College football's 2021 recruiting cycle was a unique and challenging one amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the recruiting dead period. National signing day on Feb. 3 meant it came to a close. With it coming to a close and most ESPN 300 prospects signed, though focus will turn to the future to see how these top classes perform.
Alabama locked up a record seventh No. 1 class under Nick Saban with the Wednesday addition of ESPN 300 DB Terrion Arnold. Ohio State remains No. 2 and awaits the spring decision of DT J.T. Tuimoloau, the No. 4 prospect overall, as do Alabama, Washington, Oregon and USC. Oregon, with the addition of No. 10 RB Byron Cardwell and now ESPN 300 CB Avante Dickerson on Wednesday morning, moves to No. 5 ahead of LSU.
LSU fell just short of a second straight top-five class, but despite the on-field struggles in 2020, the Tigers still assembled one of the strongest collections of talent in the nation. Battling SEC West rivals Alabama and Texas A&M, LSU was able to fight back into the mix and land in-state ESPN 300 WR Brian Thomas after national signing day. A top-five prospect in Louisiana, he should prove worth the wait, as he brings a nice blend of length and speed to their WR group. The Aggies beat out Texas for ESPN 300 RB L.J. Johnson, securing a third straight top-10 class for Jimbo Fisher in College Station in the process.
Michigan finished strong with a pair of needed late additions to the defensive line in versatile ESPN 300 DL George Rooks III, who has has a nice frame to develop, good feet and active hands, and four-stat DT Rayshaun Benny, signing day flip from Michigan State. Though the Spartans lost out on Benny, the Spartans signed the top football/basketball combo prospect in the country in four-star WR Keon Coleman out of the Pelican State.
Raesjon Davis' commitment to USC secured a top-10 class for the Trojans, a huge rebound from an underwhelming 2020 class. Texas' first class under Steve Sarkisian received a February signing day boost from ESPN 300 DE David Abiara, a onetime Notre Dame verbal. Florida State enjoyed a big signing day victory in landing ESPN 300 WR Destyn Hill out of Louisiana.
Ole Miss surged in the early signing period under Lane Kiffin and added another key piece Wednesday in ESPN 300 DT Tywone Malone, guaranteeing a top-20 class for the Rebels. Another big signing day winner was Kentucky. The Wildcats won out for ESPN 300 LB Trevin Wallace over Auburn Tigers and other SEC foes to provide a boost for the top-40 class.
In the Group of 5, Memphis added to an impressive 2021 haul with onetime Tennessee verbal Roc Taylor.
1. Alabama Crimson Tide
ESPN 300 commits: 22 | Previous ranking: 1 
SEC rank: 1 of 14
Top offensive commit: OT Tommy Brockermeyer (No. 2)
Top defensive commit: DE Dallas Turner (No. 12)
The Crimson Tide are assembling arguably their best offensive line class under Nick Saban, which includes five-star OTs J.C. Latham and Tommy Brockermeyer, as well as No. 1 center James Brockermeyer. An O-line haul like that was enticing to No. 3 RB Camar Wheaton, who gives Alabama six ESPN 300 prospects out of Texas in this class. Flipping ESPN 300 quarterback Jalen Milroe from Texas fills a major need, and he compares favorably with former Ohio State QB J.T. Barrett. Saban went back to the Sunshine State for a pair of wideouts in ESPN 300s Jacorey Brooks and Agiye Hall, and athlete Christian Leary might be the fastest player in pads in Florida. The signing day flip of ESPN 300 WR JoJo Earle from LSU adds even more elite quickness to the position. The Crimson Tide also landed five-star edge defender Dallas Turner out of South Florida and flipped ESPN 300 OLB/edge prospect Keanu Koht from LSU on signing day. Other versatile defenders in the fold include ESPN 300 in-state OLBs Deontae Lawson and Ian Jackson, as well as Louisiana ESPN 300 S Kaine Williams. ESPN 300 DE Monkell Goodwine is the latest nationally touted prospect from Maryland to pick Alabama. ESPN 300 S/ATH Kadarius Calloway was a terrific flip from Mississippi State, and in-state ESPN 300 ATH Ga'Quincy McKinstry projects to play cornerback in Tuscaloosa.
2. Ohio State Buckeyes
ESPN 300 commits: 17 | Previous ranking: 2
Big Ten rank: 1 of 14
Top offensive commit: RB TreVeyon Henderson (No. 9)
Top defensive commit: DE Jack Sawyer (No. 1)
Ryan Day signed the No. 5-ranked class in February, and he is competing for his first No. 1 class as a head coach. A pair of five-stars headline the class in No. 1 overall prospect Jack Sawyer, an in-state defensive end, and Virginia running back TreVeyon Henderson. The signal-caller is ESPN 300 Kyle McCord, and he will throw to high school teammate Marvin Harrison Jr. and No. 2-ranked WR Emeka Egbuka at the next level. The Buckeyes' class is built with players from across the nation, with ESPN 300 guard Donovan Jackson from the Houston area; ESPN 300 CB Jakailin Johnson out of Missouri; ESPN 300 RB Evan Pryor out of North Carolina; ESPN 300 WR Denzel Burke out of Arizona; ESPN 300 ATH Andre Turrentine out of Tennessee; and ESPN 300 ATH Jantzen Dunn from Kentucky. Flipping Peach State ESPN 300 CB Jordan Hancock from Clemson was yet another national flex for the Buckeyes. Going to Virginia for ESPN 300 DT Tyleik Williams was a nice rebound after losing Tunmise Adeleye. The in-state ESPN 300 prospects in the fold are DT Mike Hall, WR Jayden Ballard, ILB Reid Carrico and OT Ben Christman.
3. Georgia Bulldogs
ESPN 300 commits: 15 | Previous ranking: 3
SEC rank: 2 of 14
Top offensive commit: OT Amarius Mims (No. 20)
Top defensive commit: ATH Smael Mondon (No. 11)
The Bulldogs are in the mix for an 11th straight top-10 class after keeping ESPN 300 in-state QB Brock Vandagriff close to home. ESPN 300 Lovasea Carroll will be a nice offensive weapon for the staff with his ability as a runner and strong ball skills as a receiving target. After signing a strong OL class for 2020, Georgia is adding more talent to that unit with several more ESPN 300 pickups, including top-10 OT Micah Morris and Dylan Fairchild. Three-star WR Jackson Meeks is an under-the-radar name to remember down the line. On defense, ESPN 300 S David Daniel is one of the nation's best at his position, as is ESPN 300 CB Nyland Green. In-state ESPN 300 ILB Chaz Chambliss starred at Under Armour Ray Lewis' RL52 Camp prior to his junior season. Georgia went to South Carolina to land ESPN 300 DE Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins and to Alabama for four-star CB Kamari Lassiter. ESPN 300 ATH/LB Xavian Sorey was a huge win out of the Sunshine State over Florida.
4. Clemson Tigers
ESPN 300 commits: 17 | Previous ranking: 4
ACC rank: 1 of 14
Top offensive commit: RB Will Shipley (No. 22)
Top defensive commit: OLB Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (No. 7)
Coach Dabo Swinney is locked in on Clemson's seventh straight top-10 class with a talented group that is lower on numbers but strong in quality. Five-star OLB Jeremiah Trotter Jr., whose father was an NFL player, is one of the nation's top playmakers and could be a quick contributor. The Tigers went into Tennessee to grab Tee Higgins three classes ago, then returned in the 2021 class to land ESPN 300 TE Jake Briningstool and ESPN 300 OG Dietrick Pennington. ESPN 300 WR Beaux Collins out of California was the go-to target last season for Clemson rising freshman QB D.J. Uiagalelei. ESPN 300 DE Cade Denhoff was a big win out of Florida, as was ESPN 300 OT Marcus Tate. The offensive line class got a big boost late in the process with the addition of top-five OT Tristan Leigh. Neighboring Georgia remains crucial for Clemson, as the Tigers will bring in ESPN 300 CB and LSU flip Nathaniel Wiggins, ESPN 300 LB Barrett Carter, ESPN 300 WR Dacari Collins and four-star RB Phil Mafah. ESPN 300 C Ryan Linthicum was a Maryland high school teammate of 2020 five-star Bryan Bresee. Versatile ESPN 300 RB Will Shipley was a huge May win out of neighboring North Carolina, as were ESPN 300 DE Zaire Patterson and big-bodied No. 4 DT Payton Page. Four-star QB and onetime Georgia baseball verbal commit Bubba Chandler has emerged as the top sleeper prospect in the country.
5. Oregon Ducks
ESPN 300 commits: 16 | Previous ranking: 6 
Pac-12 rank: 1 of 12
Top offensive commit: WR Isaiah Brevard (No. 58)
Top defensive commit: CB Avante Dickerson (No. 49)
The Ducks are pushing to finish with their highest-ranked class in over a decade. They went to Arizona for ESPN 300 QB Ty Thompson. Bracing to lose standout OL Penei Sewell, the Ducks are doing an excellent job addressing the offensive line. They landed ESPN 300 OLs Bram Walden and Jonah Miller from Arizona and returned to Sewell's home state of Utah for more big OL gets -- one of the nation's top center prospects in Jackson Light and ESPN 300 OT Kingsley Suamataia. The July 4 verbal of ESPN 300 WR Isaiah Brevard marks the second straight year the Ducks have gone to Mississippi for a talented offensive prospect. ESPN 300 Dont'e Thornton gives the class three top-15 WR commits. The Ducks continue to have a big presence in California, landing ESPN 300s Troy Franklin, Jaylin Davies, Byron Cardwell and Seven McGee, all of whom are among the state's top playmakers on both sides of the ball. ESPN 300 ILB Keith Brown was a huge in-state victory. ESPN 300 OLB Jonathan Flowe is the younger brother of Oregon freshman LB Justin Flowe. ESPN 300 CB Avante Dickerson was a huge February signing day win over home-state Nebraska.
6. LSU Tigers
ESPN 300 commits: 15 | Previous ranking: 5 
SEC rank: 3 of 14
Top offensive commit: OT Garrett Dellinger (No. 33)
Top defensive commit: S Derrick Davis Jr. (No. 28)
The defending national champions headed into this cycle with a tidal wave of momentum, and they have capitalized with another top-10 class. The state of Texas has been key for the Tigers, as they landed ESPN 300 QB Garrett Nussmeier and ESPN 300 OLB/DE Landon Jackson. The Tigers showed their national reach by reeling in ESPN 300 RB Corey Kiner from Ohio, ESPN 300 RB Armoni Goodwin from Alabama and ESPN 300 OT Garrett Dellinger out of Michigan. They were able to prevent in-state prospect Brian Thomas from heading to another SEC West rival. A key pick-up that came after national signing day, he gives the offense a tall target with good speed and a wide catch radius. ESPN 300 DT Maason Smith was a must-win over Alabama on signing day. ESPN 300 LB Zavier Carter and in-state three-star DE Saivion Jones are quality edge prospects. In-state ESPN 300 WR Chris Hilton adds elite quickness to the class, and in-state ESPN 300 ATH/S Sage Ryan was a big win over Alabama. ESPN 300 ATH/CB Damarius McGhee was a big win out of the Sunshine State over SEC competition. Another key in-state keep was four-star WR Jack Bech, one of the top senior risers nationally. ESPN JC50 ILB Navonteque Strong is expected to work his way into the two-deep quickly.
7. Texas A&M Aggies
ESPN 300 commits: 12 | Previous ranking: 7
SEC rank: 4 of 14
Top offensive commit: WR Shadrach Banks (No. 72)
Top defensive commit: DE Shemar Turner (No. 14)
Texas A&M continues to ascend on the recruiting trail under Jimbo Fisher with a third straight top-10 class locked up. Explosive five-star DL Shemar Turner was a massive December victory over Texas and Alabama, as was ESPN 300 DE Tunmise Adeleye over SEC foes on signing day. The addition of Elijah Jeudy gave the class four ESPN 300 commits in the defensive trenches. ESPN 300 QB Eli Stowers is an elite player who has high-jumped 6 feet, 10 inches. ESPN 300 WR Shadrach Banks is a versatile player and could develop into a linebacker. The Aggies went to South Florida for Miami Central RB Amari Daniels and ATH/CB Yulkeith Brown. ESPN 300 DE Jahzion Harris was a big out-of-state win within the front seven. Adaptable four-star DB Deuce Harmon was a head-to-head win over Texas, and ESPN 300 S Kendal Daniels was a huge get out of Oklahoma over Big 12 and SEC competition. ESPN 300 Reuben Fatheree II, Matthew Wykoff and OC Remington Strickland are talented in-state OLs in the fold.
8. USC Trojans
ESPN 300 commits: 10 | Previous ranking: 9
Pac-12 rank: 2 of 12
Top offensive commit: QB Jaxson Dart (No. 19)
Top defensive commit: DE Korey Foreman (No. 3)
After a dismal 2020 class by USC California standards, the Trojans have engineered a big turnaround during the 2021 cycle and secured a top-10 finish. They were able to keep the top prospect in the state at home, landing five-star DE Korey Foreman. ESPN 300 LB and onetime LSU verbal Raesjon Davis followed on February's signing day. With a need for depth at the position, they added a pair of ESPN 300 QBs, Miller Moss and senior riser Jaxson Dart out of Utah. The Trojans reeled in Sunshine State ESPN 300 TE Michael Trigg over SEC powers. In-state ESPN 300 WR Kyron Ware-Hudson was a huge flip from Oregon, and top-10 CB Ceyair Wright was another key hometown win. ESPN 300 ATH Julien Simon out of Washington is likely to find a long-term home at linebacker. ESPN 300 OG Jay Toia is a good get in a tackle-heavy 2020 class. Four-star, in-state prospect Prophet Brown will be another skilled playmaker on the offense. The Trojans went to the East Coast to snag upside DE Colin Mobley.
9. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
ESPN 300 commits: 9 | Previous ranking: 8
Independent rank: 1
Top offensive commit: QB Tyler Buchner (No. 39)
Top defensive commit: DT Gabriel Rubio (No. 162)
The Fighting Irish have the makings of yet another top-15 class, led by ESPN 300 signal-caller Tyler Buchner out of California and ESPN 300 playmakers Cane Berrong and WRs Lorenzo Styles Jr., Jayden Thomas and Deion Colzie, who is back in the mix after decommitting in March. In addition to the No.1 TE-H Berrong, they added two other big-bodied TEs to their class in three-stars Joe Alt and Mitchell Evans. ESPN 300 Blake Fisher heads to South Bend, Indiana, in the mold of former Irish offensive line standouts. The same can be said for ESPN 300 OG Rocco Spindler. Three-star Pat Coogan is another OL in the fold. Defensive line is key in the 2021 cycle, and ESPN 300 Gabriel Rubio from Missouri and three-star DE Jason Onye out of Rhode Island were solid early wins.
10. Florida Gators
ESPN 300 commits: 11 | Previous ranking: 10
SEC rank: 5 of 14
Top offensive commit: QB Carlos Del Rio (No. 58)
Top defensive commit: CB Jason Marshall (No. 44)
Dan Mullen's third consecutive top-10 class in Gainesville is a near lock coming off back-to-back 10-win seasons and top-10 AP poll finishes, as well as the hiring of ace recruiter Tim Brewster. Brewster immediately addressed the need at tight end with ESPN 300s Gage Wilcox and Nick Elksnis. There are two quarterbacks in the class: ESPN 300 Carlos Del Rio and four-star Texan Jalen Kitna. Two huge early August wins came from South Florida in ESPN 300 DBs and high school teammates Jason Marshall and Corey Collier. An ESPN 300 WR in the fold is playmaker Daejon Reynolds out of Georgia powerhouse high school Grayson. A third ESPN 300 WR is Marcus Burke from Jacksonville powerhouse Trinity Christian. ESPN 300 Chief Borders is a versatile jumbo athlete who projects as an OLB. ESPN 300 DE Jeremiah Williams will bring edge rush ability. A solid secondary group is made up of LSU flip Dakota Mitchell and four-star S Donovan McMillon. Four-star DE Justus Boone, a big win out of South Carolina, has a high ceiling.
11. Miami Hurricanes
ESPN 300 commits: 9 | Previous ranking: 11
ACC rank: 2 of 14
Top offensive commit: QB Jake Garcia (No. 23)
Top defensive commit: DT Leonard Taylor (No. 6)
After finishing with the No. 30 class in 2019 and No. 17 in the 2020 cycle, Manny Diaz has the Hurricanes in the mix for a top-10 class this cycle. Keeping ESPN 300 S/OLB James Williams home over Georgia was a huge win, as was beating Florida for local five-star DT Leonard Taylor. ESPN 300 OG/C Laurence Seymore was dominant at Under Armour Camp Miami. Four-star RB/WR Brashard Smith, a one-time Florida Gators verbal commit, is an ideal playmaker with versatility for new offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee. Getting ESPN 300 WR Jacolby George back in the fold was big, as was keeping ESPN 300 WR Romello Brinson home. ESPN 300 four-star TE Elijah Arroyo comes from Texas and is the only four-star commit currently from out of state. The signing day commitment of ESPN 300 QB Jake Garcia provides Lashlee with a talented passer who can stretch the field vertically. Within the front seven, three-star DT Allan Haye possesses quickness and power, ESPN 300 DE Jabari Ishmael will bring edge-rush ability from down the road at Columbus High, and four-star OLB Chase Smith, out of Palm Bay, has a coach's dream frame to develop.
12. North Carolina Tar Heels
ESPN 300 commits: 11 | Previous ranking: 12
ACC rank: 3 of 14
Top offensive commit: QB Drake Maye (No. 47)
Top defensive commit: DE Keeshawn Silver (No. 8)
Mack Brown signed the No. 16-ranked class in the 2020 cycle, but the 2021 class will be the one Tar Heels fans look toward as Brown's most impactful in Chapel Hill because of the many in-state wins. Five-star DE Keeshawn Silver and ESPN 300 QB and Alabama flip Drake Maye headline the class. Linebacker is a key need, and the staff delivered with ESPN 300s Power Echols and Raneiria Dillworth. Four-star safety Gabriel Stephens probably will transition to outside linebacker. ESPN 300s Tymir Brown and DeAndre Boykins are needed playmakers in the secondary. ESPN 300 WR Gavin Blackwell and four-star Kobe Paysour will bring size to the wide receiver room. Versatile ESPN 300 Kamarro Edmonds could play running back or safety at the next level. Three-star WR J.J. Jones is a future playmaker out of South Carolina. Keeping ESPN 300 OL Diego Pounds home was another big in-state victory. Three-star DE Trevion Stevenson is full of upside and adds even more depth to the defensive front after a flip from Pittsburgh.
13. Oklahoma Sooners
ESPN 300 commits: 9 | Previous ranking: 13
Big 12 rank: 1 of 10
Top offensive commit: QB Caleb Williams (No. 16)
Top defensive commit: OLB Clayton Smith (No. 84)
A fifth straight top-10 class is a possibility for the Sooners as they work to add more offensive firepower. Top-rated QB Caleb Williams leads their talented offensive haul, which also includes No. 1 WR Mario Williams Jr., onetime Texas wide receiver verbal Billy Bowman Jr. and ESPN 300 WRs Cody Jackson and Jalil Farooq, giving the Sooners four of the top 25 wideouts in the class. ESPN 300 OT Savion Byrd was a huge signing day win over SMU, LSU and Texas. Defense is also being addressed: ESPN 300 OLB Clayton Smith is a top-10 prospect at the position and ESPN 300 ATH Ethan Downs projects to defensive end. The Sooners beat out many of the nation's elite programs for Virginia ESPN 300 DE Kelvin Gilliam. Additional defensive talent includes three-stars DE Nathan Rawlins-Kibonge out of Oregon, ATH/OLB Danny Stutsman out of the Sunshine State and in-state CB Jordan Mukes. If ESPN 300 CB Latrell McCutchin returns to form after a serious knee injury, the class will be even better long term. Three-star Caleb Johnson will be a senior riser, and will begin his career at cornerback.
QB Jaxson Dart explains why he has chosen to play his college football at USC.
14. Michigan Wolverines
ESPN 300 commits: 10 | Previous ranking: 14
Big Ten rank: 2 of 14
Top offensive commit: QB J.J. McCarthy (No. 25)
Top defensive commit: OLB Junior Colson (No. 144)
The Wolverines haven't finished outside the top 20 in the class rankings since 2015, and this year is expected to continue the streak. Jim Harbaugh landed his quarterback early when ESPN 300 J.J. McCarthy committed in May 2019. A trio of ESPN 300 OLs -- OT Giovanni El-Hadi, C Raheem Anderson II and OG Greg Crippen -- will provide pass protection. Keeping ESPN 300 RB Donovan Edwards home on signing day was an absolute must. The Wolverines added legitimate home-run-threat speed in ESPN 300 WR Xavier Worthy out of California. ESPN 300 OLBs Junior Colson, an athletic and versatile defender, and Jaydon Hood were huge wins out of Tennessee and Florida, respectively. ESPN 300 DE George Rooks III and three-star DEs T.J. Guy and Dominick Giudice add more quality depth to the defensive line. Four-star Kechaun Bennett could play DE or OLB in Ann Arbor. The February signing day flips of four-star DT Rayshaun Benny from Michigan State and three-star DT Ikechukwu Iwunnah fill major needs. Three-star S Rod Moore out of Ohio and three-star OLB Tyler McLaurin from Illinois have playmaking abilities.
15. Texas Longhorns
ESPN 300 commits: 10 | Previous ranking: 18
Big 12 rank: 2 of 10
Top offensive commit: ATH Ja'Tavion Sanders (No. 13)
Top defensive commit: CB Ishmael Ibraheem (No. 115)
The Longhorns' disappointing 2019 season slowed the early recruiting momentum in the 2021 cycle, but the class still has a legitimate chance at the top 10, with five-star ATH Ja'Tavion Sanders on the verbal list. Four-star WR Jaden Alexis has vertical speed and quickness, and three-star TE Juan Davis displays tremendous hands. Small-school RB Jonathan Brooks has excellent feet in the hole and superior vision. ESPN 300 OLB Derrick Harris Jr. and ESPN 300 OG Hayden Conner were two more key wins out of the Houston area. After QB Jalen Milroe flipped to Alabama, Texas wasted no time in flipping three-star QB Charles Wright from Iowa State. ESPN 300 DE Jordon Thomas missed his junior year because of injury, and he is a candidate to move inside at the next level. Baylor flip Byron Murphy is one of the state's most improved seniors on defense. ESPN 300 DE David Abiara was a big February signing day win for Steve Sarkisian over Washington. ESPN 300 CB Ishmael Ibraheem and ESPN 300 S J.D. Coffey committed on the same day, June 15. The staff returned to the West Coast again, this time reeling in ESPN 300 CB Jamier Johnson over Arizona State and UCLA.
16. Wisconsin Badgers
ESPN 300 commits: 6 | Previous ranking: 15
Big Ten rank: 3 of 14
Top offensive commit: OT Nolan Rucci (No. 36)
Top defensive commit: DE T.J. Bollers (No. 198)
The Badgers are in search of a third consecutive top-30 class under Paul Chryst coming on the heels of a five-year run that has averaged more than 10 wins per season on the field. A trio of ESPN 300 OLs are in the fold in OT Nolan Rucci from Pennsylvania, Riley Mahlman from Minnesota and OT J.P. Benzschawel from within the state. Another in-state ESPN 300 on the commit list is safety Hunter Wohler. ESPN 300 DE T.J. Bollers was a huge win out of Iowa in June. Four-star OLB Jake Ratzlaff was a nice win out of Minnesota, as he has a nice frame and can develop into a versatile defender. A pair of in-state running backs -- Jackson Acker and Loyal Crawford -- look to be next in line in Madison. Three-star DLs Darryl Peterson and Mike Jarvis fit the mold of players developed at the position in recent years.
17. Ole Miss Rebels
ESPN 300 commits: 7 | Previous ranking: 19
SEC rank: 6 of 14
Top offensive commit: QB Luke Altmyer (No. 118)
Top defensive commit: DT Tywone Malone (No. 45)
Lane Kiffin has the Rebels ascending in the 2021 cycle, especially after the flip of ESPN 300 QB Luke Altmyer from Florida State, beating out Miami for ESPN 300 WR Bralon Brown and winning out for ESPN 300 safeties Tysheem Johnson and Dink Jackson. The Feb. 3 signing of ESPN 300 prospect Tywone Malone brings an impact DT to Oxford. Four-star TE Hudson Wolfe was a huge flip from Tennessee. The same can be said for four-star WR Brandon Buckhaulter, a onetime Mississippi State verbal. ESPN 300 WR J.J. Henry out of Texas will be a weapon in the slot. ESPN JC50 DTs Isaiah Iton and Jamond Gordon will add key depth out of the gate. Three-star OG Cedrick Nicely is the sleeper in the class.
Craig Haubert details Maryland's strong class of 2021, which includes a focus on the defensive side of the football.
18. Maryland Terrapins
ESPN 300 commits: 6 | Previous ranking: 16
Big Ten rank: 4 of 14
Top offensive commit: WR Tai Felton (three stars)
Top defensive commit: OLB Terrence Lewis (No. 10)
Mike Locksley, a former offensive coordinator, is looking to make a statement on defense with his 2021 recruiting class. The top 10 prospects in the class all project to defense, including two potential impact linebackers. The state's top-ranked prospect, No. 5 OLB Demeioun Robinson, was a huge pickup, and they added five-star LB Terrence Lewis out of Florida. They are joined on the defensive side by area ESPN 300 prospects Antwain Littleton and Taizse Johnson. ESPN 300 DT Tommy Akingbesote has as much upside as any prospect in the class, and four-star DT Andre Porter isn't far behind. ESPN 300 LB Branden Jennings was a huge signing day flip from Michigan. The three-stars from the local area who have verbally committed are DE ZionAngelo Shockley, tight ends Joseph Bearns and Leron Husbands, and CB Dante Trader Jr. Junior college OLB Gereme Spraggins will be an impact player.
19. Tennessee Volunteers
ESPN 300 commits: 6 | Previous ranking: 17
SEC rank: 7 of 14
Top offensive commit: WR Julian Nixon (No. 176)
Top defensive commit: DE Dylan Brooks (No. 18)
The 2021 cycle looked like the best in Knoxville in a while, but it has been turned upside down with another head-coaching change. Tennessee had a big win out of Alabama in ESPN 300 pass-rusher Dylan Brooks. Georgia is most critical to the Volunteers' out-of-state efforts on an annual basis, and ESPN 300 WR Julian Nixon and ESPN 300 RB Cody Brown are in the fold. North Carolina is always important for Tennessee as well, and ESPN 300 ATH Kaemen Marley is one of the most versatile prospects in the class. Key in-state wins include four-star WR Walker Merrill and four-star William Parker. The flip of in-state three-star OT J'Marion Gooch from Auburn is more impactful now with a class defection on the OL. ESPN JC50 DE/OLB Byron Young was a key signing day win over Auburn, Ole Miss and Texas. ESPN JC50 RB Tiyon Evans will be an impact player in Knoxville. The Feb. 3 signing of ESPNJC50 Jeremiah Crawford helps offset some major losses in the portal.
20. California Golden Bears
ESPN 300 commits: 4 | Previous ranking: 20
Pac-12 rank: 3 of 12
Top offensive commit: WR J. Michael Sturdivant (No. 106)
Top defensive commit: DE Derek Wilkins (four stars)
A talented class of offensive players has vaulted the Bears into the top 25. ESPN 300 QB Kai Millner will have some excellent players to throw to in the future in ESPN 300 Lone Star State WR J. Michael Sturdivant, ESPN 300 WR Mavin Anderson and ESPN 300 TE Jermaine Terry. Four-star DE Derek Wilkins was a terrific pickup over Pac-12 competition, as was four-star OLB Kaleb Elarms-Orr. The class also is adding three-star DEs Akili Calhoun and Myles Williams, three-star OLB Moses Oladejo (who has plenty of upside) and 6-foot-2 three-star CB Kaleb Higgins. Three-star S Hunter Barth out of Arizona could end up at outside linebacker long term. Three-star OTs Bastian Swinney and William Reed both have ideal frames to develop over time, and three-star OG Ryan Lange could be ready to push for playing time early.
21. Arkansas Razorbacks
ESPN 300 commits: 2 | Previous ranking: 21
SEC rank: 8 of 14
Top offensive commit: ATH A.J. Green (No. 186)
Top defensive commit: DT Jalen Williams (JC 50 No. 6/three stars)
Sam Pittman signed the No. 29 class in short order in February, and the Razorbacks now sit in the top 30 again. The state of Oklahoma has been key in the 2021 class, with ESPN 300 ATH A.J. Green, who is projected to contribute on offense, four-star RB Javion Hunt and three-star WR Bryce Stephens all jumping on board. ESPN 300 WR Ketron Jackson was a huge win out of Texas over the Longhorns. Another four-star in the class is Lone Star State QB Lucas Coley. On the offensive line, in-state Terry Wells and Cole Carson out of Texas are two quality OT prospects. The staff has filled a linebacker need well with three-stars Jermaine Hamilton-Jordan, Marco Avant and Christopher Paul Jr. Three-star CBs Keuan Parker and Chase Lowery have quick feet and reaction.
22. Washington Huskies
ESPN 300 commits: 4 | Previous ranking: 22
Pac-12 rank: 4 of 12
Top offensive commit: QB Sam Huard (No. 15)
Top defensive commit: OLB Will Latu (No. 287)
The Huskies' class got off to a great start to the 2021 cycle when ESPN 300 QB Sam Huard committed back in 2018. The class began the rise into the top 25 with the June and early July commitments of ESPN OLB Will Latu, ESPN 300 OG Owen Prentice and ESPN 300 WR Jabez Tinae. Another four-star in the class is Utah DT Voi Tunuufi. Three-star RB Caleb Berry was a nice grab out of the Lone Star State, as was three-star CB Dyson McCutcheon out of California. Another CB from California in the class is long-armed Zakhari Spears.
23. Virginia Cavaliers
ESPN 300 commits: 3 | Previous ranking: 23
ACC rank: 4 of 14
Top offensive commit: QB Jacob Rodriguez (No. 206)
Top defensive commit: DE Bryce Carter (No. 91)
The Cavaliers signed the No. 48-ranked class in 2020 and are in position for a higher finish in 2021. The staff made a trip to Texas for ESPN 300 QB Jacob Rodriguez. Beating out North Carolina for in-state ESPN 300 OT Logan Taylor was huge. Four-star DE Josh McCarron brings edge-rush ability. ESPN 300 DE Bryce Carter reclassifying from the 2022 class to 2021 provides an additional boost. Three-star in-state OLB Michael Green brings good range and an ideal frame. Three-stars Hugh Laughlin, Ty Furnish and Charlie Patterson join Taylor to form a quality OL class.
24. NC State Wolfpack
ESPN 300 commits: 3 | Previous ranking: 24
ACC rank: 5 of 14
Top offensive commit: QB Aaron McLaughlin (No. 53)
Top defensive commit: OLB Jordan Poole (No. 196)
The Wolfpack are not only back inside the top 40 but fighting their way toward a top-25 class. The group is led by ESPN 300 QB Aaron McLaughlin, ESPN 300 in-state WR Micah Crowell and ESPN 300 OLB Jordan Poole. Three more key in-state wins were four-star S Chase Hattley and three-star DEs Travali Price and Zyun Reeves. Three-star OLB Caden Fordham will be a multiyear starter in Raleigh. Three-star guard Thornton Gentry from South Carolina and Lyndon Cooper out of Georgia helped fill a key need in the class.
25. Pittsburgh Panthers
ESPN 300 commits: 2 | Previous ranking: 25
ACC rank: 6 of 14
Top offensive commit: RB Rodney Hammond (four stars)
Top defensive commit: DE Elliot Donald (No. 83)
After signing the No. 45 class last February, the Panthers are pushing for a higher finish for 2021. Keeping legacy ESPN 300 DT Elliot Donald was a must, while winning out for ESPN 300 OLB Naquan Brown was a very nice feather in the cap for the staff. Four-star RB Rodney Hammond out of Virginia should be an impact playmaker. A second RB out of Virginia in the class is three-star Malik Newton. Two more key in-state wins on the trail are three-star S Javon McIntyre and three-star DE Nahki Johnson. Three-star CB Khalil Anderson will bring very good change of direction and one-time Auburn commit, four-star CB Phillip O'Brien Jr. is a good tackler.
26. Penn State Nittany Lions
ESPN 300 commits: 4 | Previous ranking: 29
Big Ten rank: 5 of 14
Top offensive commit: OT Landon Tengwall (No. 90)
Top defensive commit: S Jaylen Reed (No. 249)
James Franklin continues to prove he's one of the nation's top recruiters. Four-star QB Christian Veilleux turned down offers from Clemson and Michigan, among others. ESPN OT Landon Tengwall will head to Penn State ready from day one, as will ESPN 300 S Jaylen Reed. Reed is joined from the state of Michigan by three-star CB Kalen King and three-star ILB Kobe King. Four-star DE Rodney McGraw was a nice flip from Indiana, while four-star DE Davon Townley was a nice signing day victory. ESPN 300 Zakee Wheatley and ATH Jeffrey Davis Jr. could be a factor on either side of the ball. Three-star TE Khalil Dinkins was a needed in-state victory over Big Ten foes.
27. Florida State Seminoles
ESPN 300 commits: 6 | Previous ranking: 28
ACC rank: 7 of 14
Top offensive commit: WR Destyn Hill (No. 89)
Top defensive commit: CB Omarion Cooper (No. 138)
Mike Norvell rallied in his first cycle in Tallahassee with a top-20 class and is now fighting for a top-25 finish in 2021. The signing day commitment from four-star edge rusher prospect George Wilson was a big win over SEC and ACC foes. The Seminoles also closed out the early signing period by getting WR Malik McClain to recommit, a key pickup as he is a big and agile target who can play right away. ESPN 300 WR Destyn Hill out of Louisiana is another big-time playmaker headed to Tallahassee. Peach State four-star Bryson Estes is a very good interior prospect and could be a quick contributor at an area of need. ESPN 300 OT Rod Orr also helps address the demand along the O-line. Three-star TE Jackson West has terrific hands and body control. Help at cornerback will come from in-state ESPN 300 Omarion Cooper, Lone Star State ESPN 300 Hunter Washington and four-star Under Armour Camp Miami standout Kevin Knowles. The Seminoles beat out SEC foes for Louisiana four-star DE Byron Turner Jr., and the same can be said for in-state ESPN 300 DE Shambre Jackson.
28. Auburn Tigers
ESPN 300 commits: 4 | Previous ranking: 31
SEC rank: 9 of 14
Top offensive commit: QB Dematrius Davis (No. 214)
Top defensive commit: DT Lee Hunter (No. 60)
After inking the No. 7-ranked class, one full of defensive talent, in the 2020 cycle, the Tigers fought to assemble a strong class as they begin the Bryan Harsin era. On defense, there is more talent headed to Auburn in ESPN 300 DTs Lee Hunter and Marquis Robinson, along with Sunshine State ESPN 300 Ahmari Harvey and speedy four-star cornerback Tar'varish Dawson. Another frame to develop on the defensive front will be Tobechi Okoli, who has a quick first step at 6-foot-5, 250 pounds. ESPN 300 QB and previous Virginia Tech verbal commit Dematrius Davis headlines the offensive side of the ball. Four-star WR Hal Presley will come from Texas with a college-ready body and strong hands. Three-star TE Landen King was a previous verbal commit to Texas. A late add to the class by the new staff was three-star RB Jarquez Hunter, who can be an elusive utility weapon.
29. Nebraska Cornhuskers
ESPN 300 commits: 3 | Previous ranking: 26
Big Ten rank: 6 of 14
Top offensive commit: TE Thomas Fidone Jr. (No. 271)
Top defensive commit: ILB Wynden Ho'ohuli (No. 159)
After a disappointing 2020 season, Scott Frost and staff are seeking to build for a stronger return in 2021. Defensively, they added some top talent to their linebacker room. Top 20 OLB Randolph Kpai and No. 3 ILB Wynden Ho'ohuli are both ESPN 300 prospects and key pickups, as the Cornhuskers are likely to lose their top two tacklers. They have filled a need at WR with four-star Kamonte Grimes out of Florida, Shawn Hardy out of Georgia and previous Virginia Tech verbal Latrell Neville from Texas. ESPN 300 TE Thomas Fidone Jr. was a key pickup, and he is joined by in-state three-star TE A.J. Rollins. The signal-caller in the class is three-star Heinrich Haarberg.
30. Iowa Hawkeyes
ESPN 300 commits: 3 | Previous ranking: 27
Big Ten rank: 7 of 14
Top offensive commit: OT David Davidkov (No. 244)
Top defensive commit: OLB Justice Sullivan (No. 263)
The Hawkeyes are in line for a third straight top-40 class. It should come as no surprise that they have a talented group of offensive linemen committed in ESPN 300s David Davidkov and Connor Colby, four-star Gennings Dunker and three-star Beau Stephens. One-time Texas verbal Michael Myslinski will be the next really impressive center prospect to enter the program. The beneficiary of that talented group will be versatile playmaker Arland Bruce IV out of Kansas. On defense, ESPN 300 OLB Justice Sullivan brings range and versatility. Defensive line is a key position of need, and the Hawkeyes filled it early with three-star DEs Max Llewellyn and Jeffrey Bowie, as well as DT Griffin Liddle.
31. Minnesota Golden Gophers
ESPN 300 commits: 1 | Previous ranking: 30
Big Ten rank: 8 of 14
Top offensive commit: QB Athan Kaliakmanis (No. 266)
Top defensive commit: Steven Ortiz (four stars)
A fast start for the Gophers has slowed, but a solid class in the top 30 remains, headlined by ESPN 300 QB Athan Kaliakmanis. A four-star DB in the fold is Steven Ortiz out of Arizona. Three-star RB Mar'Keise Irving was a nice grab out of Illinois. Three-star WR Brady Boyd catches lasers at Southlake Carroll from the No. 1 prospect in the country in 2022, Quinn Ewers. Long arms on the offensive line are on the way in the form of three-stars Logan Purcell, Austin Barber and Cameron James. The same can be said at DE with three-stars Austin Booker and Deven Eastern. Three-star DT Jacob Schuster, who was a very nice pickup out of Washington, can be a powerful and violent presence in the trenches.
32. Missouri Tigers
ESPN 300 commits: 2 | Previous ranking: 32
SEC rank: 10 of 14
Top offensive commit: WR Dominic Lovett (three stars)
Top defensive commit: DE Travion Ford (No. 141)
The Tigers are fighting to keep the best talent at home. Winning out for in-state ESPN 300 Travion Ford was a statement, as was keeping OT Connor Tollison home. The state of Texas is always important for the Tigers, and two three-star prospects, CB Darius Jackson and DE Jonathan Jones, both had Big 12 offers. ESPN 300 ILB Dameon Wilson was a nice pickup out of the Tar Heel State in late June. The staff sought impact players on the defensive line, heading to the junior college ranks for DEs Shemar Pearl and Daniel Robledo. The flip of in-state three-star WR Dominic Lovett from Arizona State brings another needed playmaker to the class. ESPN JC50 CB JaDarrius Perkins is expected to defend passes right away in Columbia.
33. Utah Utes
ESPN 300 commits: 3 | Previous ranking: 33
Pac-12 rank: 5 of 12
Top offensive commit: QB Peter Costelli (No. 192)
Top defensive commit: LB Ethan Calvert (No. 55)
The Utes continue to put together solid classes under Kyle Whittingham. They netted speedy ESPN 300 QB Peter Costelli, wide receiver Velltray Jefferson and three-star Elisha Lloyd, all from California. Four-star RB Ricky Parks and three-star TE Isaac Vaha are two more talented offensive prospects in the fold. Linebacker was a key position of need, and the staff hit it out of the park with ESPN 300 Mason Tufaga, as well as high three-stars Cole Bishop and Trey Reynolds.
34. Mississippi State Bulldogs
ESPN 300 commits: 3 | Previous ranking: 34
SEC rank: 11 of 14
Top offensive commit: QB Sawyer Robertson (No. 56)
Top defensive commit: OLB John Lewis (three stars)
Mike Leach's first full class in Starkville is led by ESPN 300 QB Sawyer Robertson of Texas, who turned down a Longhorns offer. Another ESPN 300 prospect from Texas is WR/ATH Theodore Knox. Winning out on signing day for in-state ESPN 300 TE Antonio Harmon was key. Another signing day win was former South Carolina verbal and three-star WR Simeon Price out of the Florida panhandle. Four-star RB Ke'Travion Hargrove from northern Louisiana could also play safety long term. Two other talented WRs who join Price are Jacobi Moore and South Carolina flip Rodarius Thomas. Defense is represented nicely as well, with CB M.J. Daniels and OLB Timar Rogers. Juco defender LB Navonteque Strong is expected to compete right away, as is tall and rangy OLB John Lewis. Three-star flip from Rutgers Albert Reese was a needed OL win after some defections in the class.
35. Oklahoma State Cowboys
ESPN 300 commits: 2 | Previous ranking: 35
Big 12 rank: 3 of 10
Top offensive commit: WR Bryson Green (No. 226)
Top defensive commit: ILB Collin Oliver (No. 289)
The Cowboys have been a fixture in the top-40 range in the class rankings for years, and that remains the same in the 2021 cycle. They have a terrific group of wide receivers on the commit list in ESPN 300 Bryson Green; four-star Blaine Green from Allen High in Texas; speedy three-star Raymond Gay; sure-handed and undervalued athlete John Paul Richardson; and in-state three-star Jaden Bray out of Norman North High. Four-star OG Aden Kelley was a key in-state win over Big 12 and Big Ten programs. On defense, ESPN 300 ILB Collin Oliver and four-star OLB Donovan Stephens will have the opportunity to play right away.
36. Arizona State Sun Devils
ESPN 300 commits: 3 | Previous ranking: 36
Pac-12 rank: 6 of 12
Top offensive commit: WR Lonyatta Alexander (No. 300)
Top defensive commit: CB Isaiah Johnson (No. 182)
After signing the No. 23-ranked class in February, Herm Edwards and staff have the Sun Devils back near the top 25 with commitments from ESPN 300 CBs Isaiah Johnson and Tommi Hill. A third four-star in the class is WR Lonyatta Alexander. A pair of three-star prospects in OLB Jaydon Williams and C Ezra Oyetade were big wins out of the Lone Star State over Texas. Three-star QB Finn Collins and CB Robert Regan are strong evaluations out of California. Length to develop on defense comes in the form of three-stars Eric Gentry, and Pelican State DE Gharin Stansbury. Offensive line depth is increasing some with three-stars Austin Barry and legacy Isaia Glass.
37. Boston College Eagles
ESPN 300 commits: 2 | Previous ranking: 37
ACC rank: 8 of 14
Top offensive commit: OG Drew Kendall (No. 262)
Top defensive commit: CB Clinton Burton Jr. (No. 76)
The Eagles are ascending on the trail in the 2021 cycle after a 2020 class that ranked No. 61 and with very little time to build. Flipping ESPN 300 CB Clinton Burton Jr. from Florida was a massive victory, and he will team with top-50 CB commits Jalon Williams and Jalen Cheek to form a formidable secondary down the line. Three-star linebacker Owen McGowan and four-star safety Bryce Steele add to the defensive haul. On offense, three-star OTs Otto Hess and Ilija Krajnovic have terrific frames with which to work. To further bolster their offensive line class, they scored big in-state landing ESPN 300 OG Drew Kendall.
38. UCLA Bruins
ESPN 300 commits: 2 | Previous ranking: 38
Pac-12 rank: 7 of 12
Top offensive commit: QB Kajiya Hollawayne (four stars)
Top defensive commit: DE Quintin Somerville (No. 108)
Chip Kelly continues to chip away at a rebuild in Los Angeles with a 2021 class that includes four-star QB Kajiya Hollawayne. The signing day flip of ESPN 300 DE Quintin Somerville from Michigan was a news maker for the Bruins. Another big addition to their D-line late in the process was Tiaoalii Savea. A big body with some explosiveness and a physical style of play, he projects to defense, but could also be an excellent offensive lineman. UCLA worked to address the O-line with talented three-stars Thomas Cole, Garrett DiGiorgio, Noah Pulealii and Benjamin Roy. Three-star TE Christian Burkhalter was a nice win out of Alabama over SEC and ACC competition. WR Isaiah Newcombe is the son of former Nebraska playmaker Bobby Newcombe. Newcombe is joined by fellow three-star WRs Keontez Lewis, D.J. Justice and Ezavier Staples as the Bruins look for more firepower and playmakers after the catch.
39. Kentucky Wildcats
ESPN 300 commits: 3 | Previous ranking: 41
SEC rank: 12 of 14
Top offensive commit: WR Dekel Crowdus Jr. (No. 227)
Top defensive commit: LB Trevin Wallace (No. 216)
The Wildcats' class is headlined by a pair of ESPN 300 in-state victories: WR Dekel Crowdus Jr. and OG Jager Burton. Two more in-state prospects in the class are three-star RB La'Vell Wright and S Jordan Lovett. Another huge win for the staff was ESPN 300 LB Trevin Wallace, a one-time Auburn verbal, out of the state of Georgia. The Peach State has been fruitful for the Wildcats in this cycle with three-star OLB Martez Thrower and three-star WR Chauncey Magwood. Adding more size and talent to the WR position is 6-foot-3 Christian Lewis. OG David Wohlabaugh and OT Paul Rodriguez join Burton in the offensive trenches. Three-star CB Adrian Huey was a premium position win out of Tennessee.
40. Louisville Cardinals
ESPN 300 commits: 0 | Previous ranking: 39
ACC rank: 9 of 14
Top offensive commit: OG Michael Gonzalez (four stars)
Top defensive commit: S Benjamin Perry (three stars)
Despite not having any ESPN 300 commits, the Cardinals have a solid group, led by four-star Tar Heel State RB Trevion Cooley and OG Michael Gonzalez. The class, full of out-of-state players, also includes key wins in Florida CB Rance Conner, Illinois three-star S Benjamin Perry, Washington three-star OLB Jaraye Williams, Georgia three-star DE Victoine Brown II and South Carolina WR Ahmari Huggins-Bruce. Also on the verbal list from the all-important state of Georgia are three-stars Kani Walker, S T.J. Quinn and OLB Jackson Hamilton.
41. West Virginia Mountaineers
ESPN 300 commits: 2 | Previous ranking: 40
Big 12 rank: 4 of 10
Top offensive commit: OT Wyatt Milum (No. 100)
Top defensive commit: OLB Ja'Corey Hammett (three stars)
The Mountaineers' top-40 class is headlined by keeping ESPN 300 OT Wyatt Milum home. A second ESPN 300 verbal in the class is WR Kaden Prather out of Maryland. Three-star RBs Jaylen Anderson and Justin Johnson will make for a solid combo in Morgantown. WVU went south for its QB in the 2021 cycle, reeling in three-star Will Crowder out of Alabama. Key edge prospects who have committed are three-stars Ja'Corey Hammett, Hammond Russell and Brayden Dudley.
42. Michigan State Spartans
ESPN 300 commits: 1 | Previous ranking: 42
Big Ten rank: 9 of 14
Top offensive commit: WR Keon Coleman (four stars)
Top defensive commit: OLB Ma'a Gaoteote (No. 96)
The Spartans continue to battle on the trail while contending with consistent recruiting powers Ohio State, Notre Dame, Michigan and Penn State in the region. The signing day flip of ESPN 300 LB Ma'a Gaoteote from USC turned heads. So did signing four-star two-sport star WR and shooting guard Keon Coleman out of Louisiana. A four-star player on defense headed to East Lansing is Ohio safety A.J. Kirk. On the defensive line are three-stars Tyson Watson and Derrick Harmon from in state. Three-star RB Audric Estime is a quality Big Ten fit, as is three-star QB Hampton Fay. The staff has hit Western Florida for three-star DBs Steffan Johnson and Charles Brantley.
43. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
ESPN 300 commits: 1 | Previous ranking: 43
ACC rank: 10 of 14
Top offensive commit: WR James Blackstrain (No. 199)
Top defensive commit: OLB Trenilyas Tatum (three stars)
Geoff Collins continues to rebuild a program on the offensive side of the ball and is taking steps to do so in the 2021 cycle with California three-star QB Chayden Peery, ESPN 300 Sunshine State WR James Blackstrain and 6-foot-5 in-state pass catcher Leo Blackburn. Four-star guard Weston Franklin and three-star tackle Jakiah Leftwich have the look of future starters. Defensive end is a key position of need filled with in-state three-stars Noah Collins and Joshua Robinson, as well as three-star Grey Carroll out of neighboring Tennessee. Keeping in-state safeties Sirad Bryant and Kaleb Edwards home was paramount.
44. Baylor Bears
ESPN 300 commits: 0 | Previous ranking: 44
Big 12 rank: 5 of 10
Top offensive commit: QB Kyron Drones (four stars)
Top defensive commit: S Cisco Caston (three stars)
The Bears have built a top-50 first full class under Dave Aranda, headlined by a solid group of offensive linemen, including tackles Connor Heffernan and Ryan Lengyel, as well as long-armed G/C Tate Williams. Four-star Kyron Drones is the quarterback in the class, and the Bears have a strong group of WRs on the verbal list in three-stars Elijah Bean and Javon Gipson. Defensive backs Cisco Caston, Devin Lemear and Romario Noel have scheme versatility.
45. Virginia Tech Hokies
ESPN 300 commits: 0 | Previous ranking: 45
ACC rank: 11 of 14
Top offensive commit: ATH Jack Hollifield (four stars)
Top defensive commit: CB D.J. Harvey (three stars)
The Hokies are filling needs on defense and at wide receiver in the 2021 cycle, headlined by four-star Jack Hollifield, the younger brother of Virginia Tech starting linebacker Dax Hollifield. Three-star CB D.J. Harvey was a big win on the West Coast, as was versatile ATH Jaden Keller out of Tennessee. Wide receivers in the fold are three-star Da'Wain Lofton out of Texas and three-stars Will Johnson and Jaylen Jones. Long, rangy OLBs to be developed are Isi Etute and Keli Lawson from in state.
46. SMU Mustangs
ESPN 300 commits: 1 | Previous ranking: 46
Group of 5 rank: 1
Top offensive commit: QB Preston Stone (No. 121)
Top defensive commit: DE Je'lin Samuels (four stars)
The Mustangs' class is headlined by keeping local ESPN 300 QB Preston Stone home. He's joined in a talented offensive class by three-star WRs Dylan Goffney and Roderick Daniels, a Baylor flip. Three-star ATH Montaye Dawson's 10.6 100-meter speed will also figure in the offensive plans. Three-star RB Brandon Epton Jr. is another local star staying home. On defense, four-star DE Je'lin Samuels is one of the top senior risers nationally. Three-star safeties Isaiah Nwokobia and Jadarius Thursby will hit the field quickly.
47. Rutgers Scarlet Knights
ESPN 300 commits: 0 | Previous ranking: 47
Big Ten rank: 10 of 14
Top offensive commit: ATH Shawn Munnerlyn (four stars)
Top defensive commit: OLB Khayri Banton (three stars)
Greg Schiano is succeeding in turning the tide in state, with eight of the top 22 prospects from the Garden State committed to staying home. Those key wins include three-star OLB Khayri Banton, three-star WR Carnell Davis, DE Keshon Griffin, CB Alijah Clark and ATH Jordan Thompson. Four-star ATH Shawn Munnerlyn out of Ohio was a big win over Big Ten and SEC foes. Trench help is on the way in three-stars G Tyler Needham, G Zaire Angoy and DT Ryan Keeler. Three-star DE Cam'Ron Stewart is a name to remember after some physical development.
48. Cincinnati Bearcats
ESPN 300 commits: 0 | Previous ranking: 48
Group of 5 rank: 2
Top offensive commit: OT Luke Collinsworth (three stars)
Top defensive commit: OLB Chamon Metayer (four stars)
Luke Fickell's team is on the rise on the field, and the recruiting returns continue to follow. Four-star OLB Chamon Metayer was a onetime Miami verbal, while three-star DE Zeiqui Lawton had Big 12 and ACC offers. Three-star OLs Luke Collinsworth, OG Mao Glynn and OG Landon Fickell all have terrific frames. Three-star RB Myles Montgomery will bring some Sunshine State quickness to the fold. Three-star OLBs Jack Dingle and Leroy Bowers will make early impacts. Three-star CBs Jonah Lytle and Iesa Jarmon both have height and length.
49. TCU Horned Frogs
ESPN 300 commits: 3 | Previous ranking: 49
Big 12 rank: 6 of 10
Top offensive commit: WR Sam Jackson (No. 201)
Top defensive commit: OLB Chris Murray (No. 272)
The Horned Frogs have a class that is small in numbers but with key future parts on defense in ESPN 300 LB/DE Chris Murray and four-star DE and onetime LSU verbal Landyn Watson. On offense, ESPN 300 WR Sam Jackson and ESPN 300 RB/ATH Ahmonte Watkins picked the Horned Frogs on signing day and will bring plenty of playmaking ability and speed. Three-star QBs Trent Battle and Alexander Honig -- out of Germany -- will provide future competition. Three-star TE Jasper Lott could develop into an OT.
50. Stanford Cardinal
ESPN 300 commits: 2 | Previous ranking: 50
Pac-12 rank: 8 of 12
Top offensive commit: QB Ari Patu (No. 239)
Top defensive commit: DE Aaron Armitage (No. 252)
David Shaw has another talented QB on the way in ESPN 300 in-state Ari Patu. The Lone Star State continues to be good to the Cardinal with Three-star OT Jack Leyrer, three-star S Caleb Ellis and three-star CB Jimmy Wyrick. A second ESPN 300 commit in the class is Garden State DE Aaron Armitage. In-state S Mitch Leigber has the size to play from day one.
51. Kansas State Wildcats
ESPN 300 commits: 1 | Previous ranking: 51
Big 12 rank: 7 of 10
Top offensive commit: QB Jake Rubley (No. 27)
Top defensive commit: DE Brayden Wood (three stars)
The Wildcats started the year with a statement commitment, landing ESPN 300 QB Jake Rubley, a poised, accurate passer with a quick release. In-state three-star WR Darell Jones is a future target in the passing game, as is R.J. Garcia II, a slender target with good speed out of Florida. Head coach Chris Klieman, who came to K-State from North Dakota State, returned there to land a very promising OL in Andrew Leingang, a flexible big man with good feet. A onetime Boston College commit, safety Marvin Martin, was a strong add in November out of Texas. The Wildcats have addressed the defensive line with multiple commitments, led by high three-star Brayden Wood.
52. Memphis Tigers
ESPN 300 commits: 0 | Previous ranking: 52
Group of 5 rank: 3
Top offensive commit: OT Royce White (three stars)
Top defensive commit: ILB Andrew Jones (four stars)
The Tigers' class is built with plenty of Pelican State talent, led by four-star ILB Andrew Jones. Tyrese Johnson was another big add out of Louisiana during the early signing period. Near four-star Javon Nelson is a stout defensive end. Three-stars Eric Randall and Tyrell Raby will be players in the secondary, as will 6-foot-3 WR Raheem Roberts. JC50 DT Myron Green will be an impact player and is another who played high school ball in Louisiana. The Lone Star State is responsible for QB Seth Henigan, the son of Denton Ryan High School coach Dave Henigan. Three-star RB J.P. Martin was another good grab out of Texas. Three-star OT Royce White out of Georgia has the highest ceiling in the class, and three-star OT and former Mississippi State and Ole Miss verbal Makylan Pounders is not far behind.
53. Northwestern Wildcats
ESPN 300 commits: 2 | Previous ranking: 53
Big Ten rank: 11 of 14
Top offensive commit: WR Jordan Mosley (No. 235)
Top defensive commit: DE Najee Story (No. 254)
Pat Fitzgerald continues to have success on the field and find the correct fits for the program. A pair of ESPN 300 commits headline the class in WR Jordan Mosley and DE Najee Story. Story is joined on defense by four-star LB Mac Uihlein, three-star senior riser CB and Boise State flip Ore Adeyi and rangy 6-foot-4 OLB Aidan Hubbard. Three-star Brendan Sullivan out of Michigan is the signal-caller in the class. Three-star TE Lawson Albright and three-star WR Jacob Gill are players to watch out of the Tar Heel State.
54. Kansas Jayhawks
ESPN 300 commits: 1 | Previous ranking: 54
Big 12 rank: 8 of 10
Top offensive commit: WR Quaydarius Davis (No. 282)
Top defensive commit: S Omar Burroughs Jr. (three stars)
Despite a winless season, the Jayhawks have some key pieces from Texas onetime Minnesota verbal D'Marion Alexander and ESPN 300 WR Quaydarius Davis, who was committed to Texas and USC prior. Three-star S Omar Burroughs Jr. out of IMG Academy could be the sleeper pickup of this class, as he's a ball hawk in the secondary. Three-star DE Deldrick Withers has a good frame and upside. Wide receiver depth will come from a promising group that includes Kameron Grays, Kelan Robinson and the quick Majik Rector. Kansas stayed at home for three-star RB Devin Neal but ventured to Indiana for three-star QB Ben Easters.
55. Indiana Hoosiers
ESPN 300 commits: 1 | Previous ranking: 55
Big Ten rank: 12 of 14
Top offensive commit: WR Jaquez Smith (No. 145)
Top defensive commit: DE Cooper Jones (three stars)
A small but strong Hoosiers class is headlined by ESPN 300 Peach State WR Jaquez Smith and four-star WR Jordyn Williams. Key in-state victories include three-star DE Cooper Jones and OG Vinny Fiacable, QB Donaven McCulley and 6-foot-6 OT Joshua Sales. Three-star CB Larry Smith was a nice win out of Central Florida.
56. Syracuse Orange
ESPN 300 commits: 0 | Previous ranking: 56
ACC rank: 12 of 14
Top offensive commit: OT Enrique Cruz (three stars)
Top defensive commit: CB Duce Chestnut (three stars)
As the Orange battle through a tough season on the field, they continue to try and build for a brighter future. Offense anchors the class with multiple commitments in the offensive trenches and at wide receiver. Cruz, a top-50 OT, was a key pickup and brings a high ceiling for development. Oronde Gadsden II is a big, physical WR who comes from a winning program in South Florida. Syracuse went out west to land QB Justin Lamson, who as a tough, gunslinger type. Defensively, the Orange have worked to address the front-seven with additions that include three-star defensive ends Jatius Geer and Hayden Nelson, as well as in-state DT Jaelin Moss.
57. Vanderbilt Commodores
ESPN 300 commits: 1 | Previous ranking: 57
SEC rank: 13 of 14
Top offensive commit: WR Quincy Skinner Jr. (three stars)
Top defensive commit: DT Marcus Bradley (No. 171)
There is plenty of talent in the 2021 class despite a coaching change in Nashville. ESPN 300 Marcus Bradley and three-star Terion Sugick are future multiyear starters in the trenches. Three-star OT Delfin Castillo and OG Gage Pitchford have similar ability on the other side of the ball. Three-star WR Quincy Skinner Jr. brings South Florida playmaking ability. Skinner will head to Vanderbilt from powerhouse Saint Thomas Aquinas with teammates Gunnar Hansen and Tyson Russell.
58. UCF Knights
ESPN 300 commits: 0 | Previous ranking: 58
Group of 5 rank: 4
Top offensive commit: ATH Titus Mokiao-Atimalala (four stars)
Top defensive commit: DT Anthony Hundley (three stars)
The Knights' class has a number of impact junior college prospects, including ESPN JC50 WRs Kaedin Robinson and Jaylon Griffin, as well as ESPN JC50 CB Trevion Shadrick-Harris. More defensive back help is on the way from Georgia in three-stars Brandon Adams and Ronnie Hamrick II. Three-star TE Charlie Browder out of the Tar Heel State and LB Cole Joyce are two more players likely to contribute early. Mikey Keene, a 5-foot-11, 175-pound QB with good accuracy who has showed his winning ways at Arizona's Chandler High School, could be a sleeper pickup. Hawaii four-star Titus Mokiao-Atimalala is a speedy playmaker.
59. Texas Tech Red Raiders
ESPN 300 commits: 2 | Previous ranking: 59
Big 12 rank: 9 of 10
Top offensive commit: QB Behren Morton (No. 156)
Top defensive commit: DT E'maurion Banks (three stars)
The Red Raiders' small class is top-heavy with offensive talent in ESPN 300 QB Behren Morton, ESPN 300 WR Jerand Bradley and three-star OLs Jacoby Jackson and Jack Tucker. Three-star RB Cam'Ron Valdez has elite quickness to the second level. A pair of three-star TEs are in the class in Mason Tharp and Jed Castles. Three-star DT E'maurion Banks could be an early impact prospect. ESPN JC50 Matt Keeler will walk into the two-deep.
60. Colorado Buffaloes
ESPN 300 commits: 0 | Previous ranking: 60
Pac-12 rank: 9 of 12
Top offensive commit: TE Erik Olsen (three stars)
Top defensive commit: DT Tyas Martin (three stars)
Karl Dorrell's first season in Boulder has been a success, and the class came together nicely. Keeping three-star TE Erik Olsen home was a must, as was filling needs at defensive tackle with three-stars Allan Baugh and Tyas Martin. Three-star LB Zephaniah Maea will likely hit the field early on special teams. ESPN JC50 S Trustin Oliver is a good pick to fight for a starting spot quickly. Three-star OGs Edgar Amaya and Jackson Anderson were needed wins out of Alabama and Texas, respectively. Three-star Drew Carter out of Oregon is the signal-caller in the class.
61. Duke Blue Devils
ESPN 300 commits: 0 | Previous ranking: 61
ACC rank: 13 of 14
Top offensive commit: RB Trent Davis (three stars)
Top defensive commit: CB Cameron Bergeron (three stars)
The Blue Devils addressed needs in the secondary with three-star CBs Cameron Bergeron, Dylan Merrell and Joshua Pickett, all out of the Peach State. Lone Star State three-star Placide Djungu-Sungu is a talented safety in the mix. Three-star ILB Nick Morris Jr. moved to Texas for his senior season and was among the most impressive late risers in the state. Offensive playmaking will come from Alabama in three-star QB Riley Leonard and quick-footed three-star RB Trent Davis.
62. South Florida Bulls
ESPN 300 commits: 0 | Previous ranking: 62
Group of 5 rank: 5
Top offensive commit: ATH Jimmy Horn (three stars)
Top defensive commit: CB Jaelen Stokes (three stars)
A tough season on the field will be helped with some talented in-state playmakers headed to Tampa, led by three-star RB K'Wan Powell and area WR Cardrece Mobley. Three-star TE Gunnar Greenwald has a terrific frame and the foot quickness to go with it. Three-star CBs Jaelen Stokes and Jordan Blackmon, along with three-star S Gabe Nealy, will be called up on early for playmaking. Three-star OLB Davon Hicks is another player who could see the field early.
Tom VanHaaren examines the Buckeyes' successful recruiting efforts under Ryan Day, including landing Jack Sawyer and TreVeyon Henderson.
63. Appalachian State Mountaineers
ESPN 300 commits: 0 | Previous ranking: 63
Group of 5 rank: 6
Top offensive commit: OG Colston Powers (three stars)
Top defensive commit: S Jordan Favors (three stars)
The Mountaineers have put together a top-75 class, led by an impressive group of offensive linemen, including three-star OGs Colston Powers and Jaden Lindsay, along with 6-foot-7 upside OT Cole Essek. There are two QBs in the class: three-stars D.C. Tabscott and Andre Goodman. Three-star S Jordan Favors and three-star DT KaRon White can be impact defenders.
64. San Diego State Aztecs
ESPN 300 commits: 0 | Previous ranking: 64
Group of 5 rank: 7
Top offensive commit: OG Josh Simmons (four stars)
Top defensive commit: ATH Noah Avinger (three stars)
The Aztecs have a number of talented playmakers in the class, headlined by Noah Avinger and Phillippe Wesley from inside the state and three-star safety C.J. Baskerville from Texas. One of two QBs in the class is three-star William Haskell, a lengthy prospect who is an explosive runner with upside as a passer. Four-star OG Josh Simmons from nearby La Mesa was a massive win on the trail.
65. Boise State Broncos
ESPN 300 commits: 0 | Previous ranking: 65
Group of 5 rank: 8
Top offensive commit: OG Mason Randolph (three stars)
Top defensive commit: OLB James Wilborn Jr. (three stars)
Linebacker was a key need for the Broncos in the 2021 cycle, and the staff knocked it out of the park with three-stars James Wilborn Jr., Rejhan Tatum, Marco Notarainni, Jai Jones and Zion Washington, with Jones and Washington hailing from talent-rich Texas. More Lone Star State talent is on the way in WR Eric McAlister, three-star QB Taylen Green and three-star OG Joseph Amos. Amos is joined on the offensive line by three-stars Jason White and Mason Randolph out of California. Three-star CB Seyi Oladipo is the sleeper in the class.
66. Toledo Rockets
ESPN 300 commits: 0 | Previous ranking: 66
Group of 5 rank: 9
Top offensive commit: RB Trenton Adkins (four stars)
Top defensive commit: OLB Damon Ollison (three stars)
The Rockets have some serious playmaking headed to campus in the 2021 cycle in the form of four-star RB Trenton Adkins and tall and rangy WRs Thomas Zsiros and Dalen Stovall. They filled their linebacker needs with three-stars Damon Ollison from inside the state and onetime Arizona State verbal Isaiah Pipkin.
67. Purdue Boilermakers
ESPN 300 commits: 1 | Previous ranking: 67
Big Ten rank: 13 of 14
Top offensive commit: WR Preston Terrell (three stars)
Top defensive commit: LB Yanni Karlaftis (No. 255)
The Boilermakers' class is headlined by ESPN 300 LB Yanni Karlaftis, the younger brother of George Karlaftis. Purdue will bring in more wideout talent in 6-foot-3 Preston Terrell and three-star speedster Deion Burks. Offensive line talent will come in the form of three-star OT Jaelin Alstott-VanDeVanter and three-star OGs Marcus Mbow and Zach Richards. Purdue headed south for defensive speed, reeling in three-star S Jah'von Grigsby out of Louisiana, three-star LB Rickey Smith out of Florida and three-star CB Brandon Callaway out of the Peach State.
68. Iowa State Cyclones
ESPN 300 commits: 0 | Previous ranking: 68
Big 12 rank: 10 of 10
Top offensive commit: OT Tyler Maro (three stars)
Top defensive commit: DT Howard Brown (three stars)
Matt Campbell has risen to the top tier of young coaches and continues to excel in evaluations. Offensive line is a key position of need in the class, and three-star OTs Tyler Maro and Jim Bonifas have ideal frames to develop. Likewise, loading up on the defensive line is paramount, and the staff responded with three-star DTs Howard Brown and Tyler Onyedim. DEs Jayden Gray and Myles Mendeszoon are promising prospects. Three-star CB Myles Purchase has the tools to play early. ESPN JC50 S Ben Langston is another defensive back expected to contribute right away. Wide receiver help will come from three-star Robert Army and 6-foot-5 Canadian prospect Tristan Michaud.
69. Washington State Cougars
ESPN 300 commits: 0 | Previous ranking: 69
Pac-12 rank: 10 of 12
Top offensive commit: WR C.J. Moore (JC50 No. 16/three stars)
Top defensive commit: DE Sam Carrell (three stars)
The Cougars have some potential impact players in the class, led by ESPN JC50 and former Oklahoma State signee C.J. Moore, who is 6-foot-5 with strong hands. Three-star DE Andrew Edson was a needed in-state victory, as was edge defender Raam Stevenson Jr. out of the Lone Star State. Three-star S Jaden Hicks out of Las Vegas powerhouse Bishop Gorman is a solid bet to contribute right away. The staff went across the country to reel in three-star DE Xavier Young out of the Sunshine State.
70. Wake Forest Demon Deacons
ESPN 300 commits: 0 | Previous ranking: 70
ACC rank: 14 of 14
Top offensive commit: QB Santino Marucci (three stars)
Top defensive commit: DT Bernard Gooden (three stars)
A fifth straight winning season for Dave Clawson has helped steer more key players to Wake Forest. Three-star Santino Marucci has arm talent, foot quickness and toughness to be a quality QB at the next level. Three-star OGs Matt Gulbin and Nick Sharpe, as well as three-star OT Jaydon Collins, are key to the offense's future success. On defense, three-star DT Bernard Gooden, three-star LB Dylan Hazen and three-star S Quincy Bryant could all push into the two-deep as freshmen.
71. BYU Cougars
ESPN 300 commits: 0 | Previous ranking: 71
Independent rank: 2
Top offensive commit: OG Elia Migao (three stars)
Top defensive commit: DE Logan Fano (three stars)
The Cougars have enjoyed a terrific season on the field, and they continue to add key fits. Offensive linemen Elia Migao, Dylan Rollins and Weston Jones are physical with good feet and flexibility. Defensive ends Enoka Migao and Logan Fano have ideal frames to develop. Three-stars Raider Damuni, Bentley Redden and Kyson Hall have playmaking abilities on both sides of the ball.
72. Illinois Fighting Illini
ESPN 300 commits: 0 | Previous ranking: 72
Big Ten rank: 14 of 14
Top offensive commit: OT Brody Wisecarver (four stars)
Top defensive commit: S D.D. Snyder (three stars)
Illinois' transition class is headlined by four-star OT Brody Wisecarver and a three-star C with a familiar last name in Josh Kreutz. The Sunshine State is playing a key role for the Illini on defense with the 2021 cycle featuring three-star DBs D.D. Snyder, 5-foot-11 Daniel Edwards and Tyler Strain. WR Patrick Bryant and 6-foot-4 WR Chevy Brenson are talented playmakers in the fold. The QB in the class is Samari Collier, one of the most improved seniors in the state of Texas.
73. UNLV Rebels
ESPN 300 300 commits: 0 | Previous ranking: 73
Group of 5 rank: 10
Top offensive commit: OG Anthony Rosas (three-star)
Top defensive commit: DE Nick Dimitris (three-star)
With his first full class as head coach at UNLV, Marcus Arroyo was able to assemble one of the stronger collections of talent among Group of 5 programs. The Rebels cultivated success in the important recruiting ground of California, signing some key defensive pickups led by DE Nick Dimitris and quick-footed and tough CB Kamren Blanton. OG Anthony Rosas; a wide body who plays with a finisher's demeanor, was one of two OLs signed out of California. They went to Hawai'i to land their QB, Cameron Friel, a poised player with a quick, smooth release who could have great success in their system. Among several signees out of Texas is WR Deamikkio Nathan; a target with good speed and hands who can create yards after the catch.
74. Houston Cougars
ESPN 300 commits: 0 | Previous ranking: 74
Group of 5 rank: 11
Top offensive commit: RB Alton McCaskill (four stars)
Top defensive commit: DE Garfield Lawrence (three stars)
The Cougars pulled off a huge win on the trail keeping four-star RB Alton McCaskill home over Pac-12 and Big 12 competition thanks to the work of Corby Meekins. Another major victory was three-star DE Garfield Lawrence, who picked the Cougars over Texas. ESPN JC50 S Antonio Brooks and three-star CB/N Mark Wilson will be called up out of the gates. Three-star Maddox Kopp stayed home and will bring arm talent and undervalued athletic ability. Three-star WR Carlton Guidry can run a 4.5 40 with ease. ESPN JC50 Rodquice Chaney should also push for playing time early. Help on the defensive line will come from juco prospects Brian Merritt and Rafal Szymanski.
75. Tulane Green Wave
ESPN 300 commits: 0 | Previous ranking: 75
Group of 5 rank: 12
Top offensive commit: RB Iverson Celestine (three stars
Top defensive commit: DE Keith Cooper (three stars)
The Green Wave have absolute steals in three-star edge prospect Keith Cooper out of the Houston area and three-star strong-armed QB Kai Horton out of Lone Star State power Carthage High School. Playmaking on offense in the class will come in the form of in-state three-star RB Iverson Celestine, three-star Sunshine State WR T.J. Huggins and three-star TE Devean Deal.
Honorable mention: Arizona Wildcats
ESPN 300 commits: 0 | Previous ranking: Unranked
Pac-12 rank: 11 of 12
Top offensive commit: RB James Bohls (three stars)
Top defensive commit: OLB Kevon Garcia (three stars)
The Wildcats fired Kevin Sumlin as head coach, and in turn saw decommitments from three-star WR Tyrese Johnson and three-star RB Montrell Johnson. This transition class is now headlined by four-star QB Clay Millen out of Washington. Three-star ILB K.C. Ossai is the younger brother of Texas star Joseph Ossai. Ossai is joined at linebacker by fellow Texan Kevon Garcia. Speedy three-star CB Javione Carr should help early on.
Honorable mention: Oregon State Beavers
ESPN 300 commits: 0 | Previous ranking: Unranked
Pac-12 rank: 12 of 12
Top offensive commit: RB Damir Collins (three stars)
Top defensive commit: OLB Easton Mascarenas (four stars)
An Oregon State class that is small in numbers has some potential impact players in four-star attacking OLB Easton Mascarenas, three-star RB Damir Collins and WR Jimmy Valsin, who hails from Texas. Three-star TE J.T. Byrne and three-star CB Arnez Madison out of California also could factor into the plans early on.
Honorable mention: South Carolina Gamecocks
ESPN 300 commits: 0 | Previous ranking: Unranked
SEC rank: 14 of 14
Top offensive commit: WR O'Mega Blake (three stars)
Top defensive commit: DE T.J. Sanders (three stars)
New head coach Shane Beamer inherited a class with limited numbers and had a limited amount of time to work. The Gamecocks were able to ink a pair of top-10 in-state prospects, though, in lengthy WR O'Mega Blake and DL T.J. Sanders. Joining Sanders in the defensive trenches is big-bodied and strong DT Nicholas Barrett. LB Kolbe Fields, a flip from Memphis, and three-star CB La'Dareyen Craig were good late adds to the defensive side of the ball by the new staff. They inherited and kept high three-star QB Colten Gauthier, a passer with a smooth release and good arm strength. The new staff will not only utilize the transfer portal but also signed several junior college prospects, including JC50 top-10 CB Marcellas Dial, who should be a quick contributor.