Power Ranking Top 25 College Football 2016 Recruiting Classes
We are nearly nine months shy of national signing day, but the 2016 recruiting cycle is already taking shape. Several college squads surged this spring with key commitments that add to impressive collections of talent, while others are still waiting for momentum.
While things remain largely unsettled in the national landscape, we assessed the developments that have defined this cycle so far while analyzing America's top 25 classes. Our order is based on the overall quality of a class in its entirety rather than sheer volume or a limited number of headliners.
Here's a look at how we view college football's premier recruiting classes as summer approaches.
25. Texas A&M
1 of 25
Total Commitments: Seven (one 5-star; one 4-star)
Best of the Bunch
Greg Little is the nation's No. 1 overall offensive prospect and spent the past two seasons protecting incoming Aggies quarterback Kyler Murray during state title runs at Allen High School. Texas twins Riley and Austin Anderson join him on the offensive front.
Texas A&M's efforts to increase defensive accountability have led to commitments from in-state cornerbacks Travon Fuller and Charles Oliver.
Top Targets
Head coach Kevin Sumlin still has plenty of work to do in this cycle and is feeling the pressure to build a defense under the direction of new coordinator John Chavis. North Carolina linebacker Keion Joyner and Texas safety Brandon Jones have returned interest from the Aggies.
Tackle Ed Oliver, defensive end Justin Madubuike and defensive back Eric Monroe are also in the cross-hairs for Chavis, while wide receiver Tren'Davian Dickson and running back Devwah Whaley loom large as 4-star offensive weapons.
24. Western Michigan
2 of 25
Best of the Bunch
This is the obvious choice for "team most likely to fall out of the top 25 by national signing day," but doubt Broncos head coach P.J. Fleck at your own risk. Class volume is clearly a key element of Western Michigan's early success in recruiting rankings, but the average player rating is comparable to what's currently in place for Power Five programs like Boston College, Texas Tech and Arizona.
The group tops out with 3-star prospects who deserve further evaluation by recruiting analysts, especially when it comes to Illinois quarterback Matt Little and Wisconsin linebacker Tristian Pipp. Safety Stefan Claiborne and wide receiver Kalebb Perry add instant-impact potential to important skill positions in Kalamazoo.
Top Targets
You may not see 4-star and 5-star guys lured to Western Michigan, but Fleck has made the most of a well-executed recruiting game plan. Guys on the radar include Illinois tight end Brandon Chapman, linebacker Eric Rogers and Indiana running back Chris Evans.
23. Mississippi State
3 of 25
Total Commitments: 10 (two 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
The Bulldogs continue to stockpile promising players on defense. Linebacker Deshon Cooper and cornerback Lashard Durr are highly rated junior college products. Mississippi State also went the JUCO route for versatile athlete Cameron Myers, who initially pledged to the program in high school, and 4-star offensive lineman Tommy Champion.
The team's in-state efforts have produced pledges from a pair of quality defensive backs in Quincy Lenton and Zaire Jones, who committed together as teammates from Meridian High School.
Top Targets
Head coach Dan Mullen is attempting to add even more bite to a stingy defense. Key prospects include defensive end Jeffery Simmons and cornerback Nigel Knott, 4-star athletes who hail from Mississippi. The primary offensive focus is directed toward in-state receiver A.J. Brown and Texas quarterback Jalen Hurts.
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22. Florida
4 of 25
Total Commitments: 11 (one 4-star)
Best of the Bunch
New Gators head coach Jim McElwain jumped on board late in the 2015 cycle and salvaged a class in peril, turning it into a top-25 class. He and the Florida staff, especially former Miami head coach Randy Shannon, have sustained momentum through the early stages of the 2016 cycle.
Defensive backs Chauncey Gardner and Spencer Perry highlight an impressive defensive group that also features Jacksonville, Florida, defensive end JaQuan Bailey and Miami linebacker Vosean Joseph. Wide receivers Rick Wells and Isaiah Johnson should have a chance to contribute early in The Swamp.
Top Targets
Florida didn't sign a quarterback in the 2015 class, so that position is paramount. The program's primary targets are Rex Culpepper and Dwayne Haskins, who announces his decision Friday. Wide receiver Binjimen Victor and offensive lineman Parker Boudreaux are 4-star in-state priorities.
The Gators landed at No. 6 in a new top-10 list for top uncommitted Florida defensive back Trayvon Mullen, who plays with Victor at Coconut Creek High School.
21. Kentucky
5 of 25
Total Commitments: 16 (two 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
The success of this Wildcats class is heavily built in the trenches, where 4-star offensive linemen Drake Jackson and Landon Young lead the way.
Cornerbacks Jordan Griffin and Tobias Gilliam help stabilize the defensive secondary. Quarterback Gunnar Hoak, running back Ben Snell and tight end Justin Rigg are Ohio products who add potential firepower to the offensive attack.
Top Targets
In-state prospect Kash Daniel and Ohio native Ethan Tucky are key defensive targets. Offensive recruiting efforts will continue to center on top Kentucky running back Quinton Baker and Georgia tight end Sam Letton, among others.
20. Michigan
6 of 25
Total Commitments: Six (three 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Brady Hoke era holdover Erik Swenson, a 4-star Illinois offensive lineman, remains the highest-rated 2016 Wolverines commit. It took head coach Jim Harbaugh three months to land his first pledge from the junior class, but he made it count with a commitment from 4-star Indiana quarterback Brandon Peters.
Top in-state running back Matthew Falcon jumped on board just five days later.
"Coach Harbaugh came in with a whole new staff, and they’re doing big things," Falcon told Bleacher Report. "They’re on the rebuilding path to get Michigan back to where it once was.”
Harbaugh also flipped linebacker David Reese from Louisville during his spring-game visit.
Top Targets
Top overall 2016 recruit Rashan Gary could land in Ann Arbor, where the defensive tackle's former high school coach is now on the Wolverines staff. California linebacker Caleb Kelly and Wisconsin offensive tackle Ben Bredeson are fellow 5-stars worth monitoring at Michigan. Harbaugh has several targets in the Mid-Atlantic, including Maryland offensive lineman Terrance Davis and New Jersey wide receiver Brad Hawkins.
19. Notre Dame
7 of 25
Total Commitments: Six (four 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
The Fighting Irish found a few beasts to utilize in the trenches with offensive linemen Tommy Kraemer and Liam Eichenberg and defensive end Julian Okwara, who is the younger brother of 2014 Notre Dame sack leader Romeo Okwara.
Head coach Brian Kelly found his 2016 running back at Florida powerhouse IMG Academy when Tony Jones Jr. committed in March. His pledge represented a pivotal pickup for first-year running backs coach Autry Denson.
Top Targets
Notre Dame looks to load up at linebacker, casting its net in the direction of 5-star prospects Caleb Kelly (California) and Ben Davis (Alabama), who is a Crimson Tide legacy.
"Notre Dame is a great school," Davis told Bleacher Report. "They have a great history and tradition. They've been to the national championship recently, and I'm excited to be able to receive the offer."
Other high-profile targets include 5-star Wisconsin offensive tackle Ben Bredeson, Illinois defensive end Josh King and Maryland quarterback Dwayne Haskins, who announces his college choice Friday.
18. Duke
8 of 25
Total Commitments: 11 (two 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Duke continues its steady rise on the national recruiting scene with commitments from 4-star offensive weapons Scott Bracey and Mark Birmingham. Bracey, who projects as a wide receiver at the next level, was the first junior to win All-Metro Player of the Year honors in Virginia since Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson.
In-state passer Chazz Surratt has a chance to emerge among the country's top 10 dual-threat quarterbacks with a strong senior campaign. The Blue Devils defensive haul is headlined by South Carolina linebacker Brandon Hill and Georgia cornerback Antone Williams.
Top Targets
Duke uses its well-respected academic standing to help draw players from across the country, and this year's efforts expand to California for 4-star defensive back David Long and Connecticut for underrated edge-rusher Koby Quansah. Pennsylvania offensive tackle Michal Menet and Ohio defensive end Prince Sammons are key prospects in the trenches.
17. Oregon
9 of 25
Total Commitments: Seven (three 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Seth Green, a 4-star Minnesota quarterback who recently transferred to Dallas area powerhouse Allen High School, is the latest dual-threat playmaker for the Ducks. His 2016 supporting cast includes wide receivers Theo Howard and Dillon Mitchell.
Top-rated in-state defensive back Brady Breeze gives Oregon a well-rounded safety to develop. California cornerback Troy Warner joined the secondary collection in April.
Top Targets
Expect Oregon to maintain recruiting success in California, where safety Brandon Burton and wide receiver Javon McKinley stand out. Top-rated in-state prospect LaMar Winston, a linebacker, remains undecided. Don't count the Ducks out for coveted Mississippi cornerback Nigel Knott either.
16. Stanford
10 of 25
Total Commitments: Six (four 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Stanford didn't sign a quarterback in the 2015 class, but patience paid off this spring when top-rated California passer KJ Costello declared for the Cardinal over Michigan and USC. His commitment set off a stretch that saw head coach David Shaw land four more pledges in four weeks.
"At the end of the day, the football side is a priority on one end, but I had to look beyond football to my future," he told B/R's Damon Sayles. "They're all great academic institutions. I just wanted to pick the best fit for me and go to a place where I can excel right way."
Costello was quickly joined in the class by Texas tight end Kaden Smith, California linebacker Curtis Robinson and Tennessee cornerback Nygel Edmonds, all 4-star prospects.
Top Targets
The Cardinal will continue to track offensive playmakers from across the country, most notably Georgia wide receiver Josh Imatorbhebhe and Texas running back Trevor Speights. In-state receiver Dylan Crawford could follow high school teammate Costello to Palo Alto and maintain their 4-star connection. Los Angeles cornerback David Long and Arizona defensive end Connor Murphy are also on the radar.
15. Penn State
11 of 25
Total Commitments: Six (four 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
James Franklin fueled a brief push to No. 1 in recruiting rankings last spring, and while things have tempered a bit in Happy Valley, he's still on track to add more top-tier talent to a roster previously depleted by scholarship sanctions. Maryland defensive end Shane Simmons is a menacing pass-rusher, while Michigan cornerback Lavert Hill is among the most coveted defenders in Big Ten territory.
Penn State secured a pledge from 4-star Pittsburgh running back Miles Sanders last summer. The Nittany Lions hope he churns out plenty of yards behind the blocking of 4-star interior offensive lineman Connor McGovern. New York quarterback Jake Zembiec committed in November.
Top Targets
Penn State is focused on improving its effectiveness in the trenches, so it's no surprise in-state offensive lineman Michal Menet and Baltimore defensive tackle Ellison Jordan are among the primary targets. Franklin is pursuing several 4-star defensive ends, including Josh King, Ron Johnson and Ohio State commit Terrell Hall.
"(Lions assistant coach Charles) Huff hits me up every day," Hall told Bleacher Report.
14. TCU
12 of 25
Total Commitments: Eight (four 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
TCU is loading up at skill positions and holds a pledge from intriguing two-way player Sewo Olonilua, who has the ability to make a name for himself at running back or free safety. D'Eriq King is another outstanding talent who warrants the "athlete" description, as he could compete at quarterback or wide receiver, though Brennen Wooten already fills a need behind center.
King's teammate at Manvel High School, 4-star offensive tackle Austin Myers, is also in the mix. Wide receiver Courtney Lark and cornerback KeShawn Somerville are also key in-state commitments.
Top Targets
The Horned Frogs currently lead for coveted Florida cornerback Trayvon Mullen, who placed TCU above LSU and Florida State on his new top-10 list.
"Even though I haven't visited TCU yet, I really like the school, and I've had some good conversations with the coaches," he told Bleacher Report. "Not a lot of South Florida kids play college football in Texas, so I could be different. I feel like I could be a big fish."
The trend of interested defenders continues with 5-star Houston defensive tackle Ed Oliver and 4-star safety Deontay Anderson, another Manvel product. Keep a close eye on former Texas A&M wide receiver pledge Tyrie Cleveland too.
13. Baylor
13 of 25
Total Commitments: Eight (one 5-star; two 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Patrick Hudson and JP Urquidez form arguably the most intimidating pair of offensive linemen in this cycle. Hudson belongs in any discussion about the top tackle in the 2016 class.
The duo will look to protect strong-armed quarterback Zach Smith and clear lanes for 4-star running back Kameron Martin. Kenan Ivy, Grayland Arnold, Chris Miller and Raleigh Texada give the team four in-state cornerbacks to develop in Waco.
Top Targets
Head coach Art Briles will look to secure more weapons for a high-octane offensive attack. Potential additions include Devin Duvernay and former Baylor pledge Tren'Davian Dickson, who set a national record with 39 touchdown receptions last season. Defensive help could come from Houston safety Eric Monroe, Louisiana linebacker Michael Divinity and dynamic defensive end Alton Robinson.
12. Alabama
14 of 25
Total Commitments: Eight (four 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
After claiming five straight top-rated recruiting classes, Alabama isn't off to the scintillating start we've become accustomed to, but there's still a lot to like about this group. Jonah Williams, Chris Owens and Deonte Brown give head coach Nick Saban another collection of 4-star offensive linemen to groom.
Louisiana cornerback Shyheim Carter is among the country's best at his position and a borderline 5-star prospect. Mississippi lineman Raekwon Davis and Louisiana safety Joshua Perry are other out-of-state commitments on defense.
Top Targets
Don't count out a sixth straight recruiting title for Saban just yet, as many marquee playmakers may end up in Tuscaloosa. Top 5-star defenders Rashan Gary, Rashard Lawrence, Lyndell Wilson, Marlon Davidson and Ben Davis are all strong possibilities. Davis, an in-state linebacker, is the son of Alabama all-time leading tackler Wayne Davis.
"Coach Saban is fun to be around," Davis told Bleacher Report. "People who don't know him might not expect him to be like that. He's a cool guy to spend time with. But when it's time for business, he's about his business. He's one of the greatest."
Names to watch on offense include Miami wide receiver Darnell Salomon and Maryland athlete Trevon Diggs, who could also play defensive back in college. Diggs wore Crimson Tide gloves in April at a Nike camp.
11. Michigan State
15 of 25
Total Commitments: 12 (two 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Michigan State has the makings of an explosive passing attack in place. Former Michigan quarterback commit Messiah deWeaver pledged to the Spartans this spring, and the Ohio product is joined by 4-star wide receivers Cameron Chambers and Justin Layne.
"I can't wait to get up there and become a part of something special," said Chambers, who dominated throughout a recent Nike camp in New Jersey.
In-state tackle Thiyo Lukusa and Illinois center Matthew Allen help solidify the offensive front, which is good news for Washington, D.C. running back commit Abdul Adams. A recent pledge from Detroit defensive back Demetric Vance bodes well for the secondary.
Top Targets
Michigan State has been hot this spring and looks to sustain momentum with pivotal prospects like Penn State cornerback commit Lavert Hill, Indiana defensive end Auston Robertson and Detroit wide receiver Donnie Corley. Philadelphia tight end Naseir Upshur, a 4-star talent, recently told Bleacher Report he's interested in the Spartans.
10. Tennessee
16 of 25
Total Commitments: Nine (five 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
New Jersey quarterback Jarrett Guarantano spurned Ohio State and Rutgers—his legacy school—in April by committing to Tennessee. He spearheads a class that includes potential top pass targets Devante Brooks, TaDarryl Marshall and Corey Henderson.
Ryan Johnson and Brodarious Hamm give head coach Butch Jones potential long-term bookends at offensive tackle. North Carolina's Marquill Osborne is among the Southeast's best cornerbacks.
Top Targets
Guarantano is looking to lure fellow New Jersey standouts to Knoxville, and none are bigger than 5-star defensive tackle Rashan Gary, who expressed interest in visiting campus soon.
"I'm trying to go to Tennessee with Jarrett and a couple other guys," he told Bleacher Report. "A lot of guys are trying to get me to go places, but that's one that stands out a bit."
Georgia defensive backs Mecole Hardman Jr. and Nigel Warrior are high on the Volunteers' board. More offensive help could arrive in the form of North Carolina wide receiver Diondre Overton, running back Elijah Holyfield and Indiana wide receiver Austin Mack, who is making Tennessee his final visit before a June 7 commitment announcement.
9. USC
17 of 25
Total Commitments: Seven (six 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
The Trojans may have topped everyone last signing day in terms of landing linebacker talent. The position figures to become even deeper with 4-star talents Mique Juarez and Daelin Hayes already on board for 2016.
USC secured its third 4-star quarterback recruit in two years when in-state passer Matt Fink pledged this spring. He's joined in the Trojans' offensive arsenal by fellow 4-stars Frank Martin II (tackle), Nathan Smith (tackle) and Melquise Stovall (running back).
Top Targets
Head coach Steve Sarkisian will try to expand the program's pipeline to Los Angeles area powerhouse Junipero Serra High School (former home of Marqise Lee, Robert Woods, Jalen Greene, Adoree' Jackson, Rasheem Green and John Houston). The latest potential pickups include defensive end Oluwole Betiku and safety Brandon Burton.
”It’s a great pipeline, and I’m proud to have the option of continuing it," Burton told Bleacher Report.
The list of key California recruits features wide receivers Tyler Vaughns, Trevon Sidney and Dylan Crawford. Texas defensive tackle Jordan Elliott and Philadelphia tight end Naseir Upshur are compelling possibilities beyond the region.
8. Clemson
18 of 25
Total Commitments: Eight (one 5-star; three 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney annually assembles a loaded offensive class, and this cycle is no different and is led by 5-star running back Tavien Feaster. Wide receivers Tavares Chase and Cornell Powell both pledged to the Tigers within days of Feaster.
“It’s an explosive offense. Everybody can step up and become a big-play guy there," Feaster told Bleacher Report. "It’s very exciting to watch, and some great players have come through there."
Georgia quarterback Zerrick Cooper and Texas tight end J.C. Chalk also add to the arsenal. Defensively, Florida pass-rusher Rahshaun Smith leads the way.
Top Targets
Signs point toward Clemson adding more offensive firepower, perhaps in the form of Louisiana wide receiver Clyde Leflore or Florida interior lineman Parker Boudreaux. The team will aim high on defense, with 4-star Georgia linebacker Tre Lamar and top-rated defensive tackle Rashan Gary among the loftiest prizes.
7. UCLA
19 of 25
Total Commitments: 10 (six 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
UCLA looks ready to build an impressive defensive group. The haul is headlined by defensive end Breland Brandt, while linebackers Lokeni Toailoa and Krys Barnes are both 4-star recruits who committed in March.
Head coach Jim Mora aims to surround heralded freshman quarterback Josh Rosen with a strong supporting cast for years to come. Those efforts are underway with pledges from 4-star wide receivers Darian Owens and Michael Pittman, along with well-rounded running back Demetric Felton.
Top Targets
Mora has his sights set on several marquee in-state standouts, including top-rated California recruit Caleb Kelly (linebacker) and 4-star Orange County wide receiver Dylan Crawford. Safety Brandon Burton and defensive end Oluwole Betiku could become a package deal from Los Angeles area powerhouse Junipero Serra High School.
6. Georgia
20 of 25
Total Commitments: 10 (one 5-star; five 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Quarterback Jacob Eason is arguably one of the top passers we've scouted this decade, though Georgia must maintain a cross-country commitment from the Washington prospect. He will be well-protected by 4-star offensive tackle tandem E.J. Price and Ben Cleveland, while Eason's presence helped lure a pledge from 4-star wide receiver Darion Anderson.
"I think it would be great to play with him," Anderson told Bleacher Report. "He's a big playmaker and a good athlete from what I've seen."
The class also includes considerable defensive talent, highlighted by pass-rusher Chauncey Manac and cornerback Malek Young.
Top Targets
Georgia is focused on a few elite in-state defensive linemen. Derrick Brown and Julian Rochester—a pair of 5-star talents—highlight that list, along with 4-star tackle Antwuan Jackson.
Bulldogs head coach Mark Richt aims to surround Eason with a dynamic supporting offensive cast. Charlie Woerner, Tre Nixon and Josh Imatorbhebhe highlight the wide receiver wish list, while 4-star running backs Devwah Whaley and JaQua Daniels also loom large.
5. Ole Miss
21 of 25
Total Commitments: 12 (one 5-star; seven 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Quarterback Shea Patterson is the kind of passer you can build a class around, and the 5-star Louisiana playmaker is set to have plenty of support in Oxford. Ole Miss picked up pledges from 4-star running back tandem Justin Connor and Denzel Mitchell, while top in-state wide receiver and Rebels legacy DeKaylin Metcalf committed in 2013.
"[Committing] is just the start of my recruiting process," Patterson told B/R's Damon Sayles. "I'm going to do the best I can to help bring the best class there."
Octavious Cooley, a 4-star in-state tight end, is also on board. Defensive linemen Charles Wiley and Benito Jones—a flip from Alabama—headline potential additions to the "Land Shark" attack.
Top Targets
Louisiana products Mykel Jones and Devin White sit atop the offensive board, while wide receiver A.J. Brown is a key in-state prospect. Ole Miss is looking at studs along every level of the defense, including edge-rusher Jeffery Simmons, cornerback Andraez Williams and linebacker Ben Davis.
"I've watched a lot of (Ole Miss) games, and I like the way they hit," Davis told Bleacher Report. "A lot of those guys on defense have a mean streak. I like their style."
4. LSU
22 of 25
Total Commitments: Nine (two 5-stars; six 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Head coach Les Miles seems to be assembling a basketball team by the looks of his 2016 class of pass targets. Dee Anderson, Jamal Pettigrew and Stephen Sullivan are each 4-star prospects who stand at least 6'4".
That's good news for Florida quarterback Feleipe Franks, who is rated No. 1 overall among dual-threat passers. Despite the impressive collection of offensive commits, defensive players shine brightest in this group.
Top-ranked cornerback Saivion Smith and dominant defensive tackle Edwin Alexander are both 5-star talents. Clifford Chattman, a freakishly athletic 6'4" safety/linebacker, was a gem of an in-state find for the Tigers.
Top Targets
This defensive unit could grow even better, with as many as four 5-stars (linebacker Keion Joyner, tackle Rashard Lawrence, linebacker Ben Davis and tackle Ed Oliver) reciprocating interest. Houston product Eric Monroe and in-state cornerback Kristian Fulton are also options, while LSU will fight hard to keep 5-star New Orleans offensive lineman Willie Allen in his home state.
3. Miami
23 of 25
Total Commitments: 20 (nine 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Miami distanced itself from the pack with a flurry of pledges during the winter, surging out to the top-rated composite class early. Other programs have since caught up while building a stronger blend of volume and talent, though this group is quite an accomplishment for a team that finished below .500 last fall.
In-state quarterback Jack Allison provides incentive for 4-star wide receivers Sam Bruce, Ahmmon Richards and Dionte Mullins to remain in the mix. Linebacker Shaquille Quarterman leads a defensive group that features a pair of players from nearby Gulliver Prep—edge-rusher Joseph Jackson and safety Cedrick Wright.
Top Targets
Alabama end Darius Whitfield and South Carolina tackle Nyles Pinckney are premier defensive priorities. The Hurricanes could continue to build a promising offense with weapons like local wide receiver Darnell Salomon and Philadelphia tight end Naseir Upshur, who told Bleacher Report he aims to line up a trip to Coral Gables.
2. Ohio State
24 of 25
Total Commitments: 15 (one 5-star; 11 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Ohio State holds an abundance of talent in the offensive backfield, which is already loaded with depth in Columbus. The Buckeyes landed three of the country's top five running back recruits in Kareem Walker, George Hill and Demario McCall, while 4-star Texas quarterback Tristen Wallace jumped on board this spring.
Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer has also addressed defensive needs, picking up pledges from Illinois linebacker Tuf Borland and Florida tackle Malik Barrow. The Buckeyes claim commitments from a pair of feared 4-star pass-rushers—Jonathon Cooper and Terrell Hall.
"I feel like we have the best class so far, and since these guys are going to Ohio State, you know they're competitors," Hall told Bleacher Report. "Hopefully we can all help make this a legendary class."
Top Targets
Ohio State is a heavy favorite to sign Nick Bosa, a 5-star Florida defensive end and the younger brother of Buckeyes standout Joey Bosa. The defensive front would become even stouter with top overall 2015 prospect Rashan Gary, a tackle from New Jersey who visited this spring.
Wisconsin offensive tackle Ben Bredeson and in-state defensive end Prince Sammons are also top priorities in the trenches. Meyer aims to address wide receiver depth with a list of targets headlined by Binjimen Victor, Ahmir Mitchell and Austin Mack.
"Columbus is buzzing right now, and there's a lot of energy in that town after the championship," Mack told Bleacher Report.
1. Florida State
25 of 25
Total Commitments: 14 (three 5-stars; seven 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Florida State secured commitments from four players who hold the highest composite rating at their respective position—tight end Isaac Nauta, center Baveon Johnson, cornerback Levonta Taylor and weak-side defensive end Janarius Robinson. Taylor may be the best overall athlete in the country and ran the 40-yard dash in 4.34 seconds at a recent regional Nike camp.
"We're still looking for more playmakers in this class," Taylor told Bleacher Report at the camp. "It's a special group of guys, and a lot of us are working to recruit other top recruits."
The Seminoles landed 5-star quarterback Malik Henry, who plays with Nauta at IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida), last November. An impressive defensive haul includes local lineman Cedric Wood, Miami safety Jamel Cook and North Carolina linebacker Josh Brown.
Top Targets
Head coach Jimbo Fisher is the front-runner for a third 5-star recruit from IMG Academy—No. 1 overall strong-side defensive end Shavar Manuel. Florida State is also in pursuit of fellow 5-star defensive end Nick Bosa, who is likely to follow older brother Joey to Ohio State.
The Seminoles could pluck a pair of defensive standouts from North Carolina in 5-star linebacker Keion Joyner and 4-star tackle Dexter Lawrence. Top South Florida cornerback Trayvon Mullen remains high on the possibility of playing in Tallahassee.
All quotes obtained firsthand by Bleacher Report National Recruiting Analyst Tyler Donohue unless otherwise noted.
Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports.
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