Every Top 25 Team's Main College Football Recruiting Pipeline
College football coaching staffs constantly search the country for high school prospects who could eventually make an impact on their respective rosters. This quest for talent requires programs to place emphasis on scouting several regions, but every team must be able to identify an area it can return to for key pickups on a perennial basis.
Whether it's a specific school district, overall region or an entire state, these established "pipelines" can consistently provide pieces that upgrade a game plan. We shined a spotlight on pipelines that have been particularly kind to the 25 programs featured in the final 2015 coaches poll.
25. Florida
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Key Pipeline: Southeast Florida
The counties of Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach routinely produce an impressive portion of football's most promising young players, and given the Miami Hurricanes' recent struggles, this fertile recruiting territory has been more ripe for the plucking for outside programs. The Gators have taken advantage under head coach Jim McElwain.
Florida has always fixed its sights on the territory and greatly capitalized during the past two national signing days, landing 4-star standouts such as wide receivers Antonio Callaway and Joshua Hammond and running backs Jordan Scarlett and Jordan Cronkrite. The regional offensive haul also includes 2017 quarterback commit Jake Allen (Fort Lauderdale) and 6'7" tackle Kadeem Telfort (Miami).
24. Georgia
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Key Pipeline: The Peach State
New Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart can count on local athletes to carry his program into a new era, as evidenced by the 63 Peach State prospects who create a prominent presence on Georgia's 2016 spring roster.
Smart may be new to Athens but he targeted the area heavily during his days as an Alabama assistant and closed the 2016 cycle strong this past winter with elite homegrown athletes such as Mecole Hardman, Michail Carter and Isaac Nauta (the team could still add undecided 5-star wide receiver Demetris Robertson).
Georgia, which is constantly battling opposing coaches from the SEC and beyond for top-tier local talent, has managed to build a quality foundation for its 2017 class using solely in-state stars. Defensive back Richard LeCounte III, linebacker Jaden Hunter and quarterback Jake Fromm are each considered top-15 overall recruits in Georgia.
23. Tennessee
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Key Pipeline: Georgia
Since head coach Butch Jones arrived in Knoxville for the final stretch of the 2013 recruiting cycle, Tennessee has signed nine Peach State products who were considered 4-star recruits. This group began with current starting quarterback Josh Dobbs and continues to gain steam, with six Georgia products hopping on the Volunteers' bandwagon in the past two classes.
While North Carolina has also been an outside state where this staff emphasizes recruiting efforts, no place beyond Tennessee means more to the Vols than Georgia. Jones landed two top-100 prospects from the state during the winter (safety Nigel Warrior and athlete Marquez Callaway) and has his program firmly in contention for 5-star 2017 cornerback Deangelo Gibbs.
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22. Northwestern
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Key Pipeline: Ohio
Arguably the most hotly contested recruiting turf in Big Ten Conference territory, Ohio is typically viewed as an area for showdowns between the Buckeyes, Spartans and Wolverines. But don't sleep on Northwestern's efforts in the state.
The Wildcats enter 2016 spring camp with 11 Ohio natives on the roster, including last season's second-leading tackler on team (Godwin Igwebuike) and starting linebacker Nate Hall. Cincinnati running back Jeremy Larkin is the top-rated member of head coach Pat Fitzgerald's 2016 recruiting class, which featured six signees from Ohio.
21. Wisconsin
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Key Pipeline: Florida
It may take plenty of convincing for many people to trade Florida sunshine for Wisconsin winters, but that's exactly what the Badgers have been able to accomplish on the recruiting trail. The program managed to pluck 12 prospects from the Sunshine State during the past three cycles, headlined by six signees in February 2014.
The Badgers broke through in Florida again in 2016, securing four pledges. That group includes cornerbacks Ke'Shan Pennamon (Jacksonville) and Dontye Carriere-Williams (Miami), who are both considered top-100 prospects at the position.
20. Oregon
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Key Pipeline: Hawaii
Despite its reputation as a destination resort for folks in the contiguous United States, Hawaii is routinely uncharted by college football programs due to the expenses that come with recruiting the state. While plenty of staffs essentially skip Hawaii on the recruiting trail, Oregon embraces the opportunity to target top talent from the islands.
Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota was a major diamond-in-the rough find for the Ducks, and his 2014 national championship runner-up team featured six Hawaiian products. That's the same roster number entering 2016 spring camp and includes former 5-star defensive Canton Kaumatule, though Oregon suffered a late decommitment from 4-star 2016 running back Vavae Malepeai (USC signee).
19. Oklahoma State
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Key Pipeline: Texas
The Cowboys, like several Big 12 Conference teams, count on recruiting success in the Lone Star State for roster enhancement. Oklahoma State isn't typically able to lure Texas' most prized prospects to Stillwater, but the depth chart is filled with players who were largely snubbed by in-state powerhouses.
More than half of Oklahoma State's 2016 spring roster graduated from a Texas high school, and the Cowboys signed six more Lone Star State recruits earlier this year. Recent Cowboys who have become first-round NFL picks further illustrate the program's reliance on Texas prospects, as Dez Bryant, Brandon Pettigrew and Russell Okung are each natives.
18. Navy
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Key Pipeline: Tennessee
Record-setting quarterback Keenan Reynolds decimated opposing defenses during his Navy career, serving as a catalyst for other Tennessee products who opted for a life of service that starts in Annapolis, Maryland. The program's 2015 class provided a prime example of productive recruiting efforts there, as Navy landed nine pledges from the state.
Andrew Wood, a 2015 offensive linemen from Tennessee, chose Navy over offers from Vanderbilt, Virginia, Cal, Louisville, Syracuse, Purdue and Mississippi State.
"It's important to have pride in your homeland and be willing to sacrifice things for the greater good," he told Bleacher Report before enrolling as a freshman. "For me, that just means sacrificing the 'normal' college experience and growing up a little faster for something I've always wanted."
17. LSU
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Key Pipeline: New Orleans
Located less than two hours away from campus, the Big Easy is loaded with high school standouts who compete for multiple local powerhouses. LSU landed running back Leonard Fournette—the nation's top-rated 2014 recruit and current Heisman Trophy hopeful—from St. Augustine High School, which also produced 4-star 2016 tight end signee Jamal Pettigrew.
A pair of 5-star New Orleans wide receivers (Malachi Dupre and Tyron Johnson) both joined LSU in recent cycles, while 4-star linemen Willie Allen and Andre Anthony help maintain the pipeline this past signing day. Linebacker Bruce Jordan-Swilling and defensive back Brad Stewart are among rising high school seniors in the city who are sure to attract more attention from the Tigers.
16. Utah
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Key Pipeline: San Clemente High School (San Clemente, California)
Consider this a burgeoning relationship between college program and high school district, as Utah has made significant inroads with the Southern California beach community. Quarterback Travis Wilson, who set the Utes' record for career starts behind center, kick-started things when he signed out of San Clemente.
The university welcomes two more graduates from the high school this season, securing two of California's top 100 prospects in the class of 2016 in offensive lineman Tucker Scott and tight end Cole Fotheringham. This gradually expanding pipeline will undergo a significant test in the 2017 cycle, as Utah attempts to land San Clemente quarterback Jack Sears, who also carries offers from Arizona State, Boston College, Kansas State and Tennessee.
15. North Carolina
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Key Pipeline: Charlotte
In a state that's home to seven FBS programs, it's imperative for the Tar Heels to successfully recruit the largest city in North Carolina. Located more than two hours away from Chapel Hill, Charlotte isn't exactly right in the Tar Heels' backyard, but it produces a significant portion of UNC's roster.
Multiple contributors on the 2015 Tar Heels squad hail from the city, most notably starting cornerback Des Lawrence. Defensive end Jake Lawler and athlete Ryan Jones—each considered 4-star talents from Charlotte—provided crucial early commitments for a 2017 North Carolina class that is ranked No. 9 overall in 247Sports composite rankings.
14. Florida State
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Key Pipeline: Miami Central High School (Miami)
This South Florida powerhouse is always a must-visit for college recruiters across the country, especially those who operate in the Sunshine State. The Seminoles landed an eventual NFL star (Devonta Freeman) and current Heisman Trophy hopeful (Dalvin Cook) from Miami Central.
Florida State lost grips on fellow Miami Central star Jamel Cook this past signing day when he flipped to USC, but the team's 2016 spring roster still includes four alumni of the high school.
13. Baylor
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Key Pipeline: Midway High School (Waco, Texas)
Houston and Dallas are in-state hotbeds that command the focus of Baylor's staff, but head coach Art Briles doesn't need to look far for top-tier Texas talent. Nearby Midway High School has won 67 games since 2010, producing plenty of prospects along the way.
Alumni of the high school are mainstays on Briles' roster, with seven former Midway players in the mix last year. Linebacker Lenoy Jones Jr. and wide receiver Devontre Stricklin enrolled together as freshmen in 2015.
12. Notre Dame
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Key Pipeline: Ohio
Notre Dame is more of a national brand than any college football program in America, which makes it easy to forget the Fighting Irish are found in northern Indiana. This creates a unique recruiting reach that enables head coach Brian Kelly to consistently reel in top prospects ranging from California to Florida, but he does plenty of quality work close to home.
Ohio, particularly parochial schools in Cleveland and Cincinnati, has been mighty kind to Notre Dame throughout the years. All-American offensive tackles Tommy Kraemer (Elder High School, Cincinnati) and Liam Eichenberg (St. Ignatius High School, Cleveland) join the team this year, adding more representation for a state that placed 12 players on the 2015 Fighting Irish roster.
11. Michigan
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Key Pipeline: New Jersey
Michigan plundered the Garden State throughout a successful 2016 recruiting cycle, capitalizing on expanded Big Ten Conference territory created by the inclusion of Rutgers. The Wolverines signed six New Jersey products, a haul that included four 4-star prospects and was punctuated by No. 1 overall recruit Rashan Gary.
The 5-star defensive tackle previously played for Michigan assistant Chris Partridge when he was head coach at Paramus Catholic in northern New Jersey. Gary joins fellow Paramus Catholic alum Jabrill Peppers (No. 3 overall recruit in 2014) in Ann Arbor, while the team has already garnered serious consideration from 2017 New Jersey standouts such as running back Bo Melton and Paramus Catholic defenders Drew Singleton and Corey Bolds.
10. Iowa
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Key Pipeline: Illinois
Iowa utilizes its neighboring state frequently on the recruiting trail, often targeting northern regions that extend into the Chicago area. The Hawkeyes signed seven Illinois recruits during the past two recruiting cycles, bringing five prospects into the fold this February after a 2015 season that featured 14 players from the state.
The program's lone 2017 commitment from Illinois is its biggest pledge in recent memory. Defensive end A.J. Epenesa, an Iowa legacy and 5-star defensive end rated No. 14 overall in national composite rankings, committed to the Hawkeyes in January.
9. Ole Miss
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Key Pipeline: Georgia
The Peach State makes another appearance on this list, further illustrating the area's importance to SEC recruiting efforts on multiple campuses. Former No. 1 overall prospect Robert Nkemdiche was an immense pickup beyond state borders for Ole Miss, and Georgia talent continues to find its way to Oxford.
The Rebels enter 2016 spring camp with seven Georgia products on a roster that will also add Sandy Creek High School offensive lineman Chandler Tuitt this summer. Sandy Creek has been a pipeline in its own right, producing past signees such as running back Eric Swinney and defensive back Mike Hilton.
8. Houston
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Key Pipeline: H-Town
The Cougars have quickly climbed rankings on the field and in recruiting under head coach Tom Herman, who signed the highest-rated 2016 class of any non-Power Five programs aside from Notre Dame. The phrase "#HTownTakeover" continues to gain momentum on social media, encouraging local prospects to pick Houston over options elsewhere.
This staff has squarely put its focus on building a championship foundation through homegrown talent, and it signed an absolute stud last signing day in Houston's own Ed Oliver, a 5-star defensive tackle rated No. 6 overall in composite rankings. The Cougars nearly added No. 2 overall wide receiver Tyrie Cleveland to its 2016 class, but he flipped to Florida late, leaving the team with another 4-star talent at the position in local pass-catcher Courtney Lark.
7. TCU
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Key Pipeline: Tarrant County, Texas
TCU continues to assert itself as a Lone Star State powerhouse in the college football scene, doing its finest recruiting work on the local front along the way. High schools in Arlington, Fort Worth, Mansfield and Keller provide a hotbed of local talent.
Bowie High School (Arlington) alone produced three players who currently reside on the Horned Frogs roster. TCU is settled in nicely in Tarrant County, where every FBS team in Texas understands it must recruit well in order to maximize roster depth.
6. Michigan State
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Key Pipeline: Detroit area
The Spartans have achieved a lot on the recruiting trail in Michigan's largest city, securing top-tier Detroit talent at a rate that no other Big Ten Conference team has maintained. Michigan State edged out Michigan and Ohio State for All-American wide receiver Donnie Corley in the 2016 cycle, as he gives the program yet another stud from Martin Luther King High School.
Demetric Vance, a 4-star defensive back from fellow Detroit powerhouse Cass Technical High School, also signed with the Spartans in February. His former teammate, No. 1 overall 2017 wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones, now sits atop Michigan State's wish list.
5. Oklahoma
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Key Pipeline: Texas
Oklahoma capitalizes on its proximity to the Lone Star State, building title contenders with athletes who likely would've ended up elsewhere in Big 12 Conference action if they hadn't signed with the Sooners. The program is particularly strong targeting the surrounding areas of Dallas and Austin, which is behind enemy lines in Big 12 territory.
Defensive end Mark Jackson Jr., a 4-star prospect who previously pledged to Texas A&M, was Oklahoma's top signee from the state in February, and he joins a roster that featured more than 40 Texans last season (headlined by offensive backfield tandem Samaje Perine and Baker Mayfield). Several Sooners who went on to become first-round NFL picks spent their high school career in the Lone Star State, including Adrian Peterson, Trent Williams and Lane Johnson.
4. Ohio State
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Key Pipeline: Northeast Ohio
The cities of Akron, Cleveland and Canton have greatly impacted Ohio State's sustained success. Glenville High School, located in Cleveland, contributed six players to the 2014 national championship roster and has sent more than 20 prospects to Columbus since 2002 (Cardale Jones, Troy Smith and Ted Ginn among them).
Other programs, particularly rivals Michigan and Michigan State, attempt to raid the region every cycle, but the Buckeyes have done an outstanding job of establishing overwhelming ownership of elite athletes in this area. Running back Todd Sibley and quarterback Danny Clark—both 4-star 2017 recruits who attend Archbishop Hoban in Akron—are among commits who intend to carry on that legacy.
3. Stanford
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Key Pipeline: Texas
We've mentioned how vital Lone Star State recruiting is in Big 12 country, but it's also developed into a rewarding region for reigning Pac-12 champion Stanford. The Cardinal are one of a small collection of college teams that truly target players nationwide with immense selectiveness, and that process continues to lead back to Texas.
While this is nothing new (former Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck played high school football in Houston), it's occurring at an increased volume. The Cardinal signed six Texans in 2016, headlined by No. 2 overall tight end Kaden Smith, and have landed a player considered a top-five Texas prospect in two of the past three cycles.
2. Clemson
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Key Pipeline: Florida's Gulf Coast
The Tigers have enjoyed years of upward trajectory under the direction of head coach Dabo Swinney, who has continuously come up with big pickups from the west coast of Florida. Key offensive weapons such as Sammy Watkins, Artavis Scott, Deon Cain and Ray-Ray McCloud hail from the region.
Incoming wide receiver Tavares Chase (Plant City) aims to add himself to that list in 2016. Along with Cain and McCloud, Clemson's 2015 recruiting haul also featured 4-star Tampa area offensive lineman Jake Fruhmorgen.
1. Alabama
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Key Pipeline: Home turf
At this stage, it's well understood Nick Saban is capable of signing elite recruits from any corner of America. However, many of Alabama's most reliable performers in recent years were homegrown athletes such as Julio Jones, T.J. Yeldon, Courtney Upshaw, Marcell Dareus and AJ McCarron.
The Crimson Tide's ability to bully opponents within state borders was on full display again this past signing day, when Alabama fended off a slew of suitors for 5-star linebackers Lyndell Wilson and Ben Davis. Saban secured four of the top five prospects in 2016 composite state rankings, helping push the Tide to a sixth straight No. 1 overall recruiting class on national signing day.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
