Early Predictions for Final Top 10 College Football Recruiting Classes of 2016
National signing day is still nearly nine months away but the 2016 recruiting trail continues to stay busy. We've already witnessed several notable commitment flips, stockpiles of talent pledging to particular programs and new coaching staffs making an impact.
As of this publication, 58 of the top 100 prospects in 247Sports' composite rankings remain uncommitted. An array of "under the radar" recruits will also undoubtedly land on the national radar through spring and summer camp circuits.
An abundance of talented athletes are still searching for colleges to call home. Based on how teams have started this cycle and how far we feel they'll fare in coming months, here's a look at our projected top 10 classes.
First Five Out
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Miami
This may come as a surprise to some since the Hurricanes held the No. 1 spot in national 2016 recruiting rankings throughout the winter and still sit at No. 2 on that list. However, it's important to examine details when developing our projections.
Head coach Al Golden holds 20 pledges, which is at least double most teams in the top 25. Those numbers will eventually even out, balancing quantity and quality. Miami, fresh off a 6-7 season, could elect to undergo a coaching change if things don't get better this fall. It's never easy to forecast the effects of firings on recruits, but they often result in several decommitments.
Florida
First-year head coach Jim McElwain led an impressive flurry down the final stretch toward signing day 2015, salvaging a class that was decimated when he took over in Gainesville. Defensive coordinator Randy Shannon has drawn rave reviews in his new role, proving to be an ace recruiter in the Sunshine State.
We expect noticeable on-field improvements this season, which should attract more top-level prospects. Quarterback is a paramount position for Florida in this cycle after missing on targeted 2015 passers.
Michigan
It took Jim Harbaugh more than three months to land his first 2016 commitment, but the heralded new Wolverines coach seems to finally be hitting his stride. Michigan picked up four pledges in April, kicked off by 4-star Indiana quarterback Brandon Peters.
Plenty of elite playmakers have expressed interest in the new regime and ensuing visits to Ann Arbor will be key. If Michigan starts the season strong and sustains momentum, Harbaugh carries the clout to assemble a top-10 class.
UCLA
The Bruins enjoyed arguably the best signing day of any program in February, though the recent arrest of 5-star running back Soso Jamabo could put a damper on the final result. After bagging the country's top-rated 2015 quarterback (Josh Rosen), head coach Jim Mora has maintained success so far this cycle.
UCLA holds six 4-star commitments, headlined by Los Angeles defensive end Breland Brandt. We anticipate plenty more big-time pledges, particularly on offense if Rosen shines as a true freshman.
Texas
Charlie Strong will look for signs of improvement from a Longhorns offensive attack that's struggled mightily in recent years. The best way to attract elite offensive weapons is to show them an example of their potential production.
Texas has a quality 2016 quarterback-wide receiver combo in place with Shane Buechele and Collin Johnson, so it's imperative to build around them. This class currently features just four commitments, so Strong and his staff have some ground to make up.
10. Texas A&M
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Current Class Size: Seven commits (one 5-star; one 4-star)
Current 247Sports Composite Ranking: 23rd
Key Commits
Offensive tackle Greg Little gave the Aggies an early jolt when he pledged after his sophomore year. The country's top-rated offensive prospect spent the past two seasons protecting incoming Texas A&M quarterback Kyler Murray during consecutive Texas state title runs at Allen High School.
In-state twins Austin and Riley Anderson add more depth to the front line, each weighing in at 285 pounds with impressive height. Cornerback Travon Fuller, a 4-star defender, committed to head coach Kevin Sumlin last summer.
Top Targets
After landing 5-star quarterbacks in each of its past two recruiting classes, Texas A&M is a desirable destination for receivers. Former Baylor pledge Tren'Davian Dickson and Houston product Tyrie Cleveland could be enticed to join forces in College Station.
Sumlin must continue to fill needs on defense in order to take another step up the SEC ladder. Defensive back Brandon Jones, linebacker Michael Divinity and tackle Ed Oliver would fit the bill.
9. Clemson
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Current Class Size: Eight commits (one 5-star; three 4-stars)
Current 247Sports Composite Ranking: Ninth
Key Commits
Clemson continues to stockpile serious offensive talent, which should lead to future fireworks for head coach Dabo Swinney's attack. Georgia quarterback Zerrick Cooper committed to the Tigers last season and didn't need to wait long for potential supporting weapons.
Clemson secured pledges from 5-star running back Tavien Feaster and 4-star wide receiver duo Tavares Chase and Cornell Powell in late winter. Coveted IMG Academy (Florida) defensive end Rahshaun Smith joined the class in March.
Top Targets
Don't count Clemson out for more perimeter playmakers like New Orleans wide receiver Clyde Leflore, but the offensive line will be a point of emphasis. Florida guard Parker Boudreaux and Virginia tackle Clark Yarbrough are viable possibilities up front.
The Tigers remain the hunt for No. 1 overall recruit Rashan Gary, who enjoyed his campus visit. Linebackers Tre Lamar and Jaquan Yulee also sit high on Swinney's 2016 board.
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8. Tennessee
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Current Class Size: Nine (five 4-stars)
Current 247Sports Composite Ranking: 12th
Key Commits
New Jersey quarterback Jarrett Guarantano chose the Volunteers over Ohio State and Rutgers during an April announcement. He joined a class that already includes 4-star offensive tackles Ryan Johnson and Brodarious Hamm.
Devante Brooks is another 4-star talent who could line up at tight end or defensive end. Tennessee picked up a pledge from 4-star North Carolina cornerback Marquill Osborne early last season.
Top Targets
Head coach Butch Jones revitalized the Volunteers roster with outstanding recruiting classes in 2014 and 2015. He appears to be on the verge of repeating that success, with in-state targets like linebacker Daniel Bituli and defensive end Emmit Gooden looming large.
A steadily improving offensive attack could take another step forward with the additions of North Carolina wide reveiver Diondre Overton and Atlanta running back Elijah Holyfield, the son of legendary boxer Evander Holyfield. Tennessee has been ardent in the Peach State this cycle, as 4-star defensive backs Nigel Warrior and Mecole Hardman Jr. are also in the mix.
7. Ole Miss
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Current Class Size: 12 (one 5-star; 12 4-stars)
Current 247Sports Composite Ranking: Fourth
Key Commits
Louisiana quarterback Shea Patterson measures up very well against other 5-star passers we've seen in past classes and initially committed to Arizona as a freshman. He could develop a prolific connection with local 4-star wide receiver DeKaylin Metcalf, a Rebels legacy who may have the best hands in this class.
Running backs Justin Connor and Denzel Mitchell are both 4-star prospects. Dominant defensive tackle Benito Jones flipped his pledge from Alabama last August.
Top Targets
Patterson's presence will increase interest among wide receivers, including 4-star Mississippi target A.J. Brown. Ole Miss has sights set on several playmakers beyond state borders, highlighted by Texas defensive tackle Ed Oliver and Louisiana cornerback Andraez Williams.
Top overall prospect Rashan Gary expressed interest in visiting Oxford during an upcoming SEC tour. Other targets along the defensive front feature end Jeffery Simmons and edge rusher Daniel Bituli.
6. LSU
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Current Class Size: Nine (two 5-stars; six 4-stars)
Current 247Sports Composite Ranking: Fifth
Key Commits
The Tigers have recruited well on home turf so far this cycle. Louisiana commits include 5-star defensive tackle Edwin Alexander, along with physically imposing 4-star pass-catchers Stephen Sullivan and Jamal Pettigrew.
LSU head coach Les Miles has also enjoyed a successful foray into Florida. He's landed top-rated dual-threat quarterback Feleipe Franks and 5-star cornerback Saivion Smith from the Sunshine State.
Top Targets
The team aims to further capitalize on a talented Louisiana class. Rashard Lawrence, a 5-star defensive tackle, and Willie Allen, a 5-star offensive lineman, headline the wish list.
LSU is also invested in several Lone Star State recruitments. Texas standouts Eric Monroe, Brandon Jones and Ed Oliver have each reciprocated interest. North Carolina Keion Joyner tops the Tigers' list of linebacker targets.
5. Georgia
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Current Class Size: 10 commits (one 5-star; three 4-stars)
Current 247Sports Composite Ranking: Sixth
Key Commits
Washington quarterback Jacob Eason grades out as one of the top prospects we've seen at the position this decade. The 6'5", 205-pound prospect pledged to the Bulldogs last July on the same day elite offensive tackle Ben Cleveland climbed aboard.
E.J. Price joined Cleveland, a fellow 4-star offensive tackle prospect, in Georgia's class earlier this month. Defensive end Chauncey Manac and wide receiver Darion Anderson are key in-state acquisitions.
Top Targets
Georgia is focused on several in-state defenders who could elevate this class to another level. The list includes 5-star defensive linemen Derrick Brown and Julian Rochester.
Other homegrown talents on the radar are wide receiver Charlie Woerner, defensive tackle Tyler Clark and linebacker Jaleel Laguins. Offensive targets who could follow Eason to Athens feature Florida wide receiver Tre Nixon and Texas running back Devwah Whaley.
4. USC
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Current Class Size: Seven (six 4-stars)
Current 247Sports Composite Ranking: 13th
Key Commits
USC showed what it can do with a full arsenal of scholarship offers last signing day and continues to make the most of a new post-sanction era. Linebackers Mique Juarez and Daelin Hayes add to a collection of standouts at the position in Los Angeles.
The Trojans continue to effectively find elite in-state offensive talent. Nathan Smith and Frank Martin II form a 4-star duo up front, which should delight multi-faceted running back commit Melquise Stovall.
Top Targets
USC continues to assert itself across the country, with interested players located in faraway regions. Philadelphia tight end Naseir Upshur, Texas defensive tackle Jordan Elliott and Georgia wide receiver Josh Imatorbhebhe are among those contemplating a collegiate career on the West Coast.
The Trojans are also focused on making the most of California recruiting efforts. Wide receiver Tyler Vaughns and defensive back Brandon Burton are among in-state priorities.
3. Alabama
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Current Class Size: Six commits
Current 247Sports Composite Ranking: 20th
Key Commits
Alabama is currently riding an unprecedented five-year streak atop national recruiting rankings, creating arguably the deepest college football roster in America. You have to wonder if a log-jam throughout the depth chart is beginning to deter top 2016 talents from committing, but Nick Saban has proven that theory wrong in past cycles.
Early 2016 returns have been solid despite limited volume. The Crimson Tide secured pledges from Louisiana cornerback Shyheim Carter and Mississippi defensive tackle Raekwon Davis before their junior seasons, while 4-star offensive linemen Jonah Williams and Chris Owens committed this month.
Top Targets
There are still plenty of ducks on the pond for Saban, who is as revered by recruits as much as anyone in the country. Top overall 2016 prospect Rashan Gary plans to visit Tuscaloosa sometime soon, while fellow out-of-state 5-star defensive linemen Shavar Manuel and Rashard Lawrence view Alabama as a potential landing spot.
Alabama's in-state efforts center on a trio of defenders—linebacker Lyndell Wilson, defensive end Marlon Davidson and Tide legacy Ben Davis. Priority offensive targets include Louisiana tackle Willie Allen and Maryland wide receiver Trevon Diggs.
2. Ohio State
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Current Class Size: 12 (one 5-star; nine 4-stars)
Current 247Sports Composite Ranking: Third
Key Commits
This Buckeyes' class has an outstanding blend of quantity and quality through the opening stretch of this cycle. Head coach Urban Meyer holds pledges from three of the nation's top five running back prospects—Kareem Walker, George Hill and Demario McCall.
Texas talent Tristen Wallace is the latest dual-threat quarterback to give Meyer a commitment. Defensive ends Jonathon Cooper and Terrell Hall could each challenge for immediate playing time as 4-star prospects.
Top Targets
Despite the presence of two top-tier defensive ends, the best may be yet to come for Ohio State's 2016 class. Florida product Nick Bosa, a 5-star defender and younger brother of reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year Joey Bosa, is widely expected to follow in his brother's footsteps.
A nasty defensive front could become even scarier with a commitment from top-rated defensive tackle Rashan Gary, who visited Columbus earlier this spring. Offensive weapons in the cross-hairs include 5-star Wisconsin lineman Ben Bredeson and Michigan wide receiver Donnie Corley.
1. Florida State
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Current Class Size: 14 (three 5-stars; seven 4-stars)
Current 247Sports Composite Ranking: First
Key Commits
The Seminoles are the lone program to already hold a trio of 5-star recruits—cornerback Levonta Taylor, quarterback Malik Henry and tight end Isaac Nauta. Each deserve consideration as the premier prospect at their respective position, while Taylor may be the best overall athlete in high school.
The group includes a pair of 4-star in-state defensive linemen in Janarius Robinson and Cedric Wood. Baveon Johnson is considered the country's top center recruit, while 4-star linebackers Josh Brown and Tyree Horton further bolster an impressive corps in Tallahassee.
Top Targets
This class still has immense potential for growth, which is a large part of the reason we opted to leave Florida State atop rankings in our signing day forecast. Top-rated defensive end Shavar Manuel, who attends high school with Henry and Nauta, is considered a heavy Seminoles lean.
Linebacker Keion Joyner and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence are 5-star North Carolina products who both have Florida State on their short list. Keep a close eye on 5-star Auburn wide receiver commit Nate Craig-Myers, who could ultimately end up in garnet and gold.
Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports.
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