Holiday Wish List for Top 25 College Football Recruiting Classes
'Tis the season for a frenzied final push to national signing day.
As many of us prepare to wind down for some holiday-inspired relaxation, college football coaching staffs continue to ramp up efforts on the recruiting trail.
Bowl games take center stage for the next few weeks, but, behind the scenes, plenty of focus has shifted toward Feb. 3, when high school seniors finalize collegiate plans. For uncommitted prospects expected to enroll early, each day is now a pivotal part of the process.
While fans won't be able to truly enjoy these new roster additions until next season and beyond, here's a look at how the country's top 25 recruiting classes could make folks a bit merrier.
Programs listed in order of appearance in 247Sports' composite class rankings.
25. Kentucky: Carry Longtime Commitments to the Finish Line
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The Wildcats gathered several crucial commitments early in the cycle, soaring into top-10 territory in class rankings at one point. While other programs have since matched and exceeded Kentucky's volume of pledges, the program remains in the mix to land on this top-25 list in February.
Head coach Mark Stoops claimed the state's top three prospects (offensive linemen Landon Young and Drake Jackson, along with linebacker Kash Daniel) well before their senior seasons. Young committed shortly after his sophomore year, while Jackson joined the class last December.
Among the Wildcats' 23 pledges, 18 committed to Kentucky before July 2015. These longstanding verbal pacts have been tested at different points, but the program appears primed to deliver them all the way to signing day.
The Wildcats suffered nine decommitments last cycle, according to Ben Roberts of the Herald-Leader. This time around, Stoops gets a sense things will play out much differently.
“I feel really good about this class,” Stoops told Jennifer Smith of the Herald-Leader last week. “I think it really has a chance to be a very special, significant class. There’s great leadership; there’s great character. They’re very unified already."
24. Duke: Avoid Costly Late Departures
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The Blue Devils flirted with a top-25 recruiting class for a while last year but failed to solidify things with some late targets and suffered some crucial losses in December. If Duke can avoid a repeat performance, we're looking at a pivotal talent haul for the program's progression.
An athletics department known best for its beloved Coach K and a mighty basketball squad continues to take on a new look. Duke, fresh off a third straight winning season in football, is headed to a fourth consecutive bowl game.
These results under head coach David Cutcliffe have proved valuable on the recruiting trail. During this final stretch of the cycle, during which many players are tempted to reconsider college plans, Duke will aim to get a quality group of commitments to the finish line intact.
Tyler Petite, a 4-star 2015 tight end, bailed on the Blue Devils last December. He caught at least one pass in eight games this season as a true freshman at USC.
Alabama athlete Depriest Turner also parted ways with Duke, flipping his commitment to Cal days before last Christmas. This time around, the goal is to avoid any late departures.
Pledges the Blue Devils should be especially guarded about include Georgia defensive back Dylan Singleton, Virginia athlete Scott Bracey and Connecticut linebacker Koby Quansah.
23. TCU: Land the Top Recruiting Class in Texas
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The Horned Frogs, carrying a 22-3 record since 2014, have rapidly become a Big 12 heavyweight. Competing in a conference with in-state rivals Texas, Texas Tech and Baylor creates high-stakes recruiting showdowns.
TCU is within striking distance of claiming the Lone Star State's top 2016 recruiting class, spurred by the recent signings of top junior college talents Taj Williams (receiver) and Tyree Horton (linebacker). Defensive end Isaiah Chambers and offensive tackle Austin Myers are among four 4-star high school seniors who pledged earlier in the process.
Still staring up at Baylor and Texas A&M in composite class rankings, uncommitted prospects such as Louisiana receiver Stephen Sullivan, in-state defensive tackle Ross Blacklock and Dallas pass-catcher Camron Williams could help the Horned Frogs make a major move upward as national signing day nears.
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22. Arizona State: Cap Off Strong In-state Cycle with a Pledge from Byron Murphy
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The Sun Devils secured commitments from two of Arizona's top-rated prospects in November when wide receiver N'Keal Harry (No. 2 in state, per composite rankings) and athlete Chase Lucas (No. 4) announced collegiate intentions. Arizona State can complete a strong in-state cycle with a pledge from 4-star cornerback Byron Murphy, a close friend of both Lucas and Harry.
The trio spent an official visit at Arizona State together this season, and if you understand the art of "peer pressure," it's understood Murphy is probably hearing plenty about the Sun Devils from both players.
Arizona State has serious company in this pursuit. Alternative destinations include Washington, USC and Texas A&M, where former Saguaro High School teammate Christian Kirk excelled as a true freshman receiver.
Murphy, rated No. 9 nationally among cornerbacks, was dominant on both sides of the ball in 2015. He collected 88 catches for 1,733 yards and 21 touchdowns, according to MaxPreps, adding 52 tackles and seven interceptions.
21. Tennessee: Win Key Head-to-Head Battles with the Georgia Bulldogs
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Showdowns between the Volunteers and Bulldogs extend beyond an annual matchup, further evidenced by developments in this recruiting cycle. Tennessee and Georgia share several common prospect targets in the Peach State.
It's a territory Butch Jones hopes to exploit, while new Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart attempts to seal off state borders. The outcome of these showdowns could ultimately determine how both programs fare on national signing day and in seasons ahead.
Defensive tackle Derrick Brown and athlete Mecole Hardman, both 5-star talents, are among those at the center of an elaborate tug of war between these teams. The SEC rivals are also jockeying for position with safety Nigel Warrior and athlete Marquez Callaway, more Georgia products.
While the Bulldogs appear primed for a big finish with in-state elites, don't sleep on Tennessee's ability to snatch away top talent down the stretch.
“It is like no other place I’ve been to. You can feel it in Knoxville," Brown told Bleacher Report in December. "They call it VFL—‘Vol for Life’—and at the end of the day, those people really are Volunteers. They’re not Georgia fans one week and Florida fans the next week. Those people are Volunteers.”
20. Texas A&M: Address Sudden QB Need with a Late 2016 Pickup
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Past recruiting successes came undone for Texas A&M in December, as a pair of former 5-star passers announced intentions to leave College Station. Blue-chip quarterbacks Kyler Murray and Kyle Allen, who split the starting job this season, will both transfer.
Murray, a freshman and Texas prep legend who led three unbeaten state title runs at Allen High School, is the son of former Aggies Cotton Bowl MVP quarterback Kevin Murray. Allen, who earned starter's reps as a true freshman last season, was the No. 1 overall prospect at the position as a high school senior in Arizona.
While 5-star 2017 quarterback Tate Martell reaffirmed his commitment to Texas A&M in the aftermath of this stunning transfer news, the Aggies suddenly have immediate concerns behind center entering 2016.
With a plan featuring three 5-star quarterback pickups in a four-year span, the 2016 cycle was viewed as an expected lull for head coach Kevin Sumlin's pursuit of passers. This can no longer be the case.
Bleacher Report's Damon Sayles recently identified former Missouri backup Trent Hosick, SMU commit David Moore, Aggies legacy Dillon Sterling-Cole and Alabama pledge Jalen Hurts among possibilities.
19. Clemson: Bring LB Rahshaun Smith Back on Board
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The Tigers are one of just three teams, along with Ole Miss and Ohio State, that currently carry multiple 5-star commitments. A Clemson class limited by volume (13 pledges six weeks away from signing day) certainly isn't limited from a talent perspective.
That outlook would be even better if linebacker Rahshaun Smith remained a member of the haul. The 6'3", 239-pound IMG Academy standout initially committed to Clemson last spring but reopened his recruitment in August.
Smith, who emerged as a leader on his star-studded high school defense, is now considering a return to the Tigers. He named Clemson one of three finalists for an anticipated Jan. 2 announcement, as Bleacher Report's Sanjay Kirpalani chronicled, along with Auburn and LSU.
Clemson has welcomed him to campus multiple times since his decommitment, and a reunion seems likely. B/R watched Smith and IMG Academy compete in New Jersey this fall alongside Tigers defensive coordinator Brent Venables, who was taking advantage of a free Saturday.
18. Oregon: Punctuate Promising Defensive Haul
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Oregon, known for a prolific offensive attack that has produced star players and coaches alike, has enjoyed a strong cycle on the defensive side. This success dates back to the past two summers, when the top two prospects in Oregon announced intentions to play in Eugene.
Linebacker Lamar Winston and safety Brady Breeze, both 4-star talents, pledged to the Ducks in July 2015 and July 2014, respectively.
"It's not very consistent that Oregon is going to produce a bunch of defensive stars in its home state, but this year is a bit different," Andrew Nemec of the Oregonian told Bleacher Report following Winston's announcement.
Texas playmaker Jared Mayden, the No. 10 cornerback in composite rankings, committed to Oregon the same day as Winston. Defensive end Bryson Young and linebacker Darrian Franklin, both 4-star California products, are also on board.
Now the Ducks staff will look to close with a few more highly regarded defenders. Look for Texas defensive back Brandon Jones, California athlete Devin Asiasi, Mississippi cornerback Nigel Knott and Arizona defensive end Connor Murphy to have Oregon in the mix when a final decision is made.
17. USC: Continue Junipero Serra High School Pipeline with Latest Stars
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The Trojans have enjoyed immense success when it comes to recruiting players from Los Angeles area powerhouse Junipero Serra High School.
Current NFL wide receivers Marqise Lee and Robert Woods once suited up for Juniperro Serra before becoming USC stars. So did sophomore standout Adoree' Jackson.
USC signed three prospects from the school last February, landing linebacker John Houston, receiver Deontay Burnett and defensive tackle Rasheem Green. If the Trojans can duplicate that effort this cycle, it will spell success for new head coach Clay Helton.
Junipero Serra boasts two of California's most coveted defenders for a second straight year. Defensive end Oluwole Betiku is the No. 1 overall prospect at his position, while Brandon Burton is considered the country's No. 6 safety recruit.
Both players are presently projected to sign with USC in 247Sports' Crystal Ball. Betiku, who tallied 28 tackles for loss and 17 sacks as a senior, committed to UCLA before backing off that verbal pledge in October.
16. Miami: Cash In on Mark Richt's Credibility
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Mark Richt never reached a national championship game during his 15-season Georgia tenure, but 145 victories and respected leadership traits helped him build a brand in Athens. He now brings that reputation to Miami, where the Hurricanes haven't won 10 games in a season since 2003.
The Hurricanes slumped to a 21-19 record against ACC opponents during the past five years, a span in which Richt went 30-10 versus SEC foes. With respect to former Miami head coach Al Golden, the program has upgraded considerably.
Richt's proven track record has drawn praise from key prospects, helping keep longstanding commits such as linebacker Shaquille Quarterman and receiver Sam Bruce on board and attract attention from key targets.
"Great coach, better man," 4-star receiver Ahmmon Richards tweeted after the hire.
Miami, which reached 20 commitments quicker than any program in this cycle, suffered multiple recruiting losses during the regular season and now claims 17 pledges. Those departures now create opportunities for Richt to aim high in his pursuit of talented players who can help the Hurricanes rebound.
Key uncommitted priorities include Richards, offensive tackle Marcus Tatum, defensive end Jordan Woods, cornerback Malek Young and athlete Mecole Hardman, a 5-star Georgia product Richt previously pursued in Athens.
15. UCLA: Win Crucial California Recruiting Battles
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UCLA is locked in a constant recruiting showdown with crosstown rival USC for the region's most impressive prospects. Throw a strong Stanford program into the mix, and there's plenty of competition for in-state talent without factoring in universities from beyond California borders.
The Bruins lost a commitment from defensive end Oluwole Betiku, the state's top-rated recruit, in October but may be in position to punctuate this cycle with a late flourish. Head coach Jim Mora remains involved in several compelling recruitments, including 5-star linebackers Mique Juarez and Caleb Kelly.
Defensive tackle Boss Tagaloa, safety Brandon Burton, athlete Devin Asiasi, running back Damian Alloway and wide receiver Dylan Crawford are among 4-star California products who've also reciprocated UCLA interest. When the dust settles on national signing day, it's imperative for the Bruins to come away with a healthy share of abundant home-turf talent.
14. Michigan State: Seal the Deal with Detroit Standouts
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The Big Ten Conference champions have paid plenty of attention to prospects from beyond state borders, but the Spartans' chief concerns are located in the Motor City. Detroit Martin Luther King High School seniors Donnie Corley and Lavert Hill are more likely to play together in college than not, Corley told Bleacher Report, presenting a possible package deal for Michigan State.
Hill, a 4-star defensive back who spent much of his recruitment process committed to Penn State, reopened things this fall. Michigan and Tennessee are among other legitimate suitors for his signature.
Corley, a 4-star wide receiver and U.S. Army All-American Player of the Year finalist, has also shown interest in the Wolverines and Volunteers. Ohio State is another contender to land the coveted pass-catcher.
Long viewed as a Michigan State lean, Corley postponed an early December commitment announcement. This duo deserves attention for the remaining duration of this cycle, as their respective decisions could greatly impact the fortunes of one program.
"I feel comfortable at Michigan State. I feel safe there," Corley told B/R.
13. Baylor: Bring in Some Defensive Studs
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Baylor has built its reputation on an explosive offensive attack under head coach Art Briles. That continued to be the case this season, though a slew of injuries ultimately cost the Bears dearly on that side of the ball.
When the offense wasn't at peak performance, the Baylor defense failed to deliver wins on its own. The team lost three of its final four regular-season contests, surrendering 31 points per game during the past seven matchups.
Offensive reinforcements are on the way in this recruiting cycle, headlined by prolific Lone Star State receivers Devin Duvernay and Tren'Davian Dickson, along with 5-star tackle Patrick Hudson. However, the Bears have secured just a single commitment (defensive tackle Bravvion Roy) who is considered better than a 3-star defensive prospect in composite rankings.
The pressure is on Briles' staff to welcome an influx of difference-making defenders to campus next year. Top priorities include 5-star safety Brandon Jones and a trio of 4-star defensive ends (Brandon Bowen, Levi Onwuzurike and Amani Bledsoe).
12. Georgia: Keep Prized Peach State Prospects Home
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Among high school seniors considered top-10 prospects in Georgia this cycle, only five approach January committed. Headlined by 5-stars Derrick Brown (defensive tackle), Mecole Hardman (receiver/defensive back) and Demetris Robertson (receiver/defensive back), there is still plenty of talent to pluck in the Peach State.
All three 5-star talents are projected to land with the Bulldogs in 247Sports' Crystal Ball. Georgia is also the Crystal Ball favorite for offensive tackle E.J. Price, defensive tackle Michail Carter and athlete Marquez Callaway, each an in-state 4-star recruit.
The challenge of replacing and repairing recruiting relationships is one new head coach Kirby Smart and his staff must face. Following 15 seasons of Mark Richt leading these efforts, it's a new era in Athens.
“It’s definitely going to be something new at Georgia. I think I’ll make my final thought about the situation when I go up for my official visit in January," Brown, the top-ranked player in Georgia, told Bleacher Report.
The Bulldogs already picked up a major recruiting victory by keeping a commitment from 5-star quarterback Jacob Eason, a Washington product who could start as a true freshman. Now the focus is on a local level, putting Georgia in prime position for a late rise in recruiting rankings.
11. Notre Dame: Lure in West Coast Playmakers
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An established national brand helps Notre Dame attract elite recruits to South Bend, Indiana, on an annual basis. Fighting Irish head coach Brian Kelly, on the brink of his first top-10 recruiting class since 2013, could enjoy a strong finish in 2016 courtesy of California playmakers.
A pair of 5-star defenders—linebacker Caleb Kelly and edge-rusher Oluwole Betiku—made the long-distance journey for official visits earlier this year. As did do-it-all running back Damian Alloway and scintillating Southern California wide receiver Javon McKinley.
Notre Dame is currently projected to sign Alloway and McKinley in 247Sports' Crystal Ball, while experts view Kelly and Betiku as more of a long shot. Landing at least two of these four premier California prospects would drastically improve an impressive 2016 talent haul, likely vaulting the Irish into top-10 rankings on national singing day.
10. Stanford: Pair QB Commit KJ Costello with His Top High School Target
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Santa Margarita High School (Orange County, California) teammates KJ Costello and Dylan Crawford could extend their rapport into college. The quarterback-receiver combo connected on 51 passes for 822 yards and seven scores this season, according to MaxPreps, and each earned a spot in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
Costello, a 4-star recruit and Elite 11 finalist, committed to Stanford over Michigan and USC in March. The Cardinal didn't sign a quarterback in the 2015 cycle, so he instantly became a perceived heir apparent behind center.
Texas tight end Kaden Smith, considered the position's No. 2 overall prospect in composite rankings, joined the class weeks later. Army All-American Player of the Year finalist Simi Fehoko, Utah's all-time leading receiver, committed in July.
Crawford, who remains undecided, is considering Stanford as a collegiate destination. His top six also includes Oregon, Michigan, Miami, UCLA and Washington.
“Our chemistry continued to pick up [in 2015],” Costello told USA Today. “We were feeling each other out over the summer. I really think now we understand each other to a level where it’s pretty hard to stop us if we’re on the same page.”
Stanford fans hope the next chapter of their respective football careers continues together in Palo Alto.
9. Penn State: Enhance the Aerial Attack
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Despite the immense hype that accompanied quarterback Christian Hackenberg into his sophomore season, he's managed to throw just 28 touchdowns and 20 interceptions through two campaigns under James Franklin. These results have undoubtedly impacted the junior's NFL draft stock and hurt Penn State this fall, as the Nittany Lions failed to score 17 points in four of five defeats.
Sophomore wide receivers Chris Godwin and DaeSean Hamilton were the only Penn State players to post more than 15 receptions in 12 regular-season games. Members of the team's 2015 recruiting class, aside from running back Saquon Barkley, failed to provide a consistent presence in the passing game.
Clearly, finding prospects capable of providing support in this aspect is a top priority for Franklin and company. Unfortunately for Penn State, coaches are still searching for a wide receiver in the 2016 cycle.
The Nittany Lions extended a later offer to Tennessee receiver Nate Johnson this month, but he committed to Michigan a week later. He does still plan to spend an official visit in Happy Valley before signing day, according to Barton Simmons of 247Sports.
Tre Nixon, a 4-star Florida product, is a longtime Penn State target. He placed Penn State among his top six in November, citing Franklin's need for a field-stretching weapon.
"I could come in and bring another dimension to Penn State's offense," Nixon told Bleacher Report. "A big part of the reason I like Penn State is the opportunity to become a downfield threat that they don't really have right now. I can provide something new there."
8. Florida: Build Stockpile of Young, Explosive WRs
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Despite the midseason suspension of starting quarterback Will Grier, who is now expected to transfer from Florida, first-year head coach Jim McElwain managed to elevate a largely dormant offensive attack. True freshman wide receiver Antonio Callaway played a huge factor in that progress, leading the program with 603 receiving yards and four touchdown catches.
However, sophomore quarterback Treon Harris failed to surpass 170 passing yards in five of Florida's six games, and only two Gators pass-catchers ended the regular season with more than 400 receiving yards. Playmakers are needed in Gainesville, where 4-star quarterback Feleipe Franks plans to enroll next month.
With a quality, young passer in place, attention shifts to the weapons who will join him on campus for years to come. Junior college speedster Dre Massey can stretch the field, while three in-state high school seniors (Joshua Hammond, Freddie Swain and Rick Wells) are also on board.
Swain was among the most sure-handed receivers this summer at The Opening, so Florida isn't exactly starving for pass targets in this cycle. However, with few proven commodities on the current roster, the Gators are also keyed in on 4-star Sunshine State standouts Nate Craig-Myers, a former Auburn pledge, Binjimen Victor and Tre Nixon.
Nixon, another impressive deep-ball threat, took notice of Callaway's instant emergence.
"When you're a senior in high school, it's always good to see a team that's not afraid to put a young player in position to step up," he told Bleacher Report.
7. Auburn: Keep Defensive Recruiting Momentum Rolling with New Coordinator
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The past month has been very rewarding for Auburn on the recruiting trail. While Georgia wide receiver Kyle Davis (committed in November) and dual-threat junior college quarterback John Franklin (signed as mid-year JUCO transfer on Dec. 16) made headlines, it's the Tigers' defensive strides that impress most.
North Carolina defensive end Nick Coe committed to Auburn during Thanksgiving weekend, and another trio of impressive linemen provided increased excitement last week. Despite the departure of defensive coordinator Will Muschamp, Auburn managed to bag 4-star tackle Antwuan Jackson over Ohio State, reaffirm a pledge from 5-star end Marlon Davidson and sign top-rated JUCO pass-rusher Paul James.
This trio will be on campus next month, when things will become clearer about which direction Auburn's defensive leadership is headed. Linebackers coach Lance Thompson will serve as interim coordinator against Memphis in the Birmingham Bowl.
Whoever takes control of the defensive reigns will have limited time to seal the deal with several targets. Auburn is aiming to add more standouts to an impressive group, such as Georgia tackle Derrick Brown, New Orleans tackle Stephon Taylor and in-state linebacker Ben Davis.
6. LSU: Fill Void Left Behind by QB Feleipe Franks
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LSU lost grips on Elite 11 finalist Feleipe Franks days before Thanksgiving, as he ended a 17-month commitment and quickly turned his attention to another SEC squad. His announcement occurred after multiple visits to the University of Florida and during a time of rampant speculation regarding the job security of Tigers head coach Les Miles.
Franks became a Gators pledge before December, though Miles and offensive coordinator Cam Cameron have continued to pursue the Sunshine State passer. The 4-star prospect is expected to enroll early at Florida following a senior season that featured 2,766 passing yards, 39 total touchdowns and just two interceptions.
LSU must focus on filling the open slot he left behind, especially after a 2015 regular season in which sophomore Tigers quarterback Brandon Harris managed three touchdown tosses and five interceptions during the final four games.
Miles told Glenn Guilbeau of the Advertiser he believes LSU can still sign an upper-echelon 2016 quarterback recruit. Possibilities could ultimately include Maryland commit Dwayne Haskins, Rutgers commit Anthony Russo and former Oklahoma State pledge Nick Starkel, each of whom competed at national Elite 11 finals this summer.
5. Alabama: Sign 10-Star LB Duo of Ben Davis and Lyndell "Mack" Wilson
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If Nick Saban secures a sixth straight No. 1 recruiting class in Tuscaloosa, you can bet homegrown talent will play a pivotal role in that late push. Linebackers Ben Davis and Lyndell "Mack " Wilson, each a 5-star talent, remain uncommitted, but Alabama is favored to sign both playmakers in 247Sports' Crystal Ball.
Davis, son of all-time Crimson Tide tackles leader Wayne Davis, is projected to land with Alabama by 100 percent of experts' predictions. Wilson, the nation's top-rated outside linebacker, is predicted to do the same by 74 percent of projections.
The duo has discussed teaming up in college, and Tuscaloosa appears to easily be the most likely place for that to happen. Other mutual overlapping interests include Georgia and LSU, while Florida now looks like a strong contender for Wilson.
Despite natural allegiances to his father's alma mater, Davis isn't restricting himself. He spent official visits at Georgia and LSU this season, while trips to Alabama, Auburn and Notre Dame are on tap for January.
"My dad will support whatever decision I make 110 percent," Davis told Bleacher Report. "He hasn't really pushed me toward one school or another. He just wants to make sure I'm comfortable with the situation wherever I go."
4. Florida State: Solidify the Defensive Front Seven
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The Seminoles sustained the top spot in these rankings earlier in the cycle and now attempt to wrap it up in strong fashion. Florida State has some work to do at multiple positions, but defensive end and linebacker are the main areas of concern at this stage.
Seminoles legacy Devin Bush Jr., a 4-star linebacker, picked Michigan over Florida State earlier this month. Several viable options are still in play at the position, including Keion Joyner (North Carolina) and Dontavious Jackson.
Head coach Jimbo Fisher should feel excited about securing either Joyner or Jackson and absolutely elated if both elect to enroll at Florida State. Defensive end also presents a myriad of uncommitted playmakers who've reciprocated the Seminoles' interest.
In-state standout Brian Burns and former Ohio State pledge Terrell Hall are priorities, while top-rated pass-rusher Oluwole Betiku previously spent time in Tallahassee.
3. Ole Miss: Secure More Offensive Weapons for Elite 11 MVP Shea Patterson
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Quarterback Shea Patterson, a foundational member of Ole Miss' class since February, reaffirmed his Rebels commitment earlier this month after listening to a late sales pitch from Alabama. The 5-star IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida) standout will enroll early in Oxford, bringing substantial ambitions to campus.
"Before every chapter in my football career, I've always set goals for myself," Patterson told Bleacher Report. "In middle school, I wanted to win a city league championship. Did that. In high school, I wanted to win a couple state championships. Did that [at Calvary Baptist]. We had the opportunity to compete for a national [high school] championship [at IMG]. Now I want to bring home the SEC championship at Ole Miss, I want to win a Heisman and I want to win a national championship. Those are my ultimate goals."
He'll need a strong supporting cast in order to accomplish those dreams. Top-ranked offensive tackle Greg Little chose Ole Miss over Alabama this month, giving head coach Hugh Freeze two of the top five overall prospects in composite recruiting rankings.
Don't expect Patterson to pair up with high school teammate and 5-star tight end Isaac Nauta at Ole Miss, but fellow IMG Academy senior Drake Davis may follow him to Oxford. The 4-star wide receiver is a key concern as Rebels coaches obtain supplemental pieces for a future Patterson-led attack, along with Louisiana running back Devin White and in-state receiver A.J. Brown.
2. Michigan: Add America's No. 1 Prospect to 'The Jersey Boys'
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The Wolverines are surging toward signing day. Led by head coach Jim Harbaugh, Michigan claims more 4-star commitments (13) than any program in America.
The latest high-profile pledge occurred Dec. 17 when top-rated running back Kareem Walker announced collegiate plans. The former Ohio State commit became pickup No. 4 from New Jersey this cycle, adding to a haul that already included defensive end Ron Johnson, wide receiver Brad Hawkins and athlete Ahmir Mitchell.
"They call us The Jersey Boys," Johnson told Bleacher Report.
The Michigan staff has significant ties to New Jersey, as former Paramus Catholic High School head coach Chris Partridge plays a vital role in the Wolverines recruiting office. He coached against Walker's DePaul Catholic High School squad last season and led the charge for Rashan Gary's team in 2014.
The 6'5", 293-pound Paramus Catholic defensive tackle is America's consensus No. 1 recruit. His established a relationship with Partridge, and multiple impressive trips to Ann Arbor make Michigan the perceived leader in a pursuit that still includes Ole Miss, Auburn, USC, LSU, Ohio State and others.
“If the No. 1 player wants to come to Michigan, then we’re going to be on top soon," Wolverines quarterback commit Brandon Peters said. "Something big is coming."
1. Ohio State: End Alabama's Lengthy Reign Atop National Recruiting Rankings
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The Buckeyes beat Alabama in last season's national semifinal and now look to deal another blow to Nick Saban's squad by breaking a remarkable streak. The Crimson Tide have claimed America's No. 1 recruiting class every signing day since 2011, securing five consecutive top-ranked hauls.
Ohio State enters the final month-and-a-half of this cycle with an opportunity to end that trend and begin a new one. Head coach Urban Meyer has made the Buckeyes a mainstay among elite recruiting classes on an annual basis and now boasts a haul that includes two 5-star defensive linemen—Jonathon Cooper and Nick Bosa—and 11 4-star pledges.
Ohio State will need to make a few more splashes on the 2016 recruiting trail to solidify its spot atop class rankings.
Top overall prospect Rashan Gary remains a possibility but appears far more likely to land with Michigan at this point. Other high-level targets down the stretch include Detroit wide receiver Donnie Corley, Florida pass-catcher Binjimen Victor, Pittsburgh defensive back Damar Hamlin and New Jersey athlete Jordan Fuller.
The Buckeyes are also likely to bag a quarterback in the weeks to come, following the flip of former Ohio State commit Tristen Wallace to Oregon. Maryland commit Dwayne Haskins and Louisville pledge Tylin Oden are potential alternative options.
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