfield, while tackle Daron Payne and edge-rusher Mekhi Brown bolster the front line.
The Crimson Tide landed early commitments from several standout offensive linemen, highlighted by homegrown prospect Lester Cotton and Washington, D.C., native Richie Petitbon, the grandson of former NFL All-Pro and Washington Redskins coach Richie Petitbon.
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