Early Top 25 College Football Recruiting Classes for 2016
Have you had a chance to come up for air from the madness of national signing day 2015? Good, because it's already time to look ahead at the country's next crop of top prospects.
Every collegiate coaching staff in America will describe the recruiting process as an endless cycle that can drive you crazy or give you joy. The ultimate goal is to assemble a balanced roster—on and off the field—that can create consistent success.
A full year shy of next signing day, here's an early glimpse at how the top 2016 recruiting classes stack up. We ranked them based on current talent level and quality rather than potential and quantity.
25. Oregon
1 of 25Total Commitments: Three (one 4-star)
Best of the Bunch
4-star QB Seth Green (Saint Paul, Minnesota): Dual-threat quarterbacks now have a strong understanding of the success that can be enjoyed in Eugene. Green, rated fifth among players at the position, fits the bill. The 6'3", 210-pound prospect threw for 2,565 yards and 25 touchdowns as an underclassman and continues to show flashes of 5-star potential, as Bleacher Report national recruiting columnist Sanjay Kirpalani documented last season.
24. Louisville
2 of 25
Total Commitments: Four (one 4-star)
Best of the Bunch
4-star WR Desmond Fitzpatrick (Farmington, Michigan): The 6'1.5", 184-pound playmaker committed last Halloween, shortly after campus visits to Notre Dame and Michigan State. He doesn't receive a ton of targets in high school but makes the most of them and shows the ability to evade tacklers. Fitzpatrick caught 66 passes for 1,025 yards and 11 scores during the past two seasons, per MaxPreps.
23. Nebraska
3 of 25
Total Commitments: Three (two 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
4-star OL John Raridon (West Des Moines, Iowa): Cornhuskers coach Mike Riley inherited a strong start to the 2016 offensive line haul with Raridon and Illinois tackle Bryan Brokop. Raridon, a 6'4", 260-pound prospect, is rated the country's top overall guard and could claim 5-star status prior to his senior season. He's a violent blocker and looks like a plug-and-play talent in Lincoln.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
22. South Carolina
4 of 25
Total Commitments: Three (two 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
4-star QB Brandon McIlwain (Newton, Pennsylvania): South Carolina claimed its quarterback of the future from up north in December. The 6'0", 200-pound passer chose the Gamecocks over fellow finalists Auburn, Penn State and Cal. He's a dual-threat talent who should continue to improve as his physical frame expands. He rushed for more than 2,300 yards and 39 touchdowns during the past three seasons, per MaxPreps, throwing for 4,800 yards and 37 scores since 2012.
21. Texas
5 of 25
Total Commitments: Three (two 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
4-star WR Collin Johnson (San Jose, California): Texas didn't come away with as much offensive talent as it would have preferred during the 2015 cycle, but its 2016 class already includes the 6'4", 180-pound Johnson and fellow 4-star receiver Reggie Hemphill-Mapps. Johnson established career highs as a junior, catching 49 passes for 921 yards and 10 touchdowns, per MaxPreps.
20. N.C. State
6 of 25Total Commitments: Six (one 4-star)
Best of the Bunch
4-star DB James Valdez (Orangeburg, South Carolina): The three-year starter is an absolute ball hawk and a prospect we expect to climb recruiting rankings as the cycle progresses. Valdez, a 5'10", 175-pound cornerback, intercepted a career-high seven passes in just nine games as a junior, per MaxPreps. He has 117 solo tackles since 2012.
19. Mississippi State
7 of 25
Total Commitments: Nine (zero 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
3-star LB Deshon Cooper (Decatur, Georgia): The Bulldogs hoped to already have this 6'3", 240-pound defender on campus; however, he didn't qualify for acceptance at Mississippi State after spending two weeks with the program in training camp last summer. He currently attends Copiah-Lincoln Community College as a top-tier JUCO talent and is expected back at Starkville next year.
18. Duke
8 of 25Total Commitments: Five (two 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
4-star ATH Scott Bracey (Richmond, Virginia): Bracey committed to the Blue Devils last summer over dozens of FBS offers. The 6'3", 195-pound playmaker projects as a college wide receiver but spent last season behind center. The Richmond Times-Dispatch named him the 2014 All-Metro Player of the Year, as he became the first junior to win that award since Seattle Seahawks star Russell Wilson.
17. UCLA
9 of 25Total Commitments: Two (one 5-star; one 4-star)
Best of the Bunch
5-star DE Breland Brandt (Los Angeles): UCLA finished the 2015 recruiting cycle on fire and already have a foundational 2016 commitment in place with Brandt. The 6'4", 220-pound local product is rated second nationally among weak-side defensive ends. He erupted as a force during his sophomore season, securing 63 tackles and 10.5 sacks. His offer list includes Alabama, USC and Notre Dame.
16. Alabama
10 of 25
Total Commitments: Three (one 5-star; one 4-star)
Best of the Bunch
5-star DB Shyheim Carter (Kentwood, Louisiana): Nick Saban signed a pair of 5-star cornerbacks during each of the past two cycles and is on pace to repeat that success with Carter on board. The 6'0", 185-pound defender is rated third nationally among cornerback prospects and plays with physicality that distinguishes him at the position. He's also a threat with the ball in his hands, as evidenced by 1,725 rushing yards and 32 total touchdowns as an underclassman, per MaxPreps.
15. Auburn
11 of 25
Total Commitments: Five (one 5-star; one 4-star)
Best of the Bunch
5-star WR Nate Craig-Myers (Tampa, Florida): The latest top-flight receiver to emerge from the Florida bay area pledged to Auburn over a collection of offers last summer. Craig-Myers is considered the composite No. 1 overall prospect at his position. He suffered a season-ending leg injury in September after catching 12 touchdowns as an underclassman.
14. Kentucky
12 of 25
Total Commitments: Seven (two 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
4-star OL Landon Young (Lexington, Kentucky): The 6'7", 270-pound tackle is quite a physical specimen. He is one of two 4-star offensive linemen who currently highlight this class, along with top-rated center Drake Jackson. Our early scouting assessment places Young among the top 10 talents in a deep 2016 offensive tackle class.
13. USC
13 of 25Total Commitments: Three (three 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
4-star LB Daelin Hayes (Bloomfield, Michigan): Considering the linebacker haul USC just landed (three 4-stars and a 5-star), it's scary to think another elite talent is en route to Los Angeles. Hayes, a 6'3", 225-pound prospect, is rated fifth nationally among outside linebackers. He briefly spent time in Southern California, playing with 2015 Trojans quarterback signee Ricky Town at St. Bonaventure, but has since moved back to Michigan.
12. Texas A&M
14 of 25Total Commitments: Three (one 5-star; two 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
5-star OL Greg Little (Allen, Texas): The 2016 recruiting cycle begins in earnest with Little sitting atop national prospect rankings. He transitioned from tight end as an underclassman and spent the past two seasons protecting All-American quarterback Kyler Murray, who signed with the Aggies this year. The duo won three state championships together at Allen High School, and if all goes according to plan, Murray will be reunited with his 6'5", 282-pound bodyguard next year.
11. Georgia
15 of 25
Total Commitments: Three (two 5-stars; one 4-star)
Best of the Bunch
5-star QB Jacob Eason (Lake Stevens, Washington): Georgia sent a strong message by securing a cross-country commitment from the country's top-ranked passer last summer. The 6'5", 205-pound prospect provided the foundation of a class that also includes 5-star offensive lineman Ben Cleveland, who committed on the same day in July. Eason has thrown for 6,228 yards and 59 touchdowns through 25 high school games, per MaxPreps.
10. Penn State
16 of 25
Total Commitments: Four (one 5-star; two 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
4-star RB Miles Sanders (Pittsburgh): Sanders is the latest Pittsburgh product to pledge his services to Penn State. The 5'10", 195-pound running back became the first member of this class last summer. He averaged 11.7 yards per carry and scored 18 touchdowns in 2014, per Chris Harlan of the Tribune-Review.
4-star DB Lavert Hill (Detroit): The 5'11", 170-pound cornerback picked Penn State over Michigan, though you can expect the Wolverines to maintain pursuit moving forward. His older brother Delano is a safety in Ann Arbor. Hill is a well-balanced defender who exhibits aggressiveness in run support.
5-star DE Shane Simmons (Hyattsville, Maryland): Rated the nation's No. 2 overall strong-side defensive end, Simmons gives James Franklin a catalyst for his latest class in Happy Valley. The 6'4", 221-pound prospect is a violent edge-rusher who could play outside linebacker depending on how his frame develops.
9. LSU
17 of 25
Total Commitments: Five (four 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
4-star QB Feleipe Franks (Crawfordville, Florida): The country's top-rated dual-threat quarterback committed to the Tigers last summer and could compete for immediate playing time if the LSU passing game sputters again this season. Franks, who stands 6'5", 220 pounds, tallied 2,674 total yards and 31 touchdowns in 2014, per MaxPreps.
4-star TE Jamal Pettigrew (New Orleans): Les Miles plucked top pass targets out of New Orleans during each of the past two recruiting cycles (Tyron Johnson and Malachi Dupre). Pettigrew, a 6'6", 218-pound pass-catcher, provides rare athleticism at the size of a college basketball forward. He hails from the same high school as rising LSU sophomore star Leonard Fournette.
4-star WR Stephen Sullivan (Donaldsonville, Louisiana): LSU landed another freakish athlete in Sullivan, a 6'6", 220-pound prospect who glides downfield with surprising quickness. He was a first-team All-Baton Rouge area selection by NOLA.com.
8. Tennessee
18 of 25
Total Commitments: Seven (four 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
4-star QB Austin Kendall (Waxhaw, North Carolina): The 6'2", 205-pound passer committed to Tennessee prior to his junior season, though the team's transition at offensive coordinator might open the door to other possibilities. He threw for a career-high 4,461 yards and 49 touchdowns in 2014, per MaxPreps, adding 519 yards and nine scores as a rusher.
4-star CB Marquill Osborne (Cornelius, North Carolina): He joined the class early last season and continues to receive increased SEC interest, including a recent LSU offer. The speedy 5'11", 183-pound defender totaled 85 tackles and four interceptions during the past two seasons, per MaxPreps.
4-star DE Devante Brooks (Washington, D.C.): The 6'5", 220-pound playmaker is athletic enough to present options on either side of the ball. Brooks is a compelling tight end possibility, though he is rated 12th nationally among strong-side defensive ends. His offer list already features more than a dozen teams.
7. Clemson
19 of 25
Total Commitments: Seven (one 5-star; three 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
5-star RB Tavien Feaster (Spartanburg, South Carolina): Early interest paid off for the Tigers on national signing day when Dabo Swinney received a 2016 cherry on top of his outstanding 2015 class. Feaster, who hails from the same area as former star college running backs Stephen Davis and Marcus Lattimore, is also an impressive receiver. The nation's No. 2 rusher caught 27 passes for 623 yards and seven touchdowns last season, per
6. TCU
20 of 25
Total Commitments: Eight (five 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
4-star QB Brennen Wooten (San Angelo, Texas): The 6'2", 180-pound passer quickly gained steam as a hot recruiting commodity after his sophomore season and committed to TCU last summer. Wooten threw for 6,312 yards and 54 touchdowns during the past two years, per MaxPreps, adding 563 yards and 11 scores on the ground.
4-star WR Courtney Lark (Bellaire, Texas): He pledged to the Horned Frogs in late January while visiting campus for a junior day. The program will be hard-pressed to keep him in the class, given his 5-star potential in a state loaded with FBS schools. Lark caught 58 passes for 1,138 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2014.
4-star ATH Christian Wallace (Katy, Texas): Wallace offers possibilities at running back, receiver and defensive back. The 6'2", 203-pound prospect is rated sixth nationally among the most physically imposing cornerbacks in the class, but he could end up anywhere on the field for Gary Patterson.
5. Ole Miss
21 of 25
Total Commitments: Eight (one 5-star: four 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
5-star WR DeKaylin Metcalf (Oxford, Mississippi): Ole Miss is fortunate to have a top playmaker like Metcalf right in its backyard. The 6'3", 185-pound prospect is rated second nationally among receivers and established career highs across the board as a junior with 79 receptions for 1,229 yards and 19 scores, per MaxPreps. He's the son of former All-American Rebels offensive lineman Terrence Metcalf.
4-star DT Benito Jones (Waynesboro, Mississippi): The explosive 6'2", 260-pound lineman has the makings of a top-10 talent at defensive tackle. Jones broke out as a sophomore, securing 58 tackles—13 for loss—and five sacks. He initially pledged to Alabama.
4-star RB Denzel Mitchell (Hamilton, Alabama): He attacks opponents with a formidable frame (5'10", 197 pounds) and top-level speed (4.4-second range for 40-yard dash, per AL.com). Mitchell makes defenders miss with excellent agility and already flashes downfield vision beyond his years.
4. Baylor
22 of 25
Total Commitments: Six (one 5-star; four 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
4-star WR Tren'Davian Dickson (Navasota, Texas): He led Navasota to a state title, posting historically impressive numbers along the way. Dickson caught 90 passes for 2,163 yards and 39 touchdowns, earning MaxPreps Junior National Player of the Year honors. The 6'1", 178-pound standout committed last summer.
5-star OL Patrick Hudson (Silsbee, Texas): The 6'5.5", 325-pound lineman is rated second nationally among offensive tackles. He initially committed to Texas A&M as a sophomore before joining Baylor's class last summer. He's a surefire 2015 All-American candidate and potential top-10 overall recruit.
4-star QB Zach Smith (Grandview, Texas): Smith set career highs last senior, completing 66 percent of passes for 3,467 yards and 35 touchdowns. Standing 6'4", 215 pounds, he already possesses college-ready stature. He's racked up 68 scores through the air since 2013.
3. Florida State
23 of 25
Total Commitments: Seven (one 5-star; five 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
5-star QB Malik Henry (Thousand Oaks, California): The prized passer will transfer across America to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, where 2015 Seminoles signee Deondre Francois starred. He'll be coached by Florida State legend Chris Weinke. Henry, rated second nationally among pro-style quarterbacks, threw for 4,413 yards and 36 touchdowns during the past two seasons.
4-star TE Isaac Nauta (Buford, Georgia): He is also a new IMG Academy transfer and will have the chance to team up with Henry in 2015 before they depart for Tallahassee. Nauta, the country's top-ranked tight end, led Buford High School to a state title last fall.
4-star DE Janarius Robinson (Panama City, Florida): The 6'5", 232-pound pass-rusher is a candidate to land in 5-star territory with a strong summer camp circuit. He is a freak athlete who remains relatively raw, but there's a lot to like about this high-ceiling, in-state defender.
2. Ohio State
24 of 25
Total Commitments: Six (one 5-star; five 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
5-star RB Kareem Walker (Wayne, New Jersey): The country's top-rated rusher committed to Ohio State during the team's national championship victory. He rose to prominence as a sophomore, leading DePaul Catholic High School to a state title. Walker rushed for 2,771 yards and 38 touchdowns over the past two seasons.
4-star RB George Hill (Hubbard, Ohio): Walker and Hill give the Buckeyes a pair of promising additions to the offensive backfield. Hill split carries with Michigan State signee Larry Scott last season at Hubbard High School but still managed to gain 1,106 yards and 13 scores on the ground, per MaxPreps. Expect his production to explode next fall without Scott in East Lansing.
4-star DE Jonathan Cooper (Columbus, Ohio): He chose Ohio State over Notre Dame in November, giving Urban Meyer an impressive local product to tailor his defense class around. He collected 80 tackles and 11.5 sacks last season, per Tim May of The Columbus Dispatch.
1. Miami
25 of 25
Total Commitments: 13 (eight 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
4-star WR Sam Bruce (Fort Lauderdale, Florida): He's a rising star who helped St. Thomas Aquinas High School win a 2014 state title, along with former Hurricanes commit and eventual Florida signee Jordan Scarlett. The 5'8" speedster is a weapon in the slot (21 yards per catch, seven touchdown receptions) and on special teams.
4-star QB Jack Allison (Palmetto, Florida): Rated seventh nationally among pro-style passers, the 6'5", 185-pound prospect shapes up as an eventual successor to standout rising sophomore Brad Kaaya. He's thrown for 3,400 yards and 33 touchdowns in two seasons as a high school starter.
4-star LB Shaquille Quarterman (Orange Park, Florida): He'll contend for the top national ranking among inside linebackers in this class. Quarterman has started since his freshman year, racking up 311 tackles along the way. He tallied a career-high 137 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 2014.
Recruit ratings and info courtesy of 247Sports unless otherwise noted.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
