Reranking college football's 2021 recruiting class: Top recruits, teams

College football's 2021 recruiting class certainly had some misses, especially at the top. Defensive end Jack Sawyer was the No. 1 overall prospect in the class and has been a strong producer for top-ranked Ohio State but not the impact performer who justifies a top slot. Offensive tackle Tommy Brockermeyer, the No. 2 overall prospect, originally signed with Alabama then transferred to TCU. High school injuries have unfortunately carried over to college and plagued his career.

But while some of the elite high school talent from this class hasn't made a major impact, others have risen to great heights. Texas running back Jonathon Brooks, Penn State cornerback Kalen King and three-star Iowa cornerback Cooper DeJean are all examples of prospects who weren't ranked but are now prominent figures across the sport.

With the benefit of nearly three seasons of player evaluation and production on Saturdays, we can now better assess the most impactful recruiting classes from the 2021 cycle as well. Some blue chips at the top were obvious, as they perennially recruit the best talent. Others have exceeded expectations and benefited from good evaluations. Those classes have climbed the ranking, and today's update includes four new entries.

Recruiting is far from an exact science, and the emergence of the transfer portal gives players their own ability to redo their college decision and seek a better opportunity to reach their potential without having to sit out a year. With several years of development and play on the field to reflect on, we are reranking the class of 2021 recruits and classes:

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Top 25 recruits | Top 10 classes

1. Caleb Williams, QB, USC Trojans

2021 ESPN 300 ranking: 16 (No. 1 QB-DT)

The player from Washington, D.C., was the top dual-threat QB in the 2021 class, ranking just ahead of current Michigan Star J.J. McCarthy. Williams then broke out during his true freshman campaign at Oklahoma before following Lincoln Riley to USC. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner has looked mortal this year for the first time in his career, but he has still been arguably the most impactful player in college football the past three seasons. Williams shattered nearly every USC quarterback record last season, including total offense (4,919 yards) and touchdowns (52) on his way to being awarded college football's top honor. He is the consensus No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL draft.

@Elite11 Finals are complete - #TheUCReport was in attendance to scout the action including event MVP Caleb Williams seen below. All video from the #Elite11 being uploaded to The UCReport database. @TomLuginbill @DemetricDWarren @HamiltonESPN @CraigHaubert pic.twitter.com/qTCo6GjZ9X

— The Underclassman Report (@TheUCReport) July 2, 2020

2. Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State Buckeyes

2021 ESPN 300 ranking: 82 (No. 13 WR)

We questioned Harrison's breakaway speed after he clocked a 4.6 40 as a high school junior. We were wrong. Harrison has all the elite physical traits and the dominant production to match. He caught 77 passes for 1,263 yards and 14 touchdowns last season amid a breakout All-American performance. There has been no dip in production this year. Harrison is averaging more than a yard more per catch amid what is turning into a Heisman Trophy campaign. The top receiver in college football had 12 prospects rated ahead of him at his position coming out of St. Joseph's Prep (Pa.) in 2021.

Marvin Harrison Jr. (@MarvHarrisonJr) in Ohio State's win over Penn State ⬇️

🏈 11 receptions
🏈 162 yards
🏈 1 touchdown

He's been that guy since he was dominating our camp series in high school 💪 pic.twitter.com/gTdqCjmp5b

— The Underclassman Report (@TheUCReport) October 23, 2023

3. Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia Bulldogs

2021 ESPN 300 ranking: 211 (No. 4 TE-H)

Bowers had three tight ends ahead of him in the TE-H category coming out of high school. We saw the size and athleticism but underrated his excellent pass-catching skills. We're not sure even the Dawgs knew what they were getting. The John Mackey Award winner as the nation's top tight end as a sophomore, Bowers will be regarded as one the best to ever play the position despite missing time as a junior to injury.

He broke the Georgia tight end record for single-season receptions (56), receiving yards (882) and TDs (13) during his breakout freshman campaign. He followed that up with 63 catches and 942 yards as a sophomore, breaking his own records. Bowers has shown up in big games too, posting seven catches for 152 yards and a TD in the national championship against TCU. He was on pace to set new single-season highs this year before his ankle injury.

4. Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina Tar Heels

2021 ESPN 300 ranking: 47 (No. 9 QB-PP)

We thought Maye was a late bloomer physically and ranked eight QBs ahead of him in 2021. Half of those quarterbacks combined haven't matched Maye's 7,000-plus career passing yards. The reigning ACC Player of the Year, Maye is projected as one of the top quarterback prospects in this year's draft despite being a redshirt sophomore with two years of eligibility remaining. He threw for 4,321 yards, 38 touchdowns and only seven interceptions in his first year as a starter in Chapel Hill. He has a slightly higher passing rating this season, throwing for 2,803 yards, 20 touchdowns and five interceptions.

5. Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame Fighting Irish

2021 ESPN 300 ranking: Three-star (No. 15 TE-Y)

Alt was a 6-foot-6, 240-pound three-star tight end out of high school. He has since grown two inches and added 75 pounds. While he added dominating size, he didn't lose much of the agility he flashed in high school. He's a prototypical left tackle with a long body and great feet. Alt earned All-America honors after not allowing a single sack in the 2022 season as a sophomore. He allowed only three as a true freshman starter.

He was fluid and flexible in pass protection, but his run-blocking skills lagged. Over the course of the past three seasons, he has become dominant in the run game. Alt has been just as impressive this year protecting the blind side of Sam Hartman.

6. Dallas Turner, DE, Alabama Crimson Tide

2021 ESPN 300 ranking: 12 (No. 3 OLB)

A future top-10 pick, Turner was one of the three best national defensive end prospects and the No. 12 overall player in the 2021 ESPN 300. He signed with the ideal school for his 3-4 scheme edge skills. He's big, fast and fluid and is disruptive as a pass-rusher and effective in coverage. He has been a productive player since his freshman season and has stepped up as Alabama's top defender with Will Anderson Jr. on to the NFL. He leads the Tide in sacks (seven), tackles for loss (9.5), quarterback hurries (10) and forced fumbles (two). While overshadowed by Anderson, Turner certainly made his presence known his first two seasons, racking up 12.5 sacks.

7. Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama Crimson Tide

2021 ESPN 300 ranking: 40 (No. 4 ATH)

We projected he'd be a Year 1 stalwart in Tuscaloosa. He was the No. 4 athlete in 2021 with elite movements and recovery skills. A starter since the second game of his true freshman season, McKinstry quickly developed into one of the top cover corners in college football. He has elite length and speed and has been honed by one of the best in Nick Saban. While his interception numbers are not high, McKinstry can lock down the opposing team's top receiver. He's also an excellent punt returner.

8. J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan Wolverines

2021 ESPN 300 ranking: 25 (No. 2 QB-DT)

A prolific passer out of high school, McCarthy led IMG Academy to a high school national championship. He was the No. 2 dual-threat passer in the class behind Caleb Williams.

McCarthy's numbers are not eye-popping the past two seasons, but he is 21-1 as a starter. He threw for 2,719 yards in his first year as a starter in 2022, which is eighth all time at Michigan, and his 22 touchdowns was tied for sixth. McCarthy can do it on the ground as well, adding 306 rushing yards with five touchdowns. He's completing 75% of passes for 2,134 yards with 18 touchdowns and just three interceptions this season.

9. Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas Longhorns

2021 ESPN 300 ranking: 62 (No. 8 WR)

Worthy was tall, fast and very elusive out of high school. He was a track athlete who looked more like a sprinter than a football player. We questioned his slender frame, but his 10.65 100-meter speed quickly translated at college level, and he has held up physically. Worthy caught 62 balls for 981 yards and 12 touchdowns on his way to earning Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year. His production dipped a bit as a sophomore, but he still caught 60 balls and averaged almost 10 yards per punt return.

This year, that average is up to 17.5 yards, including a 75-yarder to the house. He's on track to finish his career as one of the most prolific pass-catchers in Texas history.

10. Malik Nabers, WR, LSU Tigers

2021 ESPN 300 ranking: N/A (No. 68 WR)

We questioned Nabers' modest size (6 feet, 185 pounds), speed (4.6 40) and explosiveness out of the slot, which led to a high three-star ranking. We shouldn't have. He has already accumulated over 2,000 yards receiving in the past two seasons. He leads the nation with 1,152 receiving yards and is tied for second in receiving touchdowns. Nabers consistently takes the top off the defense with excellent separation skills. He also has shown the ability to hold up in traffic. We underestimated Nabers, and so did Alabama's defense until he caught 10 balls for 171 yards and a score vs. the Tide last week.

11. Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas Longhorns

2021 ESPN 300 ranking: 2 (No. 1 QB-PP)

Ewers was the No. 1 QB and No. 2 overall prospect in the 2021 class. He even reclassified to originally sign with Ohio State. He hasn't quite lived up to the massive hype surrounding his prep career, but there's certainly not a lack of talent. When healthy and in rhythm, he's one of the top QBs in college football, with a cannon for an arm. He's completing 70% of his passes for nearly 2,000 yards, 13 touchdowns and only three INTs for the 8-1 Longhorns this year. However, he is once again on the sideline with a shoulder injury. We do expect a quick return and a prolific end to the season for the former high school phenom.

12. Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State Seminoles

2021 ESPN 300 ranking: four-star (No. 58 WR)

Coleman wasn't a blue-chip prospect coming out of Louisiana and signed with Michigan State. He was tall and lean with modest track times. We missed his basketball skills, which have showcased his amazing ball skills and athleticism. Coleman enjoyed a breakout sophomore season, leading the Spartans with 58 catches, 798 yards and 7 touchdowns. He entered the portal after the season, and Florida State emerged with an explosive system fit. He dominates one-on-one coverage with his excellent size and speed combo and blends in excellent hands.

Coleman has nine touchdowns this season and is averaging 14.2 yards per catch this season. He didn't return punts for Michigan State, but he's been important in the kicking game for Florida State.

13. JT Tuimoloau, DE, Ohio State Buckeyes

2021 ESPN 300 ranking: 4 (No. 1 DT)

The five-star was our fourth-ranked overall prospect and No. 1 DT when he signed with Ohio State. The headline name in OSU's class at the time was DE Jack Sawyer, who ranked No. 1 overall in the ESPN 300, but Tuimoloau has made the biggest impact, particularly early. He started all 13 games in 2022 after playing in 11 games as a true freshman in 2021. He tallied 15.0 tackles for loss, 6 sacks and 5 quarterback hurries and pass break-ups in his first two seasons. He has added four more sacks this season for the top-ranked Buckeyes and is a projected first-round NFL draft selection.

14. Chop Robinson, DE, Penn State Nittany Lions

2021 ESPN 300 ranking: 38 (No. 5 OLB)

The fifth-rated outside linebacker in the 2021 class was a big in-state signing for Maryland. He made 19 tackles and two sacks over eight games, then transferred to Penn State after the season. He posted 26 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss and 5.5 sacks in his first season in State College. He has five tackles for loss and three sacks for the No. 10 Nittany Lions so far this year. Robinson has gained 30 pounds since high school while keeping his speed and down-the-line burst. NFL scouts will question his ability to anchor the run, but he still projects as a first-round pick.

15. JC Latham, OT, Alabama Crimson Tide

2021 ESPN 300 ranking: 5 (No. 2 OT)

Originally from Wisconsin, he switched from playing defensive end to left tackle for two seasons at national power IMG Academy. The program has a consistent pipeline into Tuscaloosa for offensive linemen and a strong track record of production. Latham is no exception. He earned the starting job at right tackle as a sophomore and started all 13 games. He added size and power in the offseason, which led to 29 knockdown blocks on the year and helped open big holes while keeping the QB clean, allowing only two sacks. The production and dominance continued this season, and he is projected to be one of the first linemen off the board in next year's NFL draft.

16. Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa Hawkeyes

2021 ESPN 300 ranking: three-star (No. 88 ATH)

Cooper was a consensus three-star out of high school but has posted five-star production in his two seasons starting at Iowa. He already has seven interceptions during that span and returned three for touchdowns in 2022, which is a program record. The 6-1 corner is also strong against the run, making 59 solo tackles last year. DeJean has played 309 snaps this season in coverage without giving up a touchdown, and he returned a punt for a touchdown against Michigan State. He leads the conference in return yard average aside from shutting down the opposing team's top receiver.

17. Kalen King, CB, Penn State Nittany Lions

2021 ESPN 300 ranking: three-star (No. 45 CB)

We underestimated King's speed coming out of Detroit power Cass Tech. He had modest size and tested quicker than fast (4.8 40, 4.1 shuttle). He has answered the critics. King appeared in nine games, making one start, and finished his true freshman campaign with five pass breakups and a forced fumble. He broke out as a sophomore with 15 pass breakups, 3 interceptions, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery. King led the Big Ten in passes defended (third nationally) and should be one of the first corners off the board in next year's NFL draft.

18. Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado Buffaloes

2021 ESPN 300 ranking: 61 (No. 13 QB-PP)

Sanders didn't have a plethora of blue-chip offers coming out of high school, where he played for his father, Deion Sanders, at Trinity Christian (TX). He followed Coach Prime to FCS Jackson State and eventually to FBS Colorado. We gave Sanders a high four-star grade and rated him as our No. 13 pocket passer. We didn't underestimate his passing skills, but perhaps his mobility. He helped Jackson State to a 23-3 record as the starting quarterback. The program won two SWAC championships, and Sanders holds the program record for passing touchdowns in a season (40). While he has cooled off of late and been under constant duress, Sanders has thrown for nearly 3,000 yards with 24 TDs and only three INTs for the Buffs.

Did you know Shedeur Sanders was an Under Armour All-American in 2021? 👀#UANext

Great example of an athlete who competed and improved at every turn attending 7 camps throughout his high school career 💪

Now, he's a national front runner in Heisman conversations 🏆 pic.twitter.com/uJX0F4s0qP

— The Underclassman Report (@TheUCReport) September 18, 2023

19. Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon Ducks

2021 ESPN 300 ranking: 71 (No. 9 WR)

The former four-star kept a low profile during high school by not attending many camps or showcases. On film, he opened eyes with his height (6-2) and length combined with excellent ball skills. A solid contributor as a true freshman, Franklin broke out as a sophomore leading the Ducks with 61 grabs for 891 yards and nine TDs. He will surpass those numbers this year. Franklin already has 58 catches for 946 yards and 10 touchdowns. The go-to option for quarterback Bo Nix, Franklin has taken his game to the next level and is shooting up draft boards.

20. Braelon Allen, RB, Wisconsin Badgers

2021 ESPN 300 ranking: 223 (No. 11 S)

Allen landed inside our ESPN 300, but as a safety not a running back. He initially committed as a member of the 2022 class but reclassified and signed with the 2021 class. A powerful downhill runner who now tips the scales at 245 pounds, he quickly made his presence known in Madison. Allen rushed for 1,000 yards and finished third in the Big Ten with 1,268 rushing yards as a freshman. He rushed for at least 100 yards in seven games as a sophomore in 2022 and topped 1,000 yards again. This season, he is on pace for another 1,000-yard season and has the every-down skills NFL scouts desire.

21.Will Shipley, RB, Clemson Tigers

2021 ESPN 300 ranking: 22 (No. 2 RB)

Shipley will go down as one of the top all-purpose backs we have evaluated at the high school level. He has also been one of the most dynamic backs in college football the past three seasons despite battling through injury. Shipley ranked right below Ohio State's TreVeyon Henderson as the No. 2 back in the class and made an instant impact as a freshman in 2021. He followed it up with an outstanding sophomore season in which he became the first player in ACC history to be selected as a first-team All-ACC honoree in three categories (running back, all-purpose and specialist).

22. Jason Marshall, CB, Florida Gators

2021 ESPN 300 ranking: 44 (No. 1 CB)

Marshall was the top-ranked corner in the 2021 class, and for good reason: Perimeter defenders at 6-2 with smooth movement skills don't grow on trees. His ability has translated to The Swamp. Marshall has been a consistent starter for Florida since his freshman season. He broke out as a sophomore with 29 tackles, 8 pass breakups, 1 TFL and 1 interception. Quarterbacks do not throw his way often, but consistent play, particularly after the catch, is why Marshall ranks 20 spots ahead of his original slot out of high school.

23. Shemar Turner, DL, Texas A&M Aggies

2021 ESPN 300 ranking: 14 (No. 4 DE)

The former five-star is having his best season in College Station with five sacks in nine games. Consistency has been his issue. He has steadily become more dominant on the interior after seeing action in seven games as a freshman and tallying 22 total QB pressures and two sacks through his sophomore season. Turner has a long reach and explosive power to disrupt as a run-blocker and the burst to come off the ball with leverage to win as an interior pass-rusher.

24. Jonathon Brooks, RB, Texas Longhorns

2021 ESPN 300 ranking: three-star (No. 39 RB)

Brooks was 6 feet and 185 pounds coming out of high school with modest speed and power. In-state Texas was his only blue-chip offer, and, up until this season, his lower projection looked accurate. He's now 20 pounds heavier, though, and the explosive Brooks has already eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards with 22 catches out of the backfield. Brooks waited his turn behind Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson, who both left for the NFL, and now he's making his mark. Brooks is fifth in the country in rushing and one of the best three-down backs when projecting for the NFL.

25. Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State Buckeyes

2021 ESPN 300 ranking: 30 (No. 2 WR)

When healthy, Egbuka plays up to his projection as the No. 2-ranked receiver in the class. He was an electrifying player in high school who totaled more than 2,200 yards as a receiver and kick returner.

He caught 74 balls for 1,151 yards and 10 touchdowns as a sophomore in a breakout season for the Buckeyes. He has flashed great versatility in Columbus playing outside, in the slot and as a returner. The top-ranked Buckeyes will need a healthy Egbuka down the stretch to contend for a national title.

The rise of the transfer portal has made this an interesting exercise. Many classes look quite different than they did at the conclusion of the 2021 cycle. Some programs have done better at keeping talent. Others have seen players leave but recovered by bringing in enough impact players to still represent great value from this class.

1. Georgia Bulldogs

2021 rank: 3 | Top recruit: ATH Smael Mondon Jr. (No. 11 overall)

The Bulldogs have signed seven consecutive top-three classes. This 2021 class initially checked in at No. 3 but now moves to the top spot after being part of two national titles. Georgia needed contributions from several groups to win those back-to-back championships, but the 2021 class played a role despite its youth. Brock Bowers, from Napa, California, was the key addition. The No. 4 tight end recruit established himself as the top player at the position across college football. He was a productive contributor to the Dawgs' two titles, catching 119 passes with 20 TDs over his first two seasons, and has become a star. Several defensive starters emerged from this class, including ESPN 300 LBs Chaz Chambliss, Jamon Dumas-Johnson, Xavian Sorey Jr. and five-star Mondon, who is a leader in tackles. CB Kamari Lassiter and Javon Bullard, a three-star safety, also emerged, showing the depth of that class.

2. Alabama Crimson Tide

2021 rank: 1 | Top recruit: OT Tommy Brockermeyer (No. 2 overall)

This class has undergone changes. Touted players like five-star OT Brockermeyer and WRs Agiye Hall, JoJo Earle and Christian Leary have not met expectations so far in their career and have left the program. Despite the notable misses, this class also supplied some impact. That includes five-star edge defender Dallas Turner, who was an All-SEC freshman selection and developed into a starter and a productive pass-rusher with a team-high eight sacks. Kool-Aid McKinstry was another All-SEC freshman selection and has been a multiyear starter while also contributing in the return game. ESPN 300 DB Terrion Arnold is among team leaders in tackles and PBUs.

Alabama might have missed the mark on one five-star OT, but JC Latham, another five-star, emerged as a key starter. Current starting quarterback Jalen Milroe was also a member of the 2021 class. He got off to a rocky start taking over for departed former Heisman winner Bryce Young, but the strong-armed and mobile redshirt sophomore is settling into the role and becoming a productive option. He threw for 219 yards and rushed for another 155 with four scores in the win over LSU.

3. Ohio State Buckeyes

2021 rank: 2 | Top recruit: QB Quinn Ewers (No. 3 overall)

This class has been a part of 22 wins over its first two seasons and a playoff appearance. Several additions from this class are now helping to propel the currently undefeated Buckeyes squad. OSU made headlines with the late addition of five-star QB Ewers, who reclassified into the 2021 class, but his stay was short and he transferred to Texas after one season. The Buckeyes' current field general, top-10 QB Kyle McCord, also arrived in the 2021 class and has already thrown for over 2,000 yards. Ohio State also signed its biggest offensive weapon and arguably the nation's top wide receiver, Marvin Harrison Jr., who was high school teammates with McCord. The 2022 All-American has already notched over 120 receptions between the past two seasons. Productive ESPN 300 WR Emeka Egbuka was another member of the 2021 class. So was RB TreVeyon Henderson, the Buckeyes' leading rusher, who has already surpassed 2,000 career rushing yards.

The Buckeyes' defensive line, which included a pair of five-star signings, benefited from this class, with several contributors emerging. Jack Sawyer has not quite met high expectations but has been a disruptive starter. Fellow five-star DL JT Tuimoloau has better met those expectations and was an immediate contributor once arriving in Columbus. He leads the team in sacks. ESPN 300 DTs Tyleik Williams and Michael Hall Jr. have also been starters and productive, with Williams leading team in TFLs.

4. Michigan Wolverines

2021 rank: 14 | Top recruit: QB J.J. McCarthy (No. 25 overall)

Michigan is currently undefeated, and its 2021 class has been part of two Big Ten titles. The recruits didn't all develop into key options, but the Wolverines hit on impact talent at the top of the class. Their highest-ranked signee, McCarthy, has been the biggest star. He arrived in 2021 via IMG Academy and has since notched more than 20 wins as a starter. Top-five RB Donovan Edwards is another key contributor to their offense. The in-state signee has been very active as a pass-catcher and has shown his versatility. He's the only player in Michigan's storied history to have a TD pass, catch and run of at least 75 yards. Defensively, Junior Colson has been a very active presence and is the Wolverines' active career leader in tackles with over 200. Three-star signee Rod Moore has been a productive addition with nearly two dozen career starts as safety.

5. North Carolina Tar Heels

2021 rank: 12 | Top recruit: DE Keeshawn Silver (No. 8 overall)

Mack Brown pulled off the most impactful flip of the 2021 cycle when he got Drake Maye to decommit from Alabama and stay close to home. A two-year starter and ACC Player of the Year last season, Maye has given the Tar Heels one of the premier QBs in college football and will likely be among the first players selected in the NFL draft. This class also included several of Maye's top targets. Three of the Heels' top five leaders in receptions signed in 2021: J.J. Jones, TE Bryson Nesbit and Kobe Paysour. All three indicate good evaluations within their home turf. Paysour was the only four-star, and all three are from the Carolinas.

The offensive additions are the highlight of the class. Top defensive signee, Silver, did not produce as expected and is no longer with the program. But the Tar Heels did find defensive production elsewhere. ESPN 300 LB Power Echols is another valuable in-state keep and has been a two-year starter, team captain and a leading tackler.

6. LSU Tigers

2021 rank: 6 | Top recruit: S Derrick Davis Jr. (No. 28 overall)

This class was signed by former LSU coach Ed Orgeron, and he left behind some talent that helped the Tigers compete for the SEC title last season. Top signee Davis contributed on both sides of the ball before transferring to Pittsburgh. ESPN DE Landon Jackson also departed, to Arkansas, and has developed into one of the more disruptive pass-rushers in the SEC. While there were misses, this class did score big at WR with Brian Thomas and Malik Nabers. An ESPN 300 prospect, Thomas has met expectations and been among LSU's leaders in TD receptions. Nabers, a high three-star, wasted little time outplaying his ranking, earning freshman All-SEC honors and becoming the Tigers' top target with over 120 catches over the past two seasons. OL starter Garrett Dellinger and current backup QB Garrett Nussmeier are additional boosts to the offense from this class.

LSU also strayed from its immediate recruiting footprint to land ESPN 300 LB Greg Penn III out of Maryland. He has become one of the Tigers' most productive defenders. Maason Smith was a key in-state win. Injury limited his 2022 season, but he has shown flashes of being a top SEC DL when healthy.

7. Texas Longhorns

2021 rank: 15 | Top recruit: ATH Ja'Tavion Sanders (No. 13 overall)

Steve Sarkisian was hired at the start of 2021, so his role with this class was limited, but the class has players who could help the Longhorns exit the Big 12 with a final conference title. Several key offensive options came out of this class, including two of their most productive receiving targets in Xavier Worthy and Sanders, who were also the two highest-rated signees. Worthy, who originally signed with Michigan, was a big late addition Sarkisian did play a role in. He is leading Texas' offense in receptions for the third straight season. Bijan Robinson's replacement, three-star Jonathon Brooks, also emerged from this class. He has stepped up to shoulder the load and has rushed for more than 1,000 yards this year. Front-seven defenders Byron Murphy II and Barryn Sorrell didn't garner much fanfare when they signed, but they have developed into productive starters and have combined for 6.5 sacks this season.

8. Clemson Tigers

2021 rank: 4 | Top recruit: LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (No. 7 overall)

Although the Tigers have disappointed this year, their 2021 class was still part of 21 wins and an ACC title heading into the season. Several starters emerged from this highly rated group. Their talented backfield duo arrived in this class in No. 2 RB Will Shipley and fellow ESPN 300 prospect Phil Mafah. Shipley has met expectations and quickly became a versatile impact contributor who was named first team all-conference in three categories in 2022. As expected, Mafah has paired well with Shipley, and he leads the team in rushing. Two ESPN 300 signings, Beaux Collins and TE Jake Briningstool, have developed into two of Clemson's top receiving targets. Collins signed out of California power St. John Bosco.

The defense also had several starters emerge from this class led by their top signee, No. 1-ranked LB Trotter, who has been a key defender since last season. ESPN 300 LB Barrett Carter has developed into one of the team's top tacklers. Andrew Mukuba, a top-10 safety signing out of Texas, is a multiyear starter.

9. Florida State Seminoles

2021 rank: 27 | Top recruit: WR Destyn Hill (No. 89 overall)

This class fell short of the top 25 at the time but has since played a role in helping the Seminoles reemerge as national title contenders, especially the defensive talent. The big addition came via transfer, Jermaine Johnson II as an elite pass rushing threat. His stay was brief after arriving from Georgia, but he notched 12 sacks and was named ACC Defensive Player of the Year with Florida State. The Seminoles also found more long-term defensive help via the high school ranks. Many of their more high-profile signings are no longer in the program, but some prospects deeper down in the class were valuable additions. On the defensive line, Joshua Farmer and Patrick Payton, who was ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2022, have been very good contributors. Buck safety Shyheim Brown, who has been in the mix the past two seasons, is among their leaders in tackles.

10. Oregon Ducks

2021 rank: 5 | Top recruit: CB Avante Dickerson (No. 49 overall)

Sixteen members of the 2021 class signed with the Ducks, but many are no longer in Eugene, so Oregon's class slides back. Enough players remained and assumed key roles to help the Ducks stay in the top 10. A top-10 WR in the 2021 class, Troy Franklin as a sophomore developed into a go-to target in their passing game and is the team leader in receptions and receiving touchdowns. Four-star TE Terrance Ferguson has also been an active part of their passing attack and is among their leaders in catches. Oregon pulled the No. 2-ranked center, Jackson Powers-Johnson, out of Utah. He was a standout camp performer who has contributed since his freshman season on both sides of the ball and assumed the starting center role this year. Oregon's offense benefits the most from this class, but former defensive coordinator Dan Lanning inherited a very good player in Jeffrey Bassa when he took over the program. Bassa has outplayed his three-star ranking, earning playing time as a freshman and developing into a starting linebacker and one of the Ducks' most productive defenders.