Bleacher Report's Top 25 2016 Recruiting Classes After The Opening
The Opening is now a thing of the past, and six players made verbal commitments during the prestigious event featuring some of the best athletes college football recruiting has to offer.
Two commits chose USC, two chose Oregon and one each committed to Washington and Notre Dame. With the new commitments, some schools watched their recruiting rankings rise, while others saw their rankings fall.
Here is Bleacher Report's updated top 25 recruiting rankings for the class of 2016. Rankings were decided based upon a team's success at landing 5-star recruits, 4-star recruits and the overall ability of a team filling its needs.
25. Clemson Tigers
1 of 25
Total commitments: 9
5-star commitments: 1
4-star commitments: 3
Best of the bunch
Clemson has the top-ranked running back in the nation committed in 5-star Tavien Feaster, a player who can see immediate playing time as a freshman. The Tigers are building a reputation of producing solid wide receivers, and 4-stars Tavares Chase and Cornell Powell have the potential to boost that reputation.
The Tigers will have a few defensive players to keep an eye on. Rahshaun Smith, a 4-star linebacker, was impressive at The Opening. He and 3-star Jamie Skalski currently are Clemson's only defensive commits.
Top targets
Every team in the country would love to land a guy like Rashan Gary, and the 5-star defensive tackle has expressed interest in Clemson. The Tigers would love to partner Gary with a guy like 4-star defensive tackle Nyles Pinckney, and while getting both may not be in the cards, landing one of the two is very much possible. Pinckney is a fan of Clemson's defense.
Arguably the biggest offensive targets are 4-star receivers Clyde Leflore and Diondre Overton. John Simpson, a 4-star interior lineman, also would be a major get for Clemson.
24. Nebraska Cornhuskers
2 of 25
Total commitments: 12
5-star commitments: 0
4-star commitments: 2
Best of the bunch
Nebraska has a group of a dozen athletes looking to make an immediate impact in college. Among those are interior offensive lineman John Raridon and safety Marquel Dismuke. Raridon is the top-ranked offensive guard in the country.
One player to keep an eye on is 3-star quarterback Patrick O'Brien. The rising pro-style quarterback had a solid run through the Elite 11 circuit, and he earned his invitation to the national competition in Oregon. O'Brien could be a Big Ten sleeper when his time comes to start.
Top targets
Nebraska loves its offensive linemen, and 4-star tackle Matt Farniok would make for a welcomed addition to the roster. Farniok has an older brother who played at Iowa State and another older brother currently at Oklahoma. Will he choose to take his own path rather than follow the footsteps of one of his brothers?
Another player to keep an eye on is Xavier Kelly. A super-athletic, 4-star defensive end, Kelly is a high target for Nebraska and is being recruited by Alabama, Florida State and a few other programs.
23. Florida Gators
3 of 25
Total commitments: 14
5-star commitments: 0
4-star commitments: 2
Best of the bunch
Florida's class is 14 strong, and many eyes are on the 4-star tandem of running back Mark Thompson and cornerback Chauncey Gardner. Thompson is the nation's top-ranked junior college running back and the No. 4 JUCO player overall. Gardner is a top-15 high school cornerback who fared well at The Opening.
The Gators have three wide receivers who could be go-to targets in the SEC. Josh Hammond, Rick Wells and Isaiah Johnson are 3-star prospects with good hands, respectable speed and a will to succeed.
Top targets
Florida's good class has the potential to be outstanding with the addition of a few key recruits. Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence and defensive end Shavar Manuel are two 5-star linemen who are highly interested in the Gators. Head coach Jim McElwain is hoping to close the deal with these two in February.
Offensively, there's the matter of finding a quarterback for the class, and 4-star Dillon Sterling-Cole would be a great fit in Gainesville. If Sterling-Cole commits, don't be surprised if 4-star receiver Tyrie Cleveland joins him, as the two are high school teammates who have discussed playing together in college.
22. Tennessee Volunteers
4 of 25
Total commitments: 12
5-star commitments: 0
4-star commitments: 4
Best of the bunch
Tennessee likes its future on offense. Jarrett Guarantano, a 4-star prospect and the nation's No. 2 dual-threat quarterback, is expected to be an elite quarterback in the SEC sooner than later. He will get an opportunity to produce with 4-star offensive tackle Ryan Johnson protecting him.
Defensively, the Volunteers will look to their 4-star tandem of cornerback Marquill Osborne and defensive end Chidi Okonya for early assistance. Both are top-20 athletes at their respective positions, and coach Butch Jones hopes to sign them in February.
Top targets
A player like Mecole Hardman Jr. would be a huge get for the Vols, as the 4-star athlete can play either receiver or cornerback effectively. A potential secondary featuring Hardman, 4-star cornerback Nigel Knott and 4-star safety Nigel Warrior would give Tennessee one of the most athletic classes of 2016.
Jones and his staff are looking good at landing several other uncommitted, 4-star players. Offensive tackle Landon Dickerson, linebacker Daniel Bituli and defensive end Emmit Gooden are strongly Tennessee.
21. Duke Blue Devils
5 of 25
Total commitments: 16
5-star commitments: 0
4-star commitments: 2
Best of the bunch
The Duke offense will receive a couple of 4-star prospects on offense in athlete Scott Bracey and tight end Mark Birmingham. Bracey is a top-12 athlete who could fit best as a wide receiver for the Blue Devils. Birmingham is a top-10 tight end who can block but could serve well as a flex option.
Duke's defense will have a few players coming in to assist. The linebacker 3-star duo of Brandon Hill and Koby Quansah, along with 3-star cornerback Mark Gilbert, could be early surprises in the ACC.
Top targets
One player Duke has high expectations in landing is 4-star safety Eric Burrell. He and 4-star defensive end targets Prince Sammons and Justin Madubuike would make for a solid defensive nucleus. Madubuike and Sammons—at 6'8" and 280 pounds—are top-10 strong-side defensive ends.
Keeping talent close to home always is a goal. Linebacker Jonathan Smith and athlete Moe Neal, two in-state prospects, are players to watch, as is Virginia wide receiver Phillip Patterson.
20. Auburn Tigers
6 of 25
Total commitments: 11
5-star commitments: 0
4-star commitments: 5
Best of the bunch
Auburn has a nice balance of offensive and defensive players. Woody Barrett could be the latest dual-threat quarterback star for the Tigers, and the 4-star talent will have 4-star wide receiver and The Opening participant Eli Stove to throw to.
Defensively, Auburn is getting a lot of help in the secondary. The combination of 4-star athlete Stephen Davis Jr. (expected to play safety in college) and 4-star cornerbacks John Broussard and Jamarcus King give the Tigers great size, versatility and added depth in the secondary.
Top targets
Auburn has a shot at landing some of the best players in the country. The Tigers can score big at defensive tackle, as 5-stars Rashan Gary, Derrick Brown and 4-star Antwuan Jackson are three heavyweights who could give that class a major boost.
There are two in-state targets Auburn would love to land in a battle against Alabama. Although 5-star linebacker Ben Davis may be tough to get (his father was a star at Alabama), 5-star defensive end Marlon Davidson is considered a heavy Auburn lean.
19. Texas A&M Aggies
7 of 25
Total commitments: 13
5-star commitments: 0
4-star commitments: 3
Best of the bunch
Even though Texas A&M recently lost the nation's top-ranked offensive lineman, Greg Little, the class is still one with players to watch. Hybrid defensive end Mark Jackson Jr., a 4-star prospect, is a problem for offensive linemen to cover. He's the 12th-ranked weak-side defensive end, but he also has the ability to play outside linebacker if necessary.
Additionally, the Aggies feature two other 4-star pledges in cornerback Travon Fuller and linebacker Tyrel Dodson. All three recruits are capable of seeing starter's minutes as freshmen. One player to keep an eye on is 3-star tight end Zarrian Holcombe, who can line up as either a flex end or a wide receiver.
Top targets
Keeping Texas' top talent in state is a priority for the Aggies. Versatile, 5-star safety Brandon Jones is the top-ranked safety in the country for a reason. Getting him and 4-star linebackers Jeff McCulloch and Dontavious Jackson would give Texas A&M's class a huge spike in the recruiting rankings.
One player the Aggies are keeping tabs on is 4-star wide receiver Tyrie Cleveland. A one-time Texas A&M commit, Cleveland decommitted in April but never completely ruled the Aggies out. TCU and Florida are two schools the Aggies are hoping to beat in landing Cleveland.
18. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
8 of 25
Total commitments: 12
5-star commitments: 0
4-star commitments: 4
Best of the bunch
The offensive line fuels all good offenses, and Notre Dame has three solid linemen coming in. High expectations are for 4-star tackles Tommy Kraemer and Liam Eichenberg, two athletes with great size and length. Kraemer and 3-star interior lineman Parker Boudreaux were standouts at The Opening, holding their own against quality defensive linemen.
Also at The Opening was 4-star running back Tony Jones Jr., who is a big, strong athlete at 6'0" and 212 pounds. The surprise get of the class, however, may be wide receiver Chase Claypool, the top-ranked player out of Canada and a 6'5", 205-pound athlete.
Top targets
Julian Okwara is committed as a 4-star defensive end, and 4-star Justin Madubuike would fit well on the other side of the defensive line. Notre Dame is still in the race for 5-star linebacker Caleb Kelly as well. Jordan Fuller is a 4-star athlete who could shine in the secondary.
A big get for Notre Dame's offense would be Damian Alloway, the nation's No. 2 all-purpose back. Alloway can line up at either wide receiver or running back and also serve as a reliable special teams option.
17. Kentucky Wildcats
9 of 25
Total commitments: 19
5-star commitments: 0
4-star commitments: 2
Best of the bunch
Kentucky has a couple of 4-star offensive linemen to keep an eye on. Interior lineman Drake Jackson, the nation's No. 2 center, showed he was fearless at The Opening, making an impact against some of the best defensive linemen of the 2016 class. Landon Young, the top-ranked player from the state of Kentucky, is a long blocker with a high football IQ.
The Wildcats have some defensive players. Kash Daniel, a 3-star linebacker, is a player to watch, as are 3-star cornerbacks Jordan Griffin and Tobias Gilliam.
Top targets
Adding quality offensive linemen to the class is something Kentucky wants, and junior college target Tate Leavitt could be the answer. Leavitt is the No. 5 JUCO offensive tackle in the country and has the Wildcats high on his list.
Solid, versatile defensive players in the SEC also are a priority. Linebacker Brock Miller is a 3-star prospect who can play outside linebacker but also could be a speed-rusher if he bulks up.
16. Baylor Bears
10 of 25
Total commitments: 13
5-star commitments: 1
4-star commitments: 3
Best of the bunch
Baylor has 13 commitments, and offensive tackle Patrick Hudson is among the nation's best players. The 5-star Hudson, the nation's No. 2 offensive tackle, will team up with 4-star tackle J.P. Urquidez to produce an offensive line that makes life difficult for rush ends.
All-purpose back Kameron Martin is a 4-star talent with great speed and field vision. The Bears also have 3-star quarterback Zach Smith committed. Defensively, 4-star defensive tackle Bravvion Roy is a player to watch and could be a potential Big 12 standout.
Top targets
Baylor's offense attracts a lot of skill-position players, particularly at wide receiver. One of the biggest targets is Devin Duvernay, who is the nation's No. 2 receiver. Another wide receiver Baylor continues to target is Tren'Davian Dickson, a 4-star prospect and one-time Baylor commit who has the national single-season touchdown receptions record
The Bears can use some big names on defense, and athletes like 5-star safety Brandon Jones, 4-star defensive end Isaiah Chambers and 4-star defensive end McTelvin Agim can help make Baylor's defense just as potent as its offense.
15. Stanford Cardinal
11 of 25
Total commitments: 11
5-star commitments: 1
4-star commitments: 5
Best of the bunch
The group of tight ends in the 2016 class is outstanding, and 5-star Kaden Smith is one of the best of the group. Smith is equally impressive as a pass-catching option as he is a blocker. He is expected to be a go-to option for 4-star quarterback K.J. Costello, who has one of the strongest arms of all the 2016 quarterbacks.
When Stanford is running the ball, look for Smith and 4-star offensive tackle Clark Yarbrough to make holes for 4-star running back Beau Bisharat. Defensively, the Cardinal have a pair of 4-star prospects in defensive tackle Mike Williams and linebacker Curtis Robinson.
Top targets
There are a few targets that Stanford hopes to sign in February. Headlining the pack is 4-star cornerback David Long, who is ranked the No. 6 cornerback in the country. Defensive end Connor Murphy and safety Andrew Pryts, two more 4-star prospects, also are on Stanford's radar.
One player to keep an eye on is Levi Onwuzurike, a 3-star defensive end who is nearing 30 offers. Onwuzurike can be a catalyst in David Shaw's defensive scheme.
14. UCLA Bruins
12 of 25
Total commitments: 13
5-star commitments: 0
4-star commitments: 6
Best of the bunch
UCLA is putting focus on its defense with the 2016 class. Four of the six 4-star commits are defensive players, including defensive end Breland Brandt and cornerback Jordan Parker. The inside linebacker tandem of Lokeni Toailoa and Krys Barnes should be one to watch in a couple of years.
The offense for the Bruins will have talented playmakers in 4-star wide receiver Darian Owens and 4-star athlete Dymond Lee—someone who can play receiver or quarterback if necessary. The 3-star backfield duo of quarterback Matt Lynch and running back Demetric Felton could be better than advertised.
Top targets
Defense has been a priority for UCLA, and there's a good chance it will add a few more stars on that side of the ball. The 5-star tandem of linebacker Caleb Kelly and defensive end Oluwole Betiku could put UCLA in the top 10, recruiting rankings wise. Add in 4-star defensive tackle Boss Tagaloa, and you've got a solid nucleus of defenders in UCLA's 2016 class.
Keeping in-state players close to home is something the Bruins want to do. Dylan Crawford and Javon McKinley, two 4-star wide receivers, are targets the Bruins hope to sway and ultimately sign in February.
13. TCU Horned Frogs
13 of 25
Total commitments: 14
5-star commitments: 0
4-star commitments: 6
Best of the bunch
TCU hopes the success it had last season will parlay into a stellar 2016 recruiting class, and so far, so good for head coach Gary Patterson and his staff. Athlete D'Eriq King, all-purpose back Trayveon Williams, offensive tackle Austin Myers and wide receivers Courtney Lark and Taj Williams all are 4-star talents.
TCU's defense will have a versatile player in 4-star Sewo Olonilua, who can play safety or outside linebacker. Keep an eye on 3-star cornerback KeShawn Somerville as well.
Top targets
TCU has a few in-state prospects on its targeting list. Among them are wide receiver Tyrie Cleveland, safety Deontay Anderson and defensive end Justin Madubuike, all 4-star athletes.
Two athletes the Horned Frogs appear to be in the driver's seat for are 4-star defensive tackle Chris Daniels and 3-star offensive lineman Denzel Okafor. Daniels is a top-15 defensive tackle nationally, and Okafor is a rising interior lineman.
12. Oregon Ducks
14 of 25
Total commitments: 14
5-star commitments: 0
4-star commitments: 8
Best of the bunch
Of all the teams nationwide, Oregon may have helped itself the most with commitments from The Opening. The Ducks had two huge 4-star defensive targets commit in cornerback Jared Mayden and linebacker LaMar Winston. Mayden is Oregon's top-ranked defensive pledge. Winston, an in-state pledge, is the No. 2 player in the state of Oregon.
Mayden and Winston join 4-star wide receiver Theo Howard, the program's overall top-ranked commit, and Dillon Mitchell, another 4-star receiver, in the class. The offense has 4-star, dual-threat quarterback Seth Green committed as well.
Top targets
Oregon's impressive 2014 season could be that boost needed for head coach Mark Helfrich and his staff. Linebacker Bryce Youngquist and athlete Devin Asiasi—who can play either tight end or defensive end at the next level—are two potential targets to keep an eye on.
One player the Ducks would love to get is 5-star linebacker Caleb Kelly. California's top-ranked player and the nation's No. 2 outside linebacker, Kelly has Oregon in his top seven and would fit well in the Pac-12.
11. Georgia Bulldogs
15 of 25
Total commitments: 12
5-star commitments: 2
4-star commitments: 4
Best of the bunch
It's never a bad idea to have a quarterback many are dubbing "the next Matthew Stafford." Jacob Eason, a 5-star, pro-style quarterback, is the No. 3 player in the country. With 4-star offensive tackle Ben Cleveland protecting him up front, Eason could be a dynamic college quarterback early in his career.
Georgia's defense will get a bump up front, thanks to the trio of 5-star defensive tackle Julian Rochester, 4-star defensive end Chauncey Manac and 4-star defensive tackle Tyler Clark. Cornerback Chad Clay is a 3-star recruit who could be a sleeper in the class.
Top targets
If everything works in its favor, Georgia could have one of the best defensive line classes, nationwide, in years. Rochester, Manac and Clark already are committed, and the Bulldogs are strong contenders for 5-star tackles Rashan Gary and Derrick Brown and 4-star end Antwuan Jackson.
Georgia also has high interest in the 4-star trio of athlete Mecole Hardman Jr., linebacker Jaleel Laguins and safety Nigel Warrior. Any combination of the aforementioned players would give the Bulldogs a big boost in the recruiting rankings.
10. Michigan State Spartans
16 of 25
Total commitments: 20
5-star commitments: 0
4-star commitments: 6
Best of the bunch
The old adage of defense winning championships could apply to Michigan State in the immediate future. The Spartans have three 4-star defensive linemen in defensive tackle Naquan Jones and defensive ends Josh King and Auston Robertson. Additionally, 4-star safety Demetric Vance is a playmaker in the secondary.
The defensive class is solid, but you can bet Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio is just as excited about the offensive commits. The Spartans have arguably one of the most underrated quarterback pledges in 3-star Messiah deWeaver, as well as two 4-star receivers in Justin Layne and Cameron Chambers.
Top targets
Two 4-star offensive targets Michigan State would love to have on its roster are receiver Donnie Corley and offensive lineman Richard Merritt. Corley is considered a Michigan State lean, but Merritt is more of a long shot.
Two additional 4-star targets to keep an eye on are classified as a couple of the best tight ends in the country. Naseir Upshur and Luke Ferrell are players who Dantonio and his staff have been working on, as both are ranked in the top five of their position nationally.
9. Ole Miss Rebels
17 of 25
Total commitments: 14
5-star commitments: 1
4-star commitments: 5
Best of the bunch
Shea Patterson was named the Elite 11 MVP last week in Oregon, and he proved that he not only was a legitimate 5-star quarterback but also the premier quarterback in the 2016 recruiting class. Patterson will have 4-star receiver DeKaylin Metcalf and 4-star tight end Octavious Cooley to throw to, and he'll have 4-star running back Justin Connor to work with out of the backfield.
As Patterson leads the class' offense, the 4-star combination of defensive tackle Benito Jones and defensive end Charles Wiley spearhead the other side of the ball. They are expected to be solid contributors to the "Landsharks" sooner than later.
Top targets
Jeffery Simmons and Emmit Gooden are two 4-star defensive ends Ole Miss is trying to lure in. The Rebels could be in the driver's seat for 5-star safety Deontay Anderson, which would be a huge get, as Anderson is the nation's No. 3 safety.
When it comes to Ole Miss recruiting, keep an eye on Greg Eiland, a 6'7", 330-pound offensive tackle. Eiland is a 3-star lineman with a high ceiling.
8. Penn State Nittany Lions
18 of 25
Total commitments: 16
5-star commitments: 0
4-star commitments: 8
Best of the bunch
Penn State is in a good situation, as half of its commits are 4-star athletes. Quarterback Jake Zembiec was solid in Elite 11 competition last week, and he'll have a chance to throw with 4-star linemen Michael Menet and Connor McGovern protecting him.
The ground game will be one to watch, as 4-star Miles Sanders, the nation's No. 2 running back, lines up in the backfield for the Nittany Lions. Defensively, Penn State should have a fast, athletic line featuring the 4-star trio of defensive tackle Ellison Jordan and defensive ends Shane Simmons and Daniel Joseph.
Top targets
The nation's top-ranked weak-side defensive end, 5-star Oluwole Betiku, has a great relationship with former Penn State star LaVar Arrington. The Nittany Lions are hoping Betiku can be the same menacing force that Arrington was at Happy Valley in the 1990s.
Among the others Penn State has high interest in are defensive tackle Karamo Dioubate, cornerback Damar Hamlin and receiver Tre Nixon, all 4-star athletes.
7. Michigan Wolverines
19 of 25
Total commitments: 21
5-star commitments: 0
4-star commitments: 9
Best of the bunch
Quarterback Brandon Peters is excited about the situation he's in. The 4-star quarterback will have a bevy of 4-star linemen in the 2016 class protecting him in guard Michael Onwenu and tackles Ben Bredeson, Erik Swenson and Devery Hamilton.
The talent doesn't stop there on offense, as the Wolverines feature 4-star backfield mates Matt Falcon and Chris Evans, as well as 4-star receiver Brad Hawkins on the outside. Defensively, Michigan has Hawkins' high school teammate, 4-star defensive end Ron Johnson, leading the charge.
Top targets
Michigan has a handful of targets, but three in particular could make Ann Arbor home. The 4-star tandem of offensive guard Terrance Davis, wide receiver Ahmir Mitchell and tight end Naseir Upshur all could fit well in head coach Jim Harbaugh's system.
Harbaugh is hoping to lure a few players who may be looking at other schools as well. One of those is 4-star linebacker Devin Bush Jr., who likes Michigan but also is high on Florida State.
6. Miami Hurricanes
20 of 25
Total commitments: 22
5-star commitments: 0
4-star commitments: 10
Best of the bunch
Miami has some talented skill-position players who could see game time early in their careers. Quarterback Jack Allison is one to watch, and he'll have running back Amir Rasul in the backfield with him and Sam Bruce, Dionte Mullins and Ahmmon Richards as receiver targets. All of the aforementioned are 4-star prospects.
One player who may prove to be better than advertised is Michael Irvin Jr., a 3-star receiver/tight end hybrid who is the son of the former Hurricanes All-American and Super Bowl champion with the Dallas Cowboys.
Top targets
The Hurricanes have been great with recruiting the state of Florida. Twenty-one of 22 commits hail from the Sunshine State. However, a few out-of-state pledges—such as Alabama 4-star defensive end Darius Whitfield—could give the class a slight bump in the rankings.
Still, the Hurricanes can find talent in the state, and there are a few uncommitted players left. One to keep an eye on is 4-star defensive end Patrick Bethel.
5. USC Trojans
21 of 25
Total commitments: 16
5-star commitments: 1
4-star commitments: 11
Best of the bunch
On Friday at The Opening, USC landed its best offensive pledge of the 2016 class in 4-star wide receiver Trevon Sidney, the nation's No. 11 receiver. Along with 4-star Josh Imatorbhebhe, the Trojans have a solid receiver class.
With 4-star commits such as offensive tackle Frank Martin II and running back Melquise Stovall, USC is excited about the 2016 season. The defensive side of the ball, however, might be the story, as head coach Steve Sarkisian was able to get a huge commitment from 5-star linebacker Mique Juarez.
Top targets
The Trojans have talented receivers committed, but they are hoping to land a few more. Tyler Vaughns, the nation's No. 3 receiver, may be the primary target. Dylan Crawford is another target to watch. Both Vaughns and Crawford are 4-star prospects.
USC has its hopes set on landing a couple of major defensive players, as well. Among those are 5-star linebacker Caleb Kelly and 4-star defensive end Bryson Young. Two-way athletes like Jack Jones and Devin Asiasi also could end up wearing USC colors.
4. Alabama Crimson Tide
22 of 25
Total commitments: 17
5-star commitments: 0
4-star commitments: 9
Best of the bunch
Offensive tackle Jonah Williams is Alabama's top-ranked commit thus far. He will be called on to lead a talented offensive line class that includes 4-star tackle Charles Baldwin and 4-star guards Deonte Brown and Chris Owens.
Alabama's defensive commits are intriguing. Cornerback Shyheim Carter is big and physical. Inside linebacker Jaquan Yulee is elusive and deceptively fast at 6'0" and 252 pounds. And then there's defensive tackle Kendell Jones Jr., who may be the trimmest 361-pounder recruiting has seen in years. All three defenders are 4-star prospects.
Top targets
It seems each year, head coach Nick Saban gets whomever he wants on the recruiting trail. The Tide, however, are still without a 5-star commit. There's still time—and plenty of commits—as Alabama is eyeing uncommitted 5-stars like defensive tackles Rashan Gary and Rashard Lawrence; defensive end Marlon Davidson; and linebacker Mack Wilson and Ben Davis.
Alabama is also hoping to nab 5-star offensive lineman Greg Little, the No. 1 tackle. If they can add Little and also add 5-star tackle Willie Allen, the Tide would be in a good position to once again finish with the No. 1 recruiting spot.
3. Ohio State Buckeyes
23 of 25
Total commitments: 17
5-star commitments: 0
4-star commitments: 14
Best of the bunch
The defending national champions are doing an outstanding job of getting the commits they want. And while they already have a rich stable of quarterbacks on the roster, the Buckeyes have a talented recruiting class loaded with running backs. Kareem Walker and Demario McCall, the nation's Nos. 1 and 3 running backs, respectively, are big-time rushers who could excel in Big Ten play.
The Buckeyes will get another athletic quarterback in 4-star Tristen Wallace. Defense, however, will be the key to another successful year under head coach Urban Meyer. Ohio State will have 4-star defensive ends Jonathon Cooper and Terrell Hall leading the charge.
Top targets
Arguably the biggest target for Ohio State is 5-star defensive end Nick Bosa, the younger brother of Buckeyes standout Joey Bosa. Nick is the nation's No. 2 strong-side defensive end.
Other defensive targets for the Buckeyes include the nation's No. 1 player, defensive tackle Rashan Gary, as well as 4-star defensive tackle Antwuan Jackson.
2. Florida State Seminoles
24 of 25
Total commitments: 18
5-star commitments: 3
4-star commitments: 9
Best of the bunch
A team loaded with talent, Florida State has three 5-star commits in cornerback Levonta Taylor, tight end Issac Nauta and quarterback Malik Henry. Taylor and Nauta are the top-ranked players at their respective positions, and Henry is the No. 3 pro-style quarterback.
All three players shined at The Opening, as did 4-star Baveon Johnson, the nation's No. 1 center, and Janarius Robinson, the nation's No. 2 weak-side defensive end. The Seminoles have a host of players who could end up being playmakers as freshmen.
Top targets
Florida State doesn't trail LSU in the team recruiting ranking by much, and a couple of big-name targets would put the Seminoles in the top spot. Defensive end Shavar Manuel is one of a few 5-star players looking heavily at Florida State.
Other 5-stars the Seminoles are keeping tabs on include defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence and wide receiver Nate Craig-Myers. A player like 4-star cornerback Trayvon Mullen would put the Seminoles in great position to take over the No. 1 spot.
1. LSU Tigers
25 of 25
Total commitments: 17
5-star commitments: 2
4-star commitments: 10
Best of the bunch
Saivion Smith had a strong showing at The Opening. He showed why he's a 5-star talent and the nation's No. 2 cornerback with his physical play. He and 5-star defensive tackle Edwin Alexander lead an LSU class dominated by defensive standouts.
Offensively, 4-star quarterback Feleipe Franks is expected to be the star of the future for the Tigers. He will have some big wide receivers to throw to in Dee Anderson and Stephen Sullivan, two 4-star athletes.
Top targets
The defensive class looks strong, but there's still room to add star-studded talent. Players like 5-star defensive linemen Shavar Manuel and Rashard Lawrence; 5-star safety Brandon Jones; and 4-star cornerbacks Kristian Fulton and Trayvon Mullen are major targets for Les Miles and his coaching staff.
LSU's offense would have a nice, versatile threat in 4-athlete Devin White, an in-state prospect who can play running back or linebacker—or both. The Tigers also would like to keep big, 5-star offensive tackle Willie Allen in the state.
Damon Sayles is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings. Follow Damon via Twitter: @DamonSayles
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