Ranking Top 25 Recruiting Classes Post-High School All-American Games
Annual All-American games provide closure for impressive high school football careers, capping things off with nationally televised matchups that showcase America's most talented senior players. These athletes are preparing for a leap to FBS competition in 2016 and many will enroll at the university of their choice in January.
These events offer one final glimpse of prospects before college, where some will emerge as instant stars and others will wait a year or more to contribute. All-American game action and the practices that precede kickoff represent the final stage of a lengthy assessment process.
While many marquee recruits remain uncommitted just weeks away from national signing day, coaching staffs have already filled the majority of scholarship slots in this cycle. Here's how we rank the country's top 25 recruiting classes in the aftermath of multiple All-American games, giving a nod to well-balanced value over sheer volume.
25. Texas A&M
1 of 25
Total Commitments: 18 (six 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Though 5-star 2017 quarterback Tate Martell is still expected at College Station, the Aggies must address the position during the final stretch of this cycle after they lost former 5-star passers Kyle Allen and Kyler Murray to transfers. It may come as a surprise that Texas A&M claims just two 4-star commitments on offense at this stage (running back Trayveon Williams and tackle Kellen Diesch).
Head coach Kevin Sumlin has put pieces in place for much-needed defensive improvement. He claims commitments from a pair of 4-star ends (Justin Madubuike and Mark Jackson Jr.) and cornerbacks (Charles Oliver and Travon Fuller).
24. Arizona State
2 of 25
Total Commitments: 20 (five 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
The Sun Devils have done a terrific job of securing elite in-state talent, landing commitments from wide receiver N'keal Harry and defensive back Chase Lucas. Texas quarterback Dillon Sterling-Cole, an Elite 11 finalist, and Maryland athlete Robbie Robinson are key pledges from beyond state borders.
Arizona State will welcome an abundance of junior college recruits. A hefty haul is headlined by top-three JUCO prospects at defensive end (Dougladson Subtyl and Christian Hill), cornerback (J'Marcus Rhodes) and center (A.J. McCollum).
23. Arkansas
3 of 25
Total Commitments: 17 (six 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
The Razorbacks didn't need to look far for elite talent along the defensive front, scooping up in-state commitments from end McTelvin Agim and tackle Austin Capps. Rated No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, among Arkansas recruits, both 4-star defenders pledged before their senior seasons.
Former Georgia commit Devwah Whaley, rated No. 4 nationally among running backs, joined the class by announcing at the Under Armour All-America Game. He bolsters an offensive haul that already included 4-star wide receiver T.J. Hammonds and 4-star Iowa lineman Jake Heinrich.
22. Houston
4 of 25
Total Commitments: 20 (one 5-star; three 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Houston is the only program not in a Power Five conference to crack the top 40 in 247 Sports' composite recruiting rankings aside from Notre Dame. It's a well-earned achievement, as head coach Tom Herman and his staff have put in terrific work in keeping hometown standouts Ed Oliver (5-star defensive tackle) and Tyrie Cleveland (4-star wide receiver) in the neighborhood.
Former TCU commits Courtney Lark and D'Eriq King are likely to challenge for early playing time at receiver. Junior college offensive tackle Na'Ty Rodgers and in-state quarterback Bowman Sells also present promising options for the Cougars offensive staff.
21. TCU
5 of 25
Total Commitments: 19 (seven 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
TCU will welcome several midyear junior college transfers, including the No. 1 JUCO prospects at wide receiver (Taj Williams) and outside linebacker (Tyree Horton). Along with Williams, the Horned Frogs' offensive attack is slated to add 4-star Louisiana wide receiver Isaiah Graham, underrated Texas quarterback Brennen Wooten and powerful in-state running back Sewo Olonilua.
Massive offensive tackle Austin Myers (6'5", 295 lbs), another 4-star talent, is also headed to TCU. Houston defensive end Isaiah Chambers should enter the mix for rotational reps as a true freshman, alongside U.S. Army All-American commit Ross Blacklock.
20. Tennessee
6 of 25
Total Commitments: 16 (six 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
The Volunteers signed impressive junior college talent in December, sealing the deal with three of the top 40 JUCO prospects this cycle. Defensive tackle Alexis Johnson, wide receiver Jeff George and cornerback Desmond Henderson will each compete for reps after arriving via the JUCO route.
Elite 11 finalist Jarrett Guarantano, a 4-star New Jersey quarterback, is considered the top dual-threat talent in this cycle. Tennessee's offense will also welcome 4-star talents at running back (Carlin Fils-aime) and tackle (Ryan Johnson).
In-state linebacker Daniel Bituli and North Carolina cornerback Marquill Osborne headline the high school haul on defense.
19. UCLA
7 of 25
Total Commitments: 20 (six 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Much like cross-city rival USC, UCLA has a bright future at wide receiver. The Bruins hold commitments from a trio of 4-star pass-catchers in Darian Owens, Dymond Lee and former Oregon commit Theo Howard.
All-purpose back Demetric Felton can excel in multiple phases of the offensive attack, while Tennessee tight end Jordan Wilson is among the most athletic players at his position in this cycle. Linebackers Lokeni Toailoa and Krys Barnes bring impressive athleticism to the field in their own right, adding to a defensive unit that will also welcome dynamic Los Angeles pass-rusher Breland Brandt.
18. Oregon
8 of 25
Total Commitments: 18 (seven 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
A dynamic group of defenders highlights this Ducks class, spearheaded by in-state stars Brady Breeze (safety) and LaMar Winston (linebacker). Oregon reached beyond state borders for 4-star California talents Bryson Young (defensive end) and Darrian Franklin (linebacker)
An explosive offensive attack annually attracts attention from recruits, and this cycle is no exception. Tennessee wide receiver Dillon Mitchell, Hawaii running back Vavae Malepeai and Oregon tight end Cameron McCormick are key pickups.
Former Ohio State commit Tristen Wallace joined the class in December. Though he starred at quarterback in Texas, he could make a name for himself at wide receiver during his college career.
17. Miami
9 of 25
Total Commitments: 16 (nine 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Miami's recruiting efforts took some lumps following the midseason dismissal of head coach Al Golden, but momentum certainly shifted when the Hurricanes hired longtime Georgia coach Mark Richt to run the program.
Defensive end Patrick Bethel and linebacker Zach McCloud, two 4-star Florida talents, both committed in December. They further solidify a defensive group that features fellow 4-star recruits at linebacker (Shaquille Quarterman), defensive end (Joseph Jackson) and cornerback (Tyler Byrd).
In-state quarterback Jack Allison, a top-10 recruit among pro-style passers, will enjoy having 4-star wide receivers Sam Bruce and Dionte Mullins alongside him on campus. Running back Travis Homer is a threat to score every time he touches the football, displaying rare speed that linebackers struggle to handle.
16. Penn State
10 of 25
Total Commitments: 18 (nine 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
The Nittany Lions are primed for an influx of offensive talent, which is pivotal for a program that failed to score at least 17 points in four regular-season games.
The group is led by Pittsburgh running back Miles Sanders, the most explosive offensive prospect in Pennsylvania. He will run behind Michal Menet, a fellow 4-star recruit who is considered the top overall prospect in Pennsylvania.
A strong in-state haul is also headlined by offensive lineman Connor McGovern and safety Andrew Pryts, both 4-star recruits. Meanwhile, head coach James Franklin continues to find talent in the Mid-Atlantic region, as evidenced by crucial commitments from Maryland defensive linemen Ellison Jordan and Shane Simmons.
15. Stanford
11 of 25
Total Commitments: 19 (eight 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Stanford should continue to enjoy aerial offensive success with an impressive collection of talent prepared to join the party in Palo Alto. Elite 11 finalist KJ Costello joined the class in March, providing the Cardinal with a quarterback of the future after choosing not to sign a passer last cycle.
Texas tight end Kaden Smith, rated No. 2 overall among prospects at the position, joined Costello less than a month later. Wide receiver Simi Fehoko, the all-time leading high school receiver in Utah and U.S. Army All-American Player of the Year finalist, climbed aboard in July.
"We can put together a really explosive offense for the next few years with the kind of talent that's coming to Stanford," Fehoko told Bleacher Report.
Head coach David Shaw is also sharpening things defensively with a haul headlined by in-state linebacker Curtis Robinson, Texas defensive tackle Michael Williams and California cornerback Treyjohn Butler.
14. Baylor
12 of 25
Total Commitments: 20 (one 5-star; six 4-star)
Best of the Bunch
Baylor bagged two of Texas' most coveted wide receivers in November. Tren'Davian Dickson, the nation's single-season record holder for touchdown catches (39), joined the Bears' class after decommitting from Texas, while speedster Devin Duvernay chose the program from a lengthy list of college options.
This duo is hardly alone as impact players who should help enhance an explosive Baylor attack. Running back Kameron Martin and quarterback Zach Smith, both Lone Star State standouts, are also key members of the Big 12's top-ranked recruiting class.
Though he won't touch the ball, 5-star tackle Patrick Hudson may make the biggest difference for Baylor's offensive efforts. The Bears must improve defensively to climb national rankings next season and beyond, so pass-rusher Brandon Bowen and linebacker Deonte Williams could play roles next season if they mature rapidly.
13. Notre Dame
13 of 25
Total Commitments: 22 (nine 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Notre Dame bagged a pair of premier bookends fairly early in this cycle. Offensive tackles Tommy Kraemer and Liam Eichenberg are rated No. 6 and No. 12, respectively, among prospects at the position.
They're joined up front by prized Florida offensive guard Parker Boudreaux. These incoming blockers will face an early test on the practice field from defensive ends Khalid Kareem and Julian Okwara.
Notre Dame landed former USC linebacker pledge Daelin Hayes, while Tennessee defensive back Donte Vaughn adds another dynamic to the Fighting Irish defense. Playmakers set to join the offensive attack include Canadian wide receiver Chase Claypool, California quarterback Ian Book, Florida running back Tony Jones Jr. and California pass-catcher Javon McKinley, who joined the class during Army All-American Bowl action.
12. Michigan State
14 of 25
Total Commitments: 19 (10 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
The Big Ten champions continue to cash in on increased national notoriety, carrying nine 4-star commitments from five different states. Michigan State is making its recruiting mark throughout Big Ten territory, with multiple 4-star pledges from both Ohio and Illinois.
The Spartans are set to welcome a strong group of wide receivers, headlined by 4-star talents Donnie Corley, Justin Layne, Trishton Jackson and Cameron Chambers. That's good news for Ohio quarterback Messiah deWeaver, an Elite 11 finalist who previously pledged to Michigan.
Defensive ends Auston Robertson and Josh King are two of the finest you'll find in this class. They'll be joined on that side of the ball by fellow studs Naquan Jones (tackle), Demetric Vance (safety) and Kenney Lyke (safety).
11. USC
15 of 25
Total Commitments: 15 (one 5-star; nine 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
The abrupt and embarrassing departure of former USC head coach Steve Sarkisian seemingly put this class in peril. However, the program has emerged relatively unscathed, aside from two linebacker decommitments immediately after the firing, under new leader Clay Helton.
You'll be hard-pressed to find a more impressive corps of pass-catchers in this cycle, as the Trojans have collected commitments from four 4-star wide receivers. Tyler Vaughns, Trevon Sidney, Michael Pittman and Josh Imatorbhebhe each rank among America's top 30 prospects at the position.
The offensive interior also improves with 4-star linemen Nathan Smith and Frank Martin headed to town.
USC's biggest recruiting splash occurred on Christmas when No. 1 overall defensive end Oluwole Betiku committed. The former UCLA pledge recorded 28.5 sacks in two seasons at Los Angeles area powerhouse Junipero Serra since emigrating from Nigeria, per MaxPreps.
10. Auburn
16 of 25
Total Commitments: 17 (one 5-star; eight 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Despite dealing with an overhaul of its defensive coaching staff for a second straight year, Auburn is recruiting well on that side of the ball. The Tigers will soon welcome 5-star end Marlon Davidson to campus as an early enrollee, while 4-star Georgia tackle Antwuan Jackson and top-rated junior college pass-rusher Paul James are expected to join him for spring camp.
The defensive haul also includes John Broussard, the top-ranked cornerback in Alabama, and versatile Georgia safety Marlon Character. Auburn's offensive haul is impressive, as it is set to welcome two potential playmakers at quarterback (junior college product John Franklin and 4-star Florida high school senior Woody Barrett.
Commitments from 4-star wide receivers Kyle Davis and Eli Stove, along with 4-star tight end Landon Rice, give head coach Gus Malzahn more weapons for a dynamic attack. Davis belongs in any discussion about this class' No. 1 overall wide receiver recruit.
9. Florida
17 of 25
Total Commitments: 26 (nine 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Florida has quickly found its recruiting groove under new leadership during the past year. The Gators have capitalized on the first-season success of head coach Jim McElwain to assemble a strong group of athletes.
After failing to sign a quarterback in the 2015 cycle, Florida found its man in former LSU pledge Feleipe Franks. The Elite 11 finalist threw 35 touchdowns and just two interceptions in 2015, per MaxPreps, and will arrive early to compete for reps in spring practice.
He'll operate with an offensive cast that's set to include speedy junior college wide receiver Dre Massey, top-rated JUCO running back Mark Thompson and 4-star in-state wide receivers Freddie Swain and Joshua Hammond.
A pair of Gators defensive pledges—cornerback Chauncey Gardner and pass-rusher Antonneous Clayton—shined throughout the competitive week of practices that preceded the Under Armour All-America Game. Fellow 4-stars Jeremiah Moon (linebacker) and Shavar Manuel (tackle) also add to Florida's defensive efforts.
8. Clemson
18 of 25
Total Commitments: 14 (two 5-stars; seven 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
This class is a prime example of how to maximize scholarship spaces, as Clemson continues to pack in talent despite a lack of abundant available slots in this cycle. The latest commitment came during Under Armour All-America Game action when 4-star linebacker Rahshaun Smith announced his intentions to play for the Tigers.
Smith, rated No. 2 nationally among inside linebackers, joins 5-star tackle Dexter Lawrence, Kansas pass-rusher Xavier Kelly and Georgia linebacker Tre Lamar in an outstanding defensive haul.
Clemson's offense, which will return a Heisman Trophy finalist at quarterback next season, should also improve.
Tavien Feaster, the nation's top-ranked all-purpose back, does plenty of damage as a rusher and receiver. Tavares Chase and Cornell Powell are both 4-star pass-catchers, while Georgia product Zerrick Cooper adds another playmaker to the quarterback depth chart.
7. Georgia
19 of 25
Total Commitments: 16 (two 5-star; nine 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Top-ranked quarterback Jacob Eason stuck with his Bulldogs commitment despite the departure of head coach Mark Richt and a later push from Florida. The Washington product passed for 9,813 yards and 102 touchdowns during his high school career, earning Gatorade State Football Player of the Year honors this fall.
His premier offensive counterparts include top-rated tight end Isaac Nauta, tackle Ben Cleveland, wide receiver/tight end Charlie Woerner and running back Elijah Holyfield, the son of legendary boxer Evander Holyfield. All four players are Peach State prospects, which can also be said about a slew of defensive pledges.
Defensive linemen Julian Rochester, Tyler Clark and Chauncey Manac are Georgia boys, along with 4-star linebacker Jaleel Laguins. Junior college wide receiver Javon Wims is a compelling option who could build an early rapport with Eason as Georgia's passing attack looks to get back on track.
6. Florida State
20 of 25
Total Commitments: 18 (one 5-star; 11 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Massive defensive end Janarius Robinson (6'5.5", 260 lbs) and tackle Cedric Wood should bolster the Seminoles' efforts in the trenches on defense. Meanwhile, top-ranked center Baveon Johnson and 4-star Virginia tackle Josh Ball should help stabilize depth along the offensive front.
Cornerback Levonta Taylor, a 5-star Virginia standout, scored six non-offensive touchdowns as a high school upperclassman, according to MaxPreps. He is the position's No. 1 prospect and rates No. 7 overall in the composite rankings.
"I work every day to make myself the best cornerback in the country," Taylor told Bleacher Report after a camp in April. "I'll continue to put in that work when I get to Tallahassee."
Quarterback Malik Henry attended four high schools in four years, including a brief stint working under former Florida State star Chris Weinke at IMG Academy. The Elite 11 finalist finished his prep career at Long Beach Poly High School in California, tossing 16 touchdowns and just one interception in seven games, per MaxPreps.
The Seminoles will surround Henry with a quality supporting cast, including Miami running back Amir Rasul and Philadelphia tight end Naseir Upshur. Both players are considered top-10 talents at their respective positions.
5. Alabama
21 of 25
Total Commitments: 17 (one 5-star; nine 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
SEC defenses can expect to contend with a powerful Alabama ground attack for years to come. North Carolina running back B.J. Emmons, who rushed for 2,417 yards and 36 touchdowns in 2015, joins a stockpile of young talent in the Crimson Tide backfield.
Like other Alabama rushers, he'll have a group of blue-chip offensive linemen looking out for his best interests. California tackle Jonah Williams is a 5-star recruit, while Deonte Brown and Chris Owens are considered top-10 guards in this cycle.
Jalen Hurts should also appreciate the presence of those big men. The 4-star Texas quarterback, rated No. 5 nationally among dual-threat talents, racked up significant yardage through the air (4,916) and on the ground (2,344) as a high school upperclassman en route to 91 total touchdowns.
The Crimson Tide defense is set to welcome its usual procession of playmakers, headlined by massive tackles Kendell Jones and Raekwon Davis and 4-star Virginia linebacker Jaquan Yulee. Maryland product Trevon Diggs, the younger brother of impressive Minnesota Vikings rookie Stefon Diggs, could make a major impact in Alabama's secondary if he doesn't remain at wide receiver.
Head coach Nick Saban seeks to extend his program's unprecedented streak of top-rated recruiting classes to six straight cycles on signing day.
4. Ole Miss
22 of 25
Total Commitments: 20 (two 5-stars; nine 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Ole Miss' class includes eight commits who are considered top-10 prospects at their respective positions. The haul is headlined by quarterback Shea Patterson and offensive tackle Gregory Little, who give head coach Hugh Freeze two of America's top five overall recruits.
"I think [the Rebels] are the fastest-rising team in the SEC," Patterson told Bleacher Report. "With the recruiting class we'll have, I think they have the most potential right now."
The Elite 11 MVP compiled nearly 10,000 total yards of offense, 140 touchdowns and two state championships during his high school career. Little, a former Texas A&M pledge who hails from the Lone Star State, is among the most athletic tackles to emerge this decade.
Rebels coaches view those two as monumental building blocks on offense, while running back Justin Connor, tight end Octavious Cooley and tackle Bryce Mathews are each 4-star recruits. The same can be said for in-state wide receiver DeKaylin Metcalf, an Ole Miss legacy.
The defense will also enjoy an influx of impressive players. Texas cornerback Jaylon Jones, Georgia edge-rusher Charles Wiley, junior college linebacker David Luafatasaga and former Alabama tackle commit Benito Jones spearhead the group.
3. Ohio State
23 of 25
Total Commitments: 18 (two 5-stars; 11 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
The Buckeyes won't finish with a national championship again this winter, but don't expect that to hinder head coach Urban Meyer's recruiting efforts moving forward. Just as he did during the last decade at Florida, he puts Ohio State in the mix for America's most impressive class every year.
Dominant defensive linemen Jonathon Cooper and Nick Bosa, the younger brother of beloved Buckeyes standout Joey Bosa, form a 5-star duo. Ohio State also has the makings of quite a tandem in the offensive backfield, as both Demario McCall and Antonio Williams provide uncommon skill sets.
Luke Farrell and Jake Hausmann, two top-10 tight ends, should push each other to improve in Columbus. The passing attack adds another dynamic talent in Indiana wide receiver Austin Mack, who tallied more than 1,500 total offensive yards and 24 touchdowns in 2015, according to MaxPreps.
"I believe I'm ready to compete in college," Mack told Bleacher Report. "I'm an all-around wide receiver who commits to the little things. I'm smart enough to memorize playbooks quickly and execute my assignments."
2. Michigan
24 of 25
Total Commitments: 24 (14 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh spent more than three full months in Ann Arbor before landing his first commitment of the 2016 cycle. It turned out to be a monumental one, as 4-star Indiana quarterback Brandon Peters climbed aboard in April.
The Elite 11 finalist, who threw for 3,103 yards and 37 touchdowns this season, quickly saw a strong supporting cast grow around him.
"It was crazy," Peters told Bleacher Report. "It felt like really good players were joining our class almost every day for a while there."
Michigan's offensive haul now includes 4-star wide receivers Brad Hawkins and Ahmir Mitchell, along with top-ranked running back Kareem Walker.
All three players are New Jersey products. Ron Johnson, a 4-star defensive end who played with Hawkins at Camden High School, gives Michigan four of Garden State's most coveted prospects. Johnson should help bolster the Wolverines defensive front, along with Houston tackle Jordan Elliott and fellow end Carlo Kemp, the No. 1 recruit in Colorado.
Expectations in the trenches should also increase on offense when 4-star linemen Ben Bredeson, Devery Hamilton, Michael Onwenu and Erik Swenson arrive. Bredeson and Hamilton are considered top-five talents at tackle and guard, respectively. Southern California wide receiver Dylan Crawford chose the Wolverines over Oregon and UCLA during Army All-American Bowl festivities.
1. LSU
25 of 25
Total Commitments: 20 (one 5-star; 14 4-stars)
Best of the Bunch
This LSU class seemingly teetered on the brink of implosion during late stages of the season, as speculation swirled around the job security of head coach Les Miles. The Tigers' veteran leader is staying put in Baton Rouge and should welcome a strong collection of athletes to campus.
"We're going to win a lot of games together. Our focus is on championships," defensive end commit Caleb Roddy told Bleacher Report.
The case for LSU as "DBU"—Defensive Back University—is a direct result of outstanding recruiting at key spots. Florida cornerback Saivion Smith and Texas safety Eric Monroe are each considered top-three talents at their respective positions, while 4-star Louisiana talents Cameron Lewis and Andraez Williams are also considered premier playmakers in the secondary.
Elite Louisiana defender Michael Divinity and Texas standout Erick Fowler will add depth at linebacker, while in-state defensive tackle Edwin Alexander could someday anchor the Tigers' front line.
That group will contend with multiple incoming offensive weapons. Wide receivers Stephen Sullivan and Dee Anderson, who both stand 6'5", head to LSU alongside New Orleans tight end Jamal Pettigrew, while fellow 4-star pass-catcher Drake Davis joined the class during Under Armour All-America Game action. Running back Devin White, a 255-pound freight train, committed in early January.
