College Football Coaches Who Need a Big 2016 Recruiting Class
Consider recruiting a major priority for most college football coaches in the next few weeks. Regardless of the fact of whether they're preparing for a bowl, coaches will be the first to admit that a program is only as good as its next men up.
Those "next men up" are the members of the 2016 class, and of the top 100 players in 247Sports.com's composite rankings, 40 are still uncommitted targets. Recruiting is currently in its dead period, where a coach isn't allowed to have face-to-face contact with a recruit, but when mid-January comes, look for coaches to go into overdrive with putting the finishing touches on their 2016 classes.
There are coaches who, for various reasons, are in need of a big signing class in February. Here are 10 coaches, listed in alphabetical order, who fit that category.
James Franklin, Penn State
1 of 10
2016 record: 7-5
Bowl status: TaxSlayer Bowl vs. Georgia, Jan. 2, Jacksonville, Florida
Number of 2016 commits: 18
247Sports.com team composite ranking: No. 9 overall (No. 3 in Big Ten)
Remember the buzz when James Franklin first was hired as the head coach at Penn State? There was tons of chatter about how he would not only change the culture of Penn State football but also enhance the program from a recruiting standpoint.
Penn State just avoided finishing the regular season with .500 record but is still looking at a top-10 finish in the overall team composite recruiting rankings for the 2016 class. The Nittany Lions, however, currently are ranked behind Ohio State and Michigan—Nos. 1 and 2 overall nationally—in the Big Ten recruiting standings and are hoping to land a couple of elite players before Feb. 3 to further compete for top billing in the conference.
Top-ranked commit: OL Michael Menet (No. 32 overall, No. 4 OT)
Impact target: LB Brendan Ferns (No. 109 overall, No. 3 ILB)
Jim Harbaugh, Michigan
2 of 10
2016 record: 9-3
Bowl status: Citrus Bowl vs. Florida, Jan. 1, Orlando, Florida
Number of 2016 commits: 23
247Sports.com team composite ranking: No. 2 overall (No. 2 in Big Ten)
Jim Harbaugh brings the hype, and that hype has helped him deliver an outstanding 2016 class. Michigan fans are excited about the turnaround they've seen, as the Wolverines have gone from a 5-7 team last season into one hoping to finish this season with 10 wins.
Michigan finished No. 37 in the 2015 class rankings, so the rise in recruiting has been welcomed. You can bet, however, that the Wolverines, for bragging rights alone, want to land a few more elite recruits simply to bypass their rival, Ohio State, who currently holds the top spot in the rankings.
Top-ranked commit: OL Ben Bredeson (No. 35 overall, No. 5 OT)
Impact target: DT Rashan Gary (No. 1 overall recruit)
Tom Herman, Houston
3 of 10
2016 record: 12-1
Bowl status: Peach Bowl vs. Florida State, Dec. 31, Atlanta
Number of 2016 commits: 20 (3 signed jucos)
247Sports.com team composite ranking: No. 27 overall (No. 1 in AAC)
Could this year's class be Houston's best ever? Many are saying yes, but the class has to solidify itself furthermore by adding a few more players. The Cougars have been impressive all year under first-year coach Tom Herman, and this year's success could mean good things for recruiting classes of the future.
If Herman chooses to stick around for a couple of years, don't be surprised if recruiting classes like the 2016 group become normal for the Cougars. Athletes are fans of Herman's coaching philosophies, and it's no secret that the Cougars have produced on the field. Additionally, Herman has been able to use the #HTownTakeover hashtag to his advantage. Twelve of the 20 commits are from the greater Houston area.
Top-ranked commit: DL Ed Oliver (No. 10 overall, No. 4 DT)
Impact target: ATH D'Eriq King (No. 276 overall, No. 17 ATH)
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Jim McElwain, Florida
4 of 10
2016 record: 10-3
Bowl status: Citrus Bowl vs. Michigan, Jan. 1, Orlando, Florida
Number of 2016 commits: 25 (3 signed jucos)
247Sports.com team composite ranking: No. 8 overall (No. 5 in SEC)
When you look at Jim McElwain's 2016 recruiting class now, he has 25 commits before Christmas, and eight of the 25 are 4-star athletes. That's quite an accomplishment as Florida's first-year head coach, but it says a lot about what the recruits think of McElwain's philosophy and overall coaching style.
In his first season as Florida's head coach, McElwain led his team to a 10-win season and the SEC championship game. The two years prior, the Gators won a combined 11 games. Florida will bring in some quality talent with the class; the good news is that there are still a few more big fish in the pond.
Top-ranked commit: QB Feleipe Franks (No. 37 overall, No. 3 PRO)
Impact target: LB Lyndell Wilson (No. 13 overall, No. 1 OLB)
Urban Meyer, Ohio State
5 of 10
2016 record: 11-1
Bowl status: Fiesta Bowl vs. Notre Dame, Jan. 1
Number of 2016 commits: 17
247Sports.com team composite ranking: No. 1 overall
Let's be honest: A primary reason why Urban Meyer needs a bigger recruiting class than what he already has is to say the program has one-upped its biggest rival, Michigan, this year. The Buckeyes currently are No. 1 in the 247Sports.com team composite rankings, and they hope to stay that way as they inch closer to February and signing day.
Here's why the next few weeks are critical for Ohio State. The team lost a commitment from the top-ranked running back, Kareem Walker, in November and then found out earlier this month that Walker's intends on signing with Michigan. In order to maintain that top spot, Meyer and Ohio State will not only have to keep their elite players committed but also add a couple more standouts by February.
Top-ranked commit: DL Nick Bosa (No. 6 overall, No. 1 SDE)
Impact target: WR Binjimen Victor (No. 75 overall, No. 8 WR)
Les Miles, LSU
6 of 10
2016 record: 8-3
Bowl status: Texas Bowl vs. Texas Tech, Dec. 29, Houston
Number of 2016 commits: 16
247Sports.com team composite ranking: No. 6 overall (No. 3 SEC)
The good news for Les Miles is that he'll be around for at least one more signing day and one more season. LSU officials killed all rumors of Miles getting fired late November, and the head coach not only is gearing for the Texas Bowl but also to close the 2016 recruiting class strong.
The Tigers have one 5-star player committed and are hoping to add a couple more before February's signing day. What's good for Miles is that his program is a major contender for a few top-100 prospects still uncommitted. Adding elite talent and further improving this already-stellar class will never hurt Miles' overall resume.
Top-ranked commit: DB Saivion Smith (No. 18 overall, No. 2 CB)
Impact target: DL Rashard Lawrence (No. 22 overall, No. 5 DT)
Will Muschamp, South Carolina
7 of 10
2016 record: 3-9
Bowl status: Not bowl eligible
Number of 2016 commits: 15 (1 signed juco)
247Sports.com team composite ranking: No. 49 overall (No. 12 SEC)
The good news for South Carolina: It's ranked in the top 50 nationally in the 247Sports.com team composite rankings. The bad news for South Carolina: It's ranked near the bottom of the rankings. Life after Steve Spurrier now begins, and Will Muschamp looks to turn the program into a different direction.
It'll all starts with recruiting, and with 15 pledges, the Gamecocks still have room to grow before February's signing day. Muschamp only has three 4-star commits, but he and his staff are working hard to make an 11th-hour push for a few big-time targets.
Top-ranked commit: QB Brandon McIlwain (No. 172 overall, No. 3 DUAL)
Impact target: OL John Simpson (No. 180 overall, No. 9 OG)
Nick Saban, Alabama
8 of 10
2016 record: 12-1
Bowl status: Cotton Bowl (College Football Playoff semifinal) vs. Michigan State, Dec. 31, Arlington, Texas
Number of 2016 commits: 17 (1 signed juco)
247Sports.com team composite ranking: No. 5 overall (No. 2 SEC)
If for nothing else, a large recruiting class—larger than what Alabama has already—could assist in giving Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide continued bragging rights around the country. For the last five recruiting cycles, Alabama has been the top dog in 247Sports.com's team composite rankings. Nineteen of the 26 commits in the 2011 class—the class that started the run—were either a 4-star or 5-star player.
Alabama currently is ranked nationally in the top five, but Saban has several elite-level athletes on his radar who could help the Crimson Tide's ranking before February. Whether Alabama can extend its streak as the No. 1 in recruiting rankings to six seasons is still to be determined, but you can bet Saban is working diligently to land the best uncommitted players.
Top-ranked commit: OL Jonah Williams (No. 20 overall, No. 3 OT)
Impact target: DT Rashan Gary (No. 1 overall)
Charlie Strong, Texas
9 of 10
2016 record: 5-7
Bowl status: Not selected for a bowl
Number of 2016 commits: 12
247Sports.com team composite ranking: No. 46 overall (No. 6 Big 12)
Charlie Strong and the Longhorns missed a bowl game for only the second time since 1999. That doesn't sit well with Texas fans, but a strong close to what has been a slow recruiting cycle can help give the program much-needed life. And if this year is anything like last year, expect Strong to make big moves between now and February.
With only a dozen commits, and only three of those being 4-star pledges, Texas has plenty of room to grow its 2016 class. Strong showed this season that he isn't afraid to play freshmen, which could serve as a major advantage as he goes after some of the top uncommitted players. If Strong's able to secure a few players from the home state of Texas, look for the Longhorns to skyrocket in the 247Sports.com team composite rankings.
Top-ranked commit: QB Shane Buechele (No. 151 overall, No. 2 DUAL)
Impact target: DB Brandon Jones (No. 15 overall, No. 1 S)
Kevin Sumlin, Texas A&M
10 of 10
2016 record: 8-4
Bowl status: Music City Bowl vs. Louisville, Dec. 30, Nashville
Number of 2016 commits: 17
247Sports.com team composite ranking: No. 20 overall (No. 7 SEC)
Let's forget rankings, wins, losses and anything else that associates with recruiting for a minute. Kevin Sumlin needs a big recruiting class to help silence the frenzy regarding the issues surrounding the program, highlighted by the Aggies' revolving door at the quarterback position.
Fortunately for the Aggies, there are quite a few athletes still considering playing for Sumlin. A top-20 ranking could flirt with a top-10 ranking if Sumlin is able to land a few 4-star and 5-star recruits still available and interested. Don't be surprised if the Aggies end national signing day with a few pleasant surprises from the recruiting trail.
Top-ranked commit: DL Justin Madubuike (No. 43 overall, No. 4 DE)
Impact target: DB Brandon Jones (No. 15 overall, No. 1 S)
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