Most Important College Football Recruiting Visits of Week 1

With the college football season officially underway, the focus for most coaches around the country will be on the action that takes place on the gridiron. 

Still, Saturdays in the fall are also a pivotal time for their recruiting efforts since top prospects are shuffling in to witness the game-day atmospheres at some of their favorite schools. 

Considering the bonanza of quality games that mark the opening of the 2016 season, it makes sense that a handful of critical visits from some of the nation’s premier recruits will take place over the weekend. 

Which visits should fans be paying close attention to?

Let’s take a look at the most important college football recruiting visits of Week 1.

Auburn: 2018 DE Xavier Thomas

Class: 2018

High School: Wilson High School (Florence, South Carolina)

Size: 6'2 ½", 249 lbs

247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 1 strong-side defensive end; No. 2 overall

Despite its struggles on the defensive side of the ball in recent years, Auburn has shown the ability to attract talent along the defensive line during head coach Gus Malzahn’s tenure.

Current Tigers such as Carl Lawson, Montravius Adams, Byron Cowart and Derrick Brown were among the most coveted players in the country as recruits.

For its season opener against ACC power Clemson, the Tigers will welcome a pair of elite 2018 recruits in 5-star defensive ends Xavier Thomas and Justin Mascoll, as reported by Keith Niebuhr of 247Sports.

Thomas, who is billed as the No. 2 overall prospect in the 2018 class, is the ultimate prize for Malzahn and his staff.

Over the last two seasons at Wilson High School in Florence, South Carolina, the 6’2 ½”, 249-pounder racked up 129 tackles—including 34 for loss with 17 sacks and four forced fumbles.

Getting him in on an unofficial visit for a high-profile matchup is huge for the Tigers and their chances of remaining a factor as his recruitment plays out.

Florida: 2020 QB Harrison Bailey

Class: 2020

High School: Marietta High School (Marietta, Georgia) 

Size: 6'3", 195 lbs

247Sports Composite Ranking: N/A

It’s not uncommon for schools to identify prospects with a ton of potential in future classes, but nowhere is that more evident than with the quarterback position.

That’s why programs are offering passers in the 2018, 2019 and even 2020 cycles at a rapid rate.

One underclassman prospect already on the radar of top programs is 2020 quarterback Harrison Bailey. 

The 6’3”, 195-pounder out of Marietta High School in Georgia is approaching double-digit offers despite just starting his freshman year at the prep level.

According to Steve Wiltfong of 247Sports, Bailey will visit Florida this weekend.

The Gators have already tendered Bailey. Given the revolving door of passers that the program has seen since Tim Tebow left Gainesville, the Gators would like to add quality arms in hopes of stabilizing the most important position on the field. 

Getting a young and talented prospect such as Bailey—who is well on his way to becoming a national prospect—on campus is a great sign for the Gators and their recruiting efforts at the quarterback position.

Michigan: 4-Star WR Tarik Black

Class: 2017

High School: Cheshire Academy (Cheshire, Connecticut) 

Size: 6'4", 208 lbs

247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 17 receiver; No. 131 overall 

Michigan's 2017 class is deep with 18 commitments heading into the season. However, if there is one hole in it, it's the fact that the Wolverines have yet to pick up anyone at receiver. 

They are hoping to change that when 4-star receiver Tarik Black makes his way to Ann Arbor for his official visit this weekend, as Wiltfong reported.

The big-bodied pass-catcher is also being courted by powers such as Alabama, Notre Dame and Stanford.

However, the Wolverines are hoping to lay the groundwork with Black that leads him to select Michigan when the time arrives for him to make a decision on his playing future. 

Nebraska: 5-Star OT Foster Sarell

Class: 2017

High School: Graham Kapowsin High School (Graham, Washington)

Size: 6'6 ½", 311 lbs

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

Given Nebraska head coach Mike Riley’s extensive experience coaching in the Pac-12 prior to arriving in Lincoln, it makes sense that the Cornhuskers staff is using those ties to help them attract some of the top players from the West Coast in the 2017 cycle.

As Steve Wiltfong of 247Sports reported, Riley and his staff will welcome in 5-star offensive tackle Foster Sarell for the season opener against Fresno State.

This weekend will be particularly pivotal as the Cornhuskers will host Sarell and fellow 5-star standouts in corner Darnay Holmes and receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones on visits. However, Sarell is the biggest prize on the board.

Among the other powers linked to Sarell—who is rated as the top offensive lineman in the 2017 class and the nation’s No. 2 overall prospect—are Notre Dame, Stanford and Washington.

However, the fact that he’s electing to take his first official to Lincoln is a signal that the ‘Huskers have a shot to insert themselves into the race for one of 2017’s premier talents.

Texas: 5-Star LB Baron Browning

Class: 2017 

High School: Kennedale High School (Kennedale, Texas)

Size: 6'3", 230 lbs

247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 2 outside linebacker; No. 9 overall

Ever since Charlie Strong took over the Texas program, the Longhorns have employed a recruiting strategy that starts off slow and closes with a flurry toward national signing day.

The Longhorns have just seven commitments, but they are involved with a number of elite prospects who remain uncommitted.

One such player is 5-star in-state linebacker Baron Browning—who will be on hand to see the Longhorns take on Notre Dame Sunday evening in Austin, as detailed by Garrett Callahan of 247Sports.

Browning, who is the nation’s No. 2 outside linebacker, was once committed to fellow in-state Big 12 member Baylor.

With competition coming from programs such as Ohio State and TCU, the ‘Horns are gunning to make a strong impression on one of the elite in-state talents in the 2017 class.

Browning is scheduled to be an early enrollee, and getting the first visit could help jump-start another furious finish for Strong and his staff as the 2017 cycle comes to a close.

Texas A&M: 5-Star DT Marvin Wilson

Class: 2017 

High School: Episcopal High School (Bellaire, Texas)

Size: 6'4", 329 lbs

247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 1 defensive tackle; No. 3 overall

Among the high-profile nonconference matchups this weekend we'll see UCLA traveling to face Texas A&M.

Aggies head coach Kevin Sumlin and his staff will have a long list of stud recruits who will be watching the action from the stands, as noted by Taylor Hamm of 247Sports.

Perhaps the biggest name on that list—literally and figuratively—is 5-star defensive tackle Marvin Wilson. 

Alabama, Florida State and LSU are among the out-of-state programs trying to lure Wilson. Fellow in-state rival Texas is also in the mix with him.

The Aggies have had success pulling elite in-state defensive linemen in recent years with the likes of Myles Garrett and Daylon Mack.

Sumlin and defensive coordinator John Chavis would love to add Wilson to that list, and getting him on campus early and often is a good sign for them remaining a factor in his recruitment until he decides.

Sanjay Kirpalani is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotes obtained firsthand and all recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.

Follow @SanjayKirpalani