A look at the top five 2016 recruiting classes from Group of 5 teams and Independents:
National rank: 16
The Fighting Irish's 2016 class is led by a pair ESPN 300 offensive linemen out of the state of Ohio in Tommy Kraemer and Under Armour All-America Game tackle Liam Eichenberg, along with four-star guard Parker Boudreaux out of the state of Florida. ESPN 300 receiver Chase Claypool out of Canada might have the highest upside in the class. On defense, ESPN 300 end Khalid Kareem starred in the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl on Jan. 3. ESPN 300 athlete Daelin Hayes will play linebacker in South Bend. It has been a few classes since Notre Dame signed a prospect out of North Carolina, but the Irish have landed a fine prospect out of the Tar Heel State in front-seven defender Julian Okwara.
National rank: 30
Tom Herman has made national news in his first year at Houston, both on the field and the recruiting trail. Hiring Corby Meekins as an assistant from Houston-area high school power Spring Westfield has been huge. Five-star DT Ed Oliver played at Westfield and should see immediate playing time. Losing ESPN 300 receiver Tyrie Cleveland hurts, but it is still a deep receiver class with ESPN 300 and former TCU verbal Courtney Lark, and three-stars Keith Corbin and Marquez Stevenson, with Stevenson considered the sleeper in the class. Three-star quarterback Bowman Sells was a key grab, as was pass-rusher Hasaun Glasgow. Offensive line is a major need in the class, and ESPN JC50 Na'Ty Rodgers should star from day one. Running back Mulbah Car adds another talented back to the backfield.
National rank: 57
The Cougars' class is headlined by ESPN JC50 defensive tackle Handsome Tanielu, who is already on campus. A second ESPN JC50 member of the class is speedy receiver Jonah Trinnaman, who will push for a starting job from day one. Three-star athlete Troy Warner is another talented skill player on the list. Defensive end was a position of need, and a pair of three-stars in Freddy Livai and Darius McFarland help fill the void.
National rank: 59
The Owls have made the most of their eye-opening season on the field with a solid class led by physically impressive ESPN 300 end Karamo Dioubate. Four-star running back Tyliek Raynor is the headliner, along with safety Keyvone Bruton. Three-star Isaiah Wright brings size to the receiver spot, while three-star Anthony Russo will factor in the future of the quarterback position. End Dan Archibong will help beef up the defensive front in future years. Three-star offensive tackle Darian Bryant has the potential to be a multiyear starter.
National rank: 63
The Bulls' class has quietly come together with ESPN 300 receiver Darnell Salomon and ESPN JC50 defensive end Tramal Ivy taking the role of headliners, with Ivy expected to start from day one. Two more junior college ends provide South Florida with quality depth for the next two years. A third four-star in the class is safety Josh Dunn. Dunn is joined at the position of need by three-star Craig Watts, who spurned a number of Power 5 programs. Three-star Elijah Mack will bring a powerful frame to the backfield in Tampa. Three-star outside linebacker Andre Polk is a name to remember down the line.