One Recruit Every Top 25 College Football Team Must Land This Fall

The 2015 college football season kicks off in less than a week, but we always keep an eye on national signing day here at Bleacher Report. Plenty of premier prospects enter their final high school campaigns uncommitted, creating opportunities for programs to make a push in their respective recruitments.

While surveying an array of available young talent, it quickly becomes apparent how much teams covet particular targeted athletes. Ongoing communication with coaching staffs and official visits will eventually determine who ends up where next year.

We examined every squad in the preseason Associated Press Top 25 poll, determining which prized prospects present the most intrigue for each team. Here's a look at the players programs must focus on in the coming months and how they could make an impact at these universities as early as 2016.

25. Tennessee

Credit: 247Sports

Key Recruit: 5-star wide receiver Kyle Davis

High School: Archer (Lawrenceville, Georgia)

247Sports Composite Rankings: No. 2 wide receiver; No. 24 overall

Other Contenders: Auburn and Georgia

Davis decommitted from South Carolina in May, reopening a recruitment that continues to gain momentum. He recently elevated to 5-star status in composite rankings and still looks like a lock to land in the SEC.

The 6'2", 218-pound playmaker is likely to decide between Auburn, Georgia and Tennessee when he announces Oct. 23. Davis, who caught 67 passes for 1,183 yards and nine scores as a junior, could provide the Volunteers with the Peach State's top-rated pass-catcher for a second straight cycle by joining 2015 signee Preston Williams in Knoxville.

He visited Knoxville in late July for the Vols' Orange Carpet Day event.

“I enjoyed it all. Everything. Every little thing about it,” Davis told 247Sports' Wes Rucker. “I mean, every time I go up to a school, they roll out…well, in this case, they roll out an orange carpet. But it was great, man.”

24. Missouri

Key Recruit: 4-star defensive end Amani Bledsoe

High School: Lawrence (Lawrence, Kansas)

247Sports Composite Rankings: No. 12 strong-side defensive end; No. 231 overall

Other Contenders: Kansas, N.C. State, Oklahoma and Oregon

The Tigers attempt to land another top-tier defensive end after signing 5-star Illinois linemen Terry Beckner Jr. last February. Bledsoe, a 6'5", 270-pound force, fits the bill and would give Missouri more talent to compete in highly contentious SEC trenches.

He tallied 70 tackles—14 tackles for loss—and 13 sacks last season, per KPreps.com. Missouri made the cut for Bledsoe's recent "Top 6."

23. Boise State

Credit: 247Sports

Key Recruit: 3-star running back Alexander Mattison

High School: San Bernardino

247Sports Composite Rankings: No. 41 running back; No. 644 overall

Other Contenders: Colorado, Colorado State, Washington and Washington State

Mattison is looking closely at Boise State and Washington, where former Broncos head coach Chris Petersen now resides. The West Coast prospect rushed for 2,017 yards and 26 touchdowns in 2014, per Eric Sondheimer of the Los Angeles Times.

"I feel comfortable talking to the coaches [at Boise], and they are really a family-oriented program," he told Lars Hanson of 247Sports. "They have a great running game and looking for an every-down back to step in and replace Jay Ajayi."

Boise State holds a pledge from Arkansas running back Damarea Crockett and could bolster its offensive backfield with another commitment at the position. Mattison also has the makings of a viable receiving threat.

22. Arizona

Credit: 247Sports

Key Recruit: 4-star athlete Chase Lucas

High School: Chandler (Chandler, Arizona)

247Sports Composite Rankings: No. 13 athlete; No. 193 overall

Other Contenders: Arizona State, Oregon , UCLA, Washington

Lucas is a dynamic talent on one of the Southwest's top high school squads. He contributes in multiple facets of an offensive attack and is exactly the type of versatile weapon Arizona head coach Rich Rodriguez always looks to stockpile on his depth chart.

The 6'1", 182-pound prospect picked apart opponents during the past two seasons, tallying 31 offensive touchdowns. Lucas rushed for 2,009 yards and added another 804 receiving yards during that span, providing proof he could handle an expansive role in the Wildcats offense.

21. Stanford

Credit: 247Sports

Key Recruit: 4-star wide receiver Dylan Crawford

High School: Santa Margarita Catholic (Rancho Santa Margarita, California)

247Sports Composite Rankings: No. 12 wide receiver; No 91 overall

Other Contenders: Arizona State, Michigan, Oregon and UCLA

Crawford, who previously played at St. Francis High School, is set to spend his senior season working with Santa Margarita Catholic quarterback KJ Costello. The 4-star passer pledged to Stanford this spring, and now the Cardinal also hope to lure his top target.

Stanford secured a commitment from elite Texas tight end Kaden Smith, but came up empty in some earlier endeavors at receiver. Crawford, who caught 44 passes for 1,066 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2014, is clearly a difference-maker who would compete for immediate reps in Palo Alto.

20. Wisconsin

Credit: 247Sports

Key Recruit: 4-star defensive tackle Garrett Rand

High School: Chandler (Chandler, Arizona)

247Sports Composite Rankings: No. 14 defensive tackle; No. 133 overall

Other Contenders: Arizona State, Stanford, UCLA and Washington

Rand is the second Chandler High School standout to land on this list, joining fellow 4-star teammate Chase Lucas. Standing 6'3", 275 pounds, he provides promise at multiple positions along the defensive front.

Despite mutual interest with universities in his region, Rand is keeping a close eye on the Badgers and named Wisconsin to his preseason "top-five" list. Wisconsin will look to impress with another campus visit and move another step closer to landing the lineman, who secured 60 tackles—11 for loss—and 10 sacks last season, per MaxPreps.

19. Oklahoma

Key Recruit: 4-star running back Devwah Whaley

High School: Central Senior (Beaumont, Texas)

247Sports Composite Rankings: No. 4 running back; No. 135 overall

Other Contenders: Arkansas, Georgia, Texas and Texas A&M

The punishing 6'0", 205-pound rusher listed Oklahoma among his five favorites this summer and plans to spend time in Norman for an official visit this season, per Bleacher Report's Damon Sayles. The Sooners gained more than 260 yards on the ground per game last season, so it's no surprise Whaley is intrigued.

He enjoyed a breakout junior campaign, rushing for 1,305 yards (7.2 per carry) and 12 touchdowns. His effectiveness also extends beyond taking hand-offs.

"A lot of schools find me to be complete back. I'm able to run and catch the ball. I like to block. I'm just a downhill type of back who plays with size and power," Whaley told Sayles.

18. Arkansas

Credit: 247Sports

Key Recruit: 4-star defensive end McTelvin Agim

High School: Hope (Hope, Arkansas)

247Sports Composite Rankings: No. 4 strong-side defensive end; No. 53 overall

Other Contenders: Baylor, Ole Miss and Texas A&M

Agim is slated to select his collegiate landing spot Sept. 5, choosing between four finalists. Arkansas is among them and considered the favorite to sign him in 247Sports' Crystal Ball.

The dominant 6'2½", 268-pound defender is stout enough to earn a spot in the Razorbacks' line rotation as a true freshman, and he's rated No. 1 overall among Arkansas' high school seniors. Agim bullied offenses during the past two seasons, collecting 149 tackles—62 for loss—and 38 sacks.

17. Ole Miss

Credit: 247Sports

Key Recruit: 4-star athlete Devin White

High School: North Webster (Springhill, Louisiana)

247Sports Composite Rankings: No. 6 athlete; No. 87 overall

Other Contenders: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida State and LSU

Few 2016 recruits have received as much SEC recruiting attention as White, a 6'½", 258-pound battering ram who excels on both sides of the ball. Some teams have targeted him at linebacker, but he's focused on finding an offensive role.

"I'm comfortable at linebacker, and I actually think that position is really easy for me," White told B/R's Damon Sayles. "But I prayed about it, and I don't want to play it (in college). I'm focused on teams recruiting me to play running back."

He rumbled for a career-best 2,287 rushing yards as a junior, scoring 30 touchdowns in the process. His admirers include 5-star Ole Miss quarterback commit Shea Patterson, who is looking to improve a class that already features elite wide receiver DeKaylin Metcalf.

"For me, it's a little different from everyone else. He's like my brother," Patterson told Sayles. "I think Devin is one of those guys who is one of a kind. He's a freak of an athlete. He kind of reminds me a lot of Bo Jackson, because he can do a lot of stuff."

16. Georgia Tech

Credit: 247Sports

Key Recruit: 4-star offensive lineman Donavaughn Campbell

High School: Ponchatoula (Ponchatoula, Louisiana)

247Sports Composite Rankings: No. 4 offensive guard; No. 118 overall

Other Contenders: Alabama, Arkansas, LSU and Mississippi State

This is a long shot, considering Campbell's lengthy commitment to LSU, but he is clearly still contemplating the possibility of playing at Georgia Tech. His older brother, Christian, signed with the Yellow Jackets in February, and Donavaughn plans to spend an official visit at the school, per Andrew Lopez of NOLA.com.

"I've been talking to them a lot because my brother goes there now," he told Lopez. "They are trying to get me over there too." 

The 6'4", 347-pound blocker isn't expected to make a "final decision" until after his senior season. There are plenty of factors to weigh in the meantime.

“I have a good chance of playing [at Georgia Tech] when I come in as a freshman if I do everything right, learn the playbook and stuff," Campbell told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

15. Arizona State

Credit: 247Sports

Key Recruit: 4-star wide receiver Tyrie Cleveland

High School: Westfield (Houston, Texas)

247Sports Composite Rankings: No. 7 wide receiver; No. 66 overall

Other Contenders: Baylor, Florida, Texas A&M and TCU

The Sun Devils' focus shifted to Cleveland following quarterback Dillon Sterling-Cole's late-July commitment. The duo plays together at Westfield High School, connecting on 53 pass completions for 1,105 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2014.

Cleveland, who delivered a MVP-caliber performance this summer at The Opening, has several suitors but this has long been viewed as a "package deal" with Sterling-Cole. Arizona State failed to land record-setting California wide receiver Trent Irwin last recruiting cycle despite signing his high school quarterback and now aims to reverse fortunes on the way to signing day.

"He's going to fit in at any system, but honestly, it'd be pretty cool to have my boy as my target on the field," Sterling-Cole told B/R's Damon Sayles. "I'm not going to persuade him hard, but I am going to nudge him now and then. I mean, he should be the No. 1 wide receiver in the country. He's proved himself."

14. LSU

Credit: 247Sports

Key Recruit: 5-star defensive tackle Rashard Lawrence

High School: Neville (Monroe, Louisiana)

247Sports Composite Rankings: No. 6 defensive tackle; No. 23 overall

Other Contenders: Alabama, Ohio State, UCLA and Washington

LSU is the clear team to beat among Lawrence's five favorites, a list he released in early August. The Tigers claim 100 percent of expert commitment predictions in 247Sports' Crystal Ball and now look to seal the deal with this in-state standout.

His uncle, Oliver Lawrence, was a 1980's star pass-rusher at LSU. Lawrence deserves consideration as the most impressive Southeast defender in this recruiting cycle after dominating en route to a state title last season and would add to a class that already includes fellow 5-star defensive lineman Edwin Alexander.

13. UCLA

Credit: 247Sports

Key Recruit: 4-star defensive tackle Boss Tagaloa

High School: De La Salle (Concord, California)

247Sports Composite Rankings: No. 11 defensive tackle; No. 79 overall

Other Contenders: Alabama, Arizona, Cal and Michigan

This ferocious West Coast defender lives up to his first name, owning opposition at the point of attack. Tagaloa tallied 88 tackles and 14 sacks during the past two campaigns, maturing into a dominant specimen.

Plenty of college programs are in pursuit, but UCLA is the likely destination if he stays in California. He would bolster a Bruins defensive front that is set to welcome top-tier edge-rushers Breland Brandt and Oluwole Betiku next year.

"I'm looking at who can give me the best education after football," Tagaloa told B/R's Damon Sayles. "It's all about life after football. I want to get a good education."

12. Clemson

Credit: 247Sports

Key Recruit: 4-star wide receiver Diondre Overton

High School: Page (Greensboro, North Carolina)

247Sports Composite Rankings: No. 22 wide receiver; No. 127 overall

Other Contenders: UNC, N.C. State, Nebraska and Tennessee

The Tigers and Tennessee are viewed as the primary contenders in this recruitment, though in-state opportunities also loom large. Clemson is projected to sign Overton by every expert prediction in 247Sports' Crystal Ball.

Clemson already carries a compelling stockpile of young talent at wide receiver, and Overton is the latest big-time target to land on head coach Dabo Swinney's radar. The 6'5", 191-pound pass target finished his junior season with 62 receptions for 1,187 yards and 11 touchdowns, per Rivals, and has a strong rapport with the Tigers.

"Every time I go there, I like it more and more," he told B/R's Damon Sayles. "It's always been near the top for me. I like the wide receiver coach [Jeff Scott], and I like how they're producing more and more wide receivers each year."

11. Notre Dame

Credit: 247Sports

Key Recruit: 4-star running back Damian Alloway

High School: Summit (Fontana, California)

247Sports Composite Rankings: No. 3 all-purpose back; No. 162 overall

Other Contenders: Cal, Oregon, UCLA and Wisconsin

Standing 5'8½", 170 pounds, Alloway is slightly diminutive but makes up for a lack of ideal size with scintillating ball skills. He shined as a sophomore, averaging 12.6 yards per offensive touch with nine scores, per MaxPreps, and made further advancements last fall.

Alloway appears capable of continuing at both running back and receiver in a collegiate offensive attack, while his special teams effectiveness is highlighted by four kick-return touchdowns in 2014. He plans to visit South Bend for the Fighting Irish's Oct. 17 game against USC.

10. Florida State

Credit: 247Sports

Key Recruit: 5-star wide receive Nate Craig-Myers

High School: Tampa Catholic (Tampa, Florida)

247Sports Composite Rankings: No. 1 wide receiver; No. 19 overall

Other Contenders: Auburn, Florida, Michigan State and Ohio State

Craig-Myers missed almost his entire junior season because of an injury, but that didn't slow a widespread recruiting process. Things dramatically changed in May when he backed off a verbal pledge to Auburn, opening the door for alternative opportunities.

Many eyed Florida as a likely landing spot after his brother, 3-star cornerback Jayvaughn Myers committed to the Gators in early August. Despite that development, Craig-Myers is motivated to explore places beyond Gainesville.

“It’s possible, but we ain’t really focusing on [playing together in college],” Myers told Luke Stampini of 247Sports. “It’s possible, though. We’re doing it separate.”

There remains a very realistic possibility he ends up with the rival Seminoles. It should be top priority for Florida State, a team that's now without former 5-star tight end commit Isaac Nauta and still searching for receiver help in the 2016 cycle.

9. Georgia

Credit: 247Sports

Key Recruit: 5-star defensive tackle Derrick Brown

High School: Lanier (Buford, Georgia)

247Sports Composite Rankings: No. 3 defensive tackle; No. 9 overall

Other Contenders: Alabama, Auburn, Mississippi State and Tennessee

Once viewed as the clear leader for this dominant lineman, Georgia now faces stiff competition from beyond state borders. Brown is set to spend official visits at five SEC universities, including another trip to Athens, and a decision may not be on the docket for quite some time.

The 6'4", 322-pound prospect led Lanier to an unbeaten regular season last fall, collecting 101 tackles—26 for loss—and 17.5 sacks, per USA Today. Georgia signed top-rated tackle Trent Thompson earlier this year and holds a commitment from 4-star 2016 in-state lineman Julian Rochester, so Brown would further boost one of the program's premier positional groups.

“I will always like UGA. When it comes down to the end I feel like they can still be my school possibly," he told Jeff Sentell of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

8. USC

Credit: 247Sports

Key Recruit: 4-star athlete Jack Jones

High School: Long Beach Poly (Long Beach, California)

247Sports Composite Rankings: No. 3 athlete; No. 48 overall

Other Contenders: Miami, Oklahoma and UCLA

The Trojans nabbed top-ranked cornerback Iman Marshall out of Long Beach Polytechnic High School last signing day and hope to repeat success with Jones. The electric 5'10", 170-pound playmaker provides outstanding potential on both sides of the ball, much like current USC standout Adoree' Jackson.

Jones caught 64 passes for 719 yards and five touchdowns as a junior, per MaxPreps, adding 40 tackles and a kick-return touchdown. USC has a chance to assert itself as the go-to destination for local prospects and bag yet another versatile talent.

"I hang out at USC a lot because it’s like 15 minutes away," Jones told Lindsey Thiry of the Los Angeles Times.

7. Oregon

Credit: 247Sports

Key Recruit: 4-star cornerback Nigel Knott

High School: Germantown (Madison, Mississippi)

247Sports Composite Rankings: No. 5 cornerback; No. 44 overall

Other Contenders: Alabama, Florida State, Mississippi State and Ole Miss

The Ducks' national notoriety has never been greater, and head coach Mark Helfrich continues to capitalize with recruits. Oregon already reached into Texas for 4-star cornerback Jared Mayden this summer and would love to pair these prospects together for years to come.

Knott, a 5'11", 175-pound defensive back, is a complete player at the position. His sheer athleticism is awe-inspiring, helping him compile 112 tackles, 16 pass breakups and four interceptions last season.

He declared the Ducks his leader in March, per Andrew Nemec of the Oregonian and is set to spend an official visit in Eugene before announcing collegiate intentions Sept. 23. His dad, David Knott, played for Oregon secondary coach John Neal at Ole Miss, providing a sense of trust with the program's staff.

"I don't know how it will end up yet, but they are definitely up there," Knott told Nemec.

6. Auburn

Credit: 247Sports

Key Recruit: 5-star defensive end Marlon Davidson

High School: Greenville (Montgomery, Alabama)

247Sports Composite Rankings: No. 3 strong-side defensive end; No. 22 overall

Other Contenders: Alabama, Florida State, Georgia and Michigan

Davidson intends to reveal his college choice Sept. 4 and this shapes up as another recruiting battle between Alabama and Auburn. The Tigers have remained a perceived favorite throughout, claiming all 31 expert predictions in 247Sports' Crystal Ball.

Auburn defensive coordinator Will Muschamp helped the program finish strong last cycle, signing elite Florida pass-rushers Jeffery Holland and Byron Cowart. He can further upgrade the unit with Davidson, whose older brother Kenneth Carter won a national championship with the Tigers in 2011. 

"My brother played there, and I know everything about them," Davidson told Drew Champlin of AL.com. "Everybody thinks that (I'm going to Auburn). I'm looking to go anywhere in the country."

5. Michigan State

Credit: 247Sports

Key Recruit: 4-star wide receiver Donnie Corley

High School: Martin Luther King (Detroit, Michigan)

247Sports Composite Rankings: No. 19 wide receiver; No. 121 overall

Other Contenders: Michigan, Ohio State and Tennessee 

Corley is arguably the top uncommitted pass target in Big Ten territory, so it's no surprise several conference contenders are still chasing him. The 6'2½", 182-pound playmaker may still take a peek at Tennessee, but this could come down to a home-turf showdown between Michigan and Michigan State.

The Spartans hold 85 percent of expert projections in 247Sports' Crystal Ball, and there were whispers this summer at The Opening that Corley was close to pulling the trigger on a pledge. Michigan State already claims commitments from fellow 4-star receivers Cam Chambers and Justin Layne, but there is clearly room for the in-state standout.

Corley caught 47 passes last season, resulting in 1,087 yards and 18 touchdowns.

4. Baylor

Credit: 247Sports

Key Recruit: 4-star wide receiver Devin Duvernay

High School: Sachse (Sachse, Texas)

247Sports Composite Rankings: No. 4 wide receiver; No. 38 overall

Other Contenders: Baylor, Texas, Texas A&M and TCU

The 5'11", 195-pound pass target is among the fastest high school athletes in the nation, regardless of sport, and Baylor aims to bring him into a high-octane aerial attack. Duvernay recorded 108 receptions during the past two seasons, leading to 1,764 yards and 20 touchdowns.

He's averaged nearly 10 yards per rushing attempt during that stretch, while also doing damage as a kick returner. Duvernay is an ideal candidate to impact the Bears offense early and eventually replace former 5-star recruit KD Cannon as a primary deep-ball threat.

This recruitment may last a while, as Duvernay hasn't expressed any plans to deliver a decision soon.

"I'm taking my time," he told B/R's Damon Sayles. "I'm looking for a winning team where I can succeed and play. I want to develop and get to the next level, and I want to have fun."

3. Alabama

Credit: 247Sports

Key Recruit: 5-star offensive lineman Greg Little

High School: Allen (Allen, Texas)

247Sports Composite Rankings: No. 1 offensive tackle; No. 2 overall

Other Contenders: LSU, Ohio State, Ole Miss and Texas A&M

Much of Little's time in the national spotlight was spent as a Texas A&M commit. The dazzling 6'5½", 305-pound blocker pledged to the Aggies before his junior season and head coach Kevin Sumlin expected him to join former Allen High School quarterback Kyler Murray in College Station next year.

The country's top-rated offensive recruit altered that narrative in July, decommitting from Texas A&M.

"At the time he committed, he knew that was the place he wanted to be," Little's mother, Terry Lacy-Little, told B/R's Damon Sayles. "Fast-forward [to now], he felt it was too early in the process to commit. Because this is such a life-changing event, he feels he has to go through the recruiting process to evaluate where he wants to go."

Alabama certainly isn't lacking for quality talent along the offensive line, but Little is a rare athletic specimen up front. He projects as an instant-impact player, much like 5-star 2014 Crimson Tide signee Cam Robinson, whom Little could replace at left tackle in a couple of years.

2. TCU

Credit: 247Sports

Key Recruit: 5-star tight end Isaac Nauta

High School: IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida)

247Sports Composite Rankings: No. 1 tight end; No. 12 overall

Other Contenders: Georgia, Michigan, Ole Miss and USC

Nauta is more than just a great tight end prospect. He's actually the No. 1 overall pass target in 2016 composite rankings after a commanding performance at The Opening.

He reopened his recruitment in late July, ending an eight-month commitment to Florida State. TCU is one of four teams with confirmed official visit plans, as Nauta is expected on campus for the Horned Frogs' Nov. 27 matchup with Baylor.

At this stage, that's his latest scheduled campus visit. He has the makings of an all-conference candidate next season and could further enhance a feared TCU offensive attack.

"I would be a big slot guy, and when they would want to pound the ball or hit play action, they would move me down and put my hand down," Nauta told Jeremiah Glenn of 247Sports. "I just want to watch the football season very closely and see what TCU really does and if I could thrive in a system like that."

1. Ohio State

Credit: 247Sports

Key Recruit: 5-star defensive tackle Rashan Gary

High School: Paramus Catholic (Paramus, New Jersey)

247Sports Composite Rankings: No. 1 defensive tackle; No. 1 overall

Other Contenders: Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, LSU and Michigan

Ohio State sits atop national rankings on and off the field, carrying the country's No. 1 recruiting class. The term "underdog" isn't applied to the Buckeyes much these days, but that's exactly what they are in this recruitment.

Michigan leads his 247Sports' Crystal Ball with 46 percent of expert predictions, and former Paramus Catholic head coach Chris Partridge now works for the Wolverines. Various SEC schools have also gained traction following a busy summer of travels.

Still, count out Ohio State at you're own risk. Gary has expressed plenty of respect for Buckeyes defensive line coach Larry Johnson and visited Columbus earlier this year, spending time with reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year Joey Bosa.

The 6'4", 311-pound phenom plans to reveal a top-five list before his senior season starts. If Ohio State lands on it, don't be stunned if head coach Urban Meyer finds a way to sign him alongside elite defensive ends Nick Bosa and Jonathon Cooper.

Tyler Donohue is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings. Follow Tyler via Twitter: @TDsTake.