College football's February signing period is over, and national champion LSU has inked a top-five class, its first since 2016. LSU is at No. 4 after picking up three-star WR Alex Adams and ESPN 300 RB Kevontre Bradford. Bradford, a smooth runner who possesses an explosive burst, gives the Tigers 16 ESPN 300 commitments.
Dabo Swinney and Clemson signed the No. 1-ranked class for the first time in the ESPN rankings era with a group headlined by five-star defensive linemen Myles Murphy and Bryan Bresee. Georgia -- which locked up two of the top offensive linemen in the Class of 2020 -- and Alabama are right behind Clemson, while Ohio State rounds out the top five.
Florida signed ESPN 300 WR Xzavier Henderson on Wednesday after the four-star wideout announced his commitment in January, and also added Princely Umanmielen, a defensive end who is ranked No. 195 overall. Texas started the day at No. 11 but moved up to No. 9 after landing Alfred Collins, the seventh-ranked defensive end and No. 52 prospect overall, and ESPN 300 athlete Kelvontay Dixon, the younger brother of Longhorns running back Keaontay Ingram.
Arkansas has moved up significantly, going from 44th to 29th thanks, in part, to landing ESPN 300 dual-threat quarterback Malik Hornsby.
With the class close to completion, here's how the teams grade out by conference.
ACC | Big 12| Big Ten | Pac-12 | SEC | Best of the rest
ACC
Clemson Tigers
Grade: A+ | National rank: 1
Dabo Swinney's sixth consecutive top-10 class is signed and sealed, headlined by five-star defensive linemen Myles Murphy and Bryan Bresee. ESPN 300 defensive tackles Demonte Capehart and Tre Williams add to a great defensive line class. ESPN 300 linebackers Trenton Simpson and Sergio Allen provide more front-seven talent. ESPN 300 cornerback Fred Davis is in the mold of A.J. Terrell, while four-star R.J. Mickens has versatility. On offense, ESPN 300 quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei and four-star running backs DeMarkcus Bowman and Kobe Pryor are three of the nation's best at their positions. ESPN 300 wide receiver Eddie Williams Jr. hails from the same high school as Tigers sophomore wideout Justyn Ross. The offensive line positions were stocked full with ESPN 300s Mitchell Mayes, Walker Parks, Bryn Tucker and Paul Tchio, as well as four-star John Williams.
North Carolina Tar Heels
Grade: A- | National rank: 16
Signing a great class of defensive linemen was the Tar Heels' top priority, and Mack Brown and staff delivered with the nation's No. 2-ranked prospect in defensive end Desmond Evans, ESPN 300 DE Myles Murphy, ESPN 300 DE Kedrick Bingley-Jones and DT Clyde Pinder Jr. out of southwest Florida. In the back seven, ESPN 300 safety Ja'Qurious Conley was a nice in-state victory. And so was four-star ILB Ethan West out of Virginia. Quarterback Sam Howell's future targets at wide receiver will include ESPN 300 Josh Downs and four-star Tylee Craft. Three-star running backs D.J. Jones and Elijah Green will provide key depth. Three-star OG Malik McGowan has a nice ceiling on the interior.
Miami Hurricanes
Grade: B+ | National rank: 17
Coach Manny Diaz signed a top-20 class despite a disappointing season on the field. The signing day win over Florida for ESPN 300 No. 2 safety Avantae Williams made the hire of Ed Reed an instant success. ESPN 300 OT Jalen Rivers and DE Chantz Williams were teammates at Oakleaf High in Orange Park, Florida, and they will remain teammates over the next few years in Coral Gables. ESPN 300 RBs Don Chaney Jr. and Jaylan Knighton bring big-play versatility with the ability to both take handoffs and catch passes. The quarterback in the class is ESPN 300 Tyler Van Dyke, and future targets will include ESPN 300s Michael Redding III and Dazalin Worsham. Four-stars who have a high ceiling on defense are DE Elijah Roberts and CB Jalen Harrell. Three-star LB Corey Flagg Jr. out of Texas can call the defense.
Florida State Seminoles
Grade: B+ | National rank: 19
New coach Mike Norvell did a good job keeping the class together, with just one official visit weekend to work with before the early signing period and adding a number of key pieces in January. Flipping ESPN 300 QB Chubba Purdy from Louisville was huge after ESPN 300 Jeff Sims departed the class. Big targets at wide receiver also were needed, and ESPN 300 Bryan Robinson will help fill the void. Onetime Georgia verbal Corey Wren will bring elite quickness from the Pelican State. The secondary was another key area of need in the 2020 cycle, and the staff came through with ESPN 300 safeties Demorie Tate and Jadarius McKnight. Three-star CB Sidney Williams and three-star athlete Darion Williamson were nice wins by the new staff. ESPN 300 LB Stephen Dix Jr. will bring physicality to the position. Three-star DT Manny Rogers has as much upside as any prospect in the class, and that upside could be at OT. Three-star OT Robert Scott was a big flip from Ole Miss in late January. Three-star DE Josh Griffis flipping back to FSU on signing day from Louisville was another key victory.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Grade: B | National rank: 27
Coach Geoff Collins orchestrated the first top-30 recruiting class for the Yellow Jackets in a while, led by the signing day signature of ESPN 300 QB and former FSU verbal commit Jeff Sims. Sims will have a number of new targets, including in-state three-stars Nate McCollum and Ryan King, as well as three-star tight end Billy Ward from the Atlanta area. Three-star Jahmyr Gibbs should factor into the running back rotation early on and will push for the starting job as a freshman. On defense, three-star in-state DEs Jared Ivey, Akelo Stone and Kyle Kennard all possess nice upside, as does three-star DE Emmanuel Johnson out of South Carolina. ESPN 300 Miles Brooks and three-star Jalen Huff have bright futures in the secondary.
Louisville Cardinals
Grade: B- | National rank: 37
The Cardinals are enjoying a depth-building class coming off an impressive first season under Scott Satterfield. Offensive line was a key need, and ESPN JC50 Trevor Reid and three-star OG Kobe Baynes were must-wins. Three-star OT Timothy Lawson was impressive at Under Armour Camp Baltimore in the spring. Three-star Tee Webb is the signal-caller in the class. Three-star DT Henry Bryant might lack size, but expect him to be a quality player. Three-star DT Jared Dawson brings a quick first step. Three-star S Lovie Jenkins was a big flip from Tennessee in September. Georgia LB prospect Kameron Wilson will bring quickness and a nice frame to develop. Junior college WR Braden Smith will play early and often.
NC State Wolfpack
Grade: B- | National rank: 41
The Wolfpack are ranked inside the top 50 for a third consecutive cycle, highlighted by ESPN 300 WR Porter Rooks. Two talented and versatile athletes are four-star Nehki Meredith out of Virginia and three-star Joshua Pierre-Louis out of South Florida. Three-star Maryland WR Anthony Smith was a nice senior riser find by the staff. Three-star DT Davin Vann is a good bet to see the field very early in Raleigh. Three-star ILB Jayland Parker out of Georgia could do the same. Three-star center Ethan Lane anchors an offensive line class that includes three-star OG Sean Hill. Three-star Ben Finley is the quarterback in the class, and the last name should sound familiar.
Pittsburgh Panthers
Grade: B- | National rank: 45
The Panthers signed their sixth top-50 class in the past seven years behind an impressive group of skill players. Four-star athlete Jahvante Royal can play either side of the ball, three-star RB Israel Abanikanda had a terrific senior campaign and four-star wide receiver Jordan Addison can flat out run. Three-star wide receiver Aydin Henningham can make difficult receptions in traffic. Three-star DE Dayon Hayes is one of the region's most improved seniors. Three-star linebackers Bangally Kamara and A.J. Roberts are always around the ball. Three-star CB Rashad Battle was a nice signing day win out of Georgia over NC State. On the offensive line, three-stars Branson Taylor and Michael Statham both possess high ceilings, with Statham featuring a massive frame.
Virginia Cavaliers
Grade: C+ | National rank: 48
The Cavaliers played in the ACC championship game this season, they have won 17 games over the past two years and they continue to add talented depth to the program. ESPN 300 offensive tackle Andrew Gentry is this class' blue-chip prospect. On the defensive side of the ball, secondary was a need in the 2020 cycle, and three-star safeties Elijah Gaines and Donovan Johnson out of Louisiana both possess very good frames and range. Four-star linebacker Brandon Williams is a second ESPN 300 prospect in the class. Three-star defensive end Olasunkonmi Agunloye and three-star Jahmeer Carter have quick feet and disruptive ability. Three-star tight end Joshua Rawlings and three-star wide receiver Lavel Davis bring ideal size and long arms. Three-star Ira Armstead is the quarterback in the class.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Grade: C+ | National rank: 51
The Demon Deacons' fourth consecutive bowl game under Dave Clawson has resulted in another depth-building class, highlighted by four-star QB Mitch Griffis out of Virginia. Snapping the ball to Griffis in future years will be four-star center Luke Petitbon. Another talented offensive lineman in the class is three-star tackle George Sell. More skill talent is headed to Wake Forest in the form of three-star WRs Jahmal Banks out of Baltimore and Ke'Shawn Williams out of Philadelphia. Defensive line might have been the area of most need in the 2020 cycle, and the staff answered with three-star DEs Jasheen Davis out of Georgia, in-state Malik Puryear and upside Maryland athlete Kendron Wayman. Three-star DT James Ash rounds out the defensive line haul.
Duke Blue Devils
Grade: C+ | National rank: 56
The Blue Devils' class is headlined by California four-star Luca Diamont and three-star offensive playmakers Jontavis Robertson and Jaylen Stinson, who both picked Duke on signing day. Two more three-star wide receivers in the class are Nicky Dalmolin and Malik Bowen. Three-star OTs Graham Barton and Calib Perez are a year of strength training away from being ready to compete for a job. Three-star TE Cole Finney has an ideal frame to develop. Linebacker was a key need, and the staff signed three-stars Christian Hood of Texas, Dorian Mausi out of Michigan and Ryan Smith from Georgia. Three-star DTs Michael Reese, Gary Smith and Aeneas Peebles bring quick feet to the position.
Boston College Eagles
Grade: C | National rank: 61
New Eagles head coach Jeff Hafley had little time to work with in December, but he kept the class together in impressive fashion. Headlining a talented trio of offensive linemen is ESPN 300 Ozzy Trapilo. Trapilo is joined by three-star OT Kevin Pyne and three-star OG Dwayne Allick. Three-star WRs Justin Bellido and Taji Johnson, along with three-star TEs Charlie Gordinier and Hans Lillis, provide quality targets in the passing game. Three-star ILB Korey Smith could push for a job early on. Safeties Jiovanny Holmes and Jason Scott might be called upon early, as well.
Virginia Tech Hokies
Grade: C | National rank: 62
Coach Justin Fuente looked to the state of Texas to bring in defensive front-seven talent in the 2020 cycle. ESPN 300 DE and onetime LSU verbal commit Alec Bryant and three-star edge-rush prospect Robert Wooten were nice signing day wins. Three-star defensive end Justin Beadles has an ideal frame to develop, as does three-star Derrell Bailey Jr. On offense, three-star Tyree Saunders is the next wide receiver out of the Jacksonville, Florida, area to make plays in Blacksburg. Adding talent and depth at running back was a must, and ESPN JC50 Marco Lee and three-stars Jalen Hampton and Jordan Brunson are expected to be in the mix early.
Syracuse Orange
Grade: C | National rank: 64
The Orange went south to Florida -- and to nine other states -- searching for speed and playmaking abilities in the 2020 class. South Florida three-stars Damien Alford and Ja'Vontae Williams bring big, physical bodies to the wideout position, while three-star DE/OLB Latarie Kinsler Jr. has edge quickness. Three-star Leon Lowery out of talent-rich New Jersey is another quick prospect off the edge. Three-star OT Garth Barclay and three-star TE Steven Mahar have terrific frames to develop, as does three-star athlete Justin Barron. Three-stars Sean Tucker and Marlowe Wax out of Maryland will bring completely different skill sets to the running back room. Two quarterbacks are in the class in three-stars Dillon Markiewicz and Jacobian Morgan.
Big 12
Texas Longhorns
Grade: A | National rank: 9
The Longhorns' struggles on the field and subsequent coordinator and staff changes slowed the momentum of what looked like a top-five class headed into the season. A trio of offensive players highlights the class in ESPN 300 QBs Ja'Quinden Jackson and Hudson Card and instant-impact ESPN 300 RB Bijan Robinson. Continuing to build quality depth on the offensive line was key, and ESPN 300s Jake Majors, Logan Parr and Jaylen Garth all bring different strengths to the position. Four-star OT Andrej Karic might have the most upside. At wide receiver, ESPN 300 Troy Omeire and four-star slot Dajon Harrison will have to play early. ESPN 300 ATH Kelvontay Dixon is the younger brother of Longhorns starting RB Keaontay Ingram and will bring 10.6 100-meter speed to the wide receiver room. The secondary continues to be one of the program's strengths, and the Longhorns added talent with ESPN 300s Kitan Crawford, Jerrin Thompson and Xavion Alford. ESPN 300 DL Alfred Collins was a must-win in February over Alabama and Oklahoma. ESPN 300 DE Vernon Broughton and senior riser DT Sawyer Goram-Welch will bring more size to the defensive front.
Oklahoma Sooners
Grade: A | National rank: 10
Lincoln Riley's fourth consecutive top-10 class is in the books thanks to another run to the College Football Playoff. Oklahoma's defense continues to improve under coordinator Alex Grinch, and an influx of talent is on the way, led by ESPN JC50 impact DTs Perrion Winfrey and Joshua Ellison. Four-star OLB Reggie Grimes will bring an edge presence in joining OLBs Brynden Walker and Shane Whitter. ESPN JC50 Justin Harrington could play cornerback or safety. ESPN 300 S Bryson Washington will be fast-tracked to get on the field in Norman. Four-star cornerback Kendall Dennis will bring elite ball skills from the Sunshine State. On offense, ESPN 300 and Stanford flip Marvin Mims Jr. is a record-setting wide receiver out of Texas, while ESPN 300 athlete Michael Henderson can play tight end, fullback and even some slot receiver. Four-star WR Davon Graham II has terrific hands and route-running ability. Four-star tight end Jalin Conyers is an ideal scheme fit. ESPN 300 RB Seth McGowan will bring downhill strength and versatility. The offensive line class is loaded, with ESPN 300s and Under Armor All-Americans Nathan Anderson, Andrew Raym and Anton Harrison. Tackle Aaryn Parks is another four-star OL in the class.
TCU Horned Frogs
Grade: B | National rank: 31
Coach Gary Patterson secured two huge wins from within the state lines to put the bow on another top-35 class in Fort Worth. Flipping ESPN 300 WR Quentin Johnston from Texas and beating out Arkansas for ESPN 300 OT Garrett Hayes mean the Horned Frogs signed two top-100 prospects in the ESPN 300 in the same class for the first time since ESPN has ranked prospects. The signing day flip of four-star S Bud Clark from Virginia was needed news, as was the February signing day win over Arkansas and Texas for WR Savion Williams. Former ESPN 300 and Under Armour All-America Game standout Jaquaze Sorrells was a big letter of intent to receive after sitting out a year to become qualified. Three-star WR Caleb Medford is an upside talent. Shoring up the offensive line was key in the 2020 cycle, and three-stars Altrique Barlow, Michael Nichols and juco transfer Brandon Coleman are a big step in the right direction. Defensively, ESPN 300 CB Keontae Jenkins and four-star Louisiana DT Patrick Jenkins will be called upon early to make plays. Junior college LB Jamoni Hodge will be called upon to see the field early.
Iowa State Cyclones
Grade: B- | National rank: 38
Coach Matt Campbell is bringing a second straight top-50 class to Ames, led by ESPN 300 quarterbacks Hunter Dekkers and Aidan Bouman. Beefing up the wide receiver position was crucial in the 2020 cycle, and juco Xavier Hutchinson will play very early. Three-stars Daniel Jackson and Aidan Bitter join Hutchinson at the position. Three-stars Hayden Pauls and Brady Petersen have nice frames for development on the offensive line. Junior college DT Latrell Bankston and three-star DT Johnny Wilson will compete for time right away. Three-star outside linebacker Ar'Quel Smith is an undersized tackling machine. Three-star safeties Mason Chambers and Craig McDonald bring ideal size and range.
West Virginia Mountaineers
Grade: B- | National rank: 43
The Mountaineers attacked both lines of scrimmage at the high school and junior college levels in the 2020 cycle. Four-star DE Akheem Mesidor was a signing day win to go with ESPN JC50 DT Quay Mays and three-star DE Sean Martin. On the offensive line, four-star OG Chris Mayo leads the way, joining a class that includes ESPN JC50 Tairiq Stewart. Three-star OGs Jordan White and Zach Frazier round out the OL signees. The signal caller in the class is Garrett Greene. Three-star CB David Vincent-Okoli and three-star OLB Lanell Carr could hit the field early. Three-star OLB Taurus Simmons has a nice ceiling.
Oklahoma State Cowboys
Grade: B- | National rank: 44
The Cowboys continue to build consistent classes with thorough evaluation and player development. Their 2020 top-45 class is headlined by ESPN 300 quarterback Shane Illingworth and junior college QB Ethan Bullock, but filling needs on the offensive line and at cornerback is where Mike Gundy and his staff have impacted the program immediately. Four-star guard Trent Pullen, three-star guard Eli Russ and three-star tackles Monroe Mills and Cade Bennett all head to Stillwater from different states. Three-star WR Matt Polk and three-star TE Quinton Stewart are solid bets to make two-deep moves within a year. At cornerback, three-stars Korie Black and Jabbar Muhammad are nice grabs out of Texas, while three-star corner Jordan Reagan was a solid win from within the state. Three-star LBs Cole Thompson and Mason Cobb look like multiyear starters.
Texas Tech Red Raiders
Grade: C+ | National rank: 50
The Red Raiders signed a top-50 class despite some struggles on the field in coach Matt Wells' first season. Four-star wide receiver Loic Fouonji was a huge victory over Texas, and he joins a talented class on offense that also features three-star RB Tahj Brooks, three-star WRs Myles Price and Ja'Lynn Polk and sleeper three-star TE John Holcomb. On defense, three-star DE Philip Blidi has a quick first step, and three-star OLB L.B. Moore also can rush the passer. Three-star ILB Derrick Lewis and three-star defensive backs Ryan Frank and Nate Floyd are active back-end playmakers. Three-star juco linebacker Krishon Merriweather will play quickly.
Kansas State Wildcats
Grade: C+ | National rank: 52
The Wildcats signed a big class that addressed a number of positional needs to help build for the future. There are a handful of defensive linemen in the class, led by ESPN JC50 DT Kirmari Gainous, three-star juco DTs Robert Hentz and Derick Newton, and three-star DEs Nate Matlack, Ronald Triplette and Cody Stufflebean. Three-stars Jeremiah Harris, OLB DeMarquese Hayes and S Malachi Mitchell are key defenders in the class from the Lone Star State. Three-star CB Tajiri Smith has the competitive spirit needed to thrive on the island. The signal caller in the class is three-star Will Howard out of the Granite State. He is joined by three-star TE Will Swanson and three-star WR Deuce Vaughn. Three-star OLs Witt Mitchum, juco OG Dawson Delforge and OG Sam Shields look like future starters.
Baylor Bears
Grade: C | National rank: 57
Dave Aranda built a solid staff and quickly added some key pieces to the 2020 class. Four-star QB Blake Shapen out of Louisiana was a longtime Arizona State verbal, while ESPN 300 DE James Sylvester was a TCU flip by the prior staff. Three-star Taye McWilliams could play RB or OLB at the next level, while three-star Jahdae Barron is locked in at cornerback. Three-star CB Mike Harris out of Alabama was a onetime Arkansas verbal. Three-star juco CB Alfahiym Walcott should compete for a starting spot right away. Three-star TE Drake Dabney and three-star OLB Will Garner were nice additions out of the Houston area. Three-star OT Gavin Byers is one of the more athletic offensive linemen in the 20202 cycle nationally. Three-star OG Micah Mazzccua was a longtime verbal to Michigan flipped by the new staff. Three-star junior college OG Mose Jeffery has the chance to be an impact player in the run game.
Kansas Jayhawks
Grade: C | National rank: 59
Les Miles has the Jayhawks ascending on the field and on the recruiting trail with an emphasis on Texas and Louisiana. The Lone Star State acquisitions include three-star WR Lawrence Arnold, three-star OT Armaj Adams-Reed and three-star elite blocking TE Clinton Anokwuru. Recruiting efforts in the Pelican State have yielded three-star DT Kenean Caldwell, three-star LB Taiwan Berryhill and three-star WR Steven McBride. In-state victories include three-star TE Will Huggins. Three-star WR Johnquai Lewis will bring darting quickness from South Florida, while three-star ATH Ra'Mello Dotson is a playmaker.
Big Ten
Ohio State Buckeyes
Grade: A+ | National rank: 5
Ryan Day's magical first season as coach in Columbus has resulted in a ninth top-10 recruiting class in 10 years, headlined by the nation's top-ranked prospect, wide receiver Julian Fleming. A second five-star in the class is in-state OT Paris Johnson Jr., and four-star center Luke Wypler is ranked best at his position nationally. ESPN 300 Grant Toutant was a nice flip from Penn State in early June, while ESPN 300 playmaker Mookie Cooper was a great win over Texas and Miami in early July. Joining Cooper at wide receiver are ESPN 300s Gee Scott Jr. and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, as well as speedy four-star Cameron Martinez out of Michigan. ESPN 300 CB Ryan Watts will bring an 80-inch wingspan and stellar anticipation from Texas. ESPN 300 OLBs Cody Simon and Kourt Williams II have ideal quickness and range. ESPN 300 S Lathan Ransom has the ability to call a defense, while ESPN 300 S Lejond Cavazos has elite athletic ability. The Buckeyes added a running back to the class, flipping in-state prospect Miyan Williams from Iowa State.
Michigan Wolverines
Grade: A- | National rank: 11
The Wolverines have inked a fourth top-12 class in five years under Jim Harbaugh, led by in-state ESPN 300s DE Braiden McGregor, S Makari Paige and CB Andre Seldon Jr. ESPN 300 S Jordan Morant and ESPN 300 athlete R.J. Moten add to the big wins out of New Jersey since Harbaugh was hired. Linebacker was a key need in the class, and four-stars Kalel Mullings and Nikhai Hill-Green, along with three-stars Osman Savage and Cornell Wheeler, will bring size, range and physicality to the position. Four-star DE Aaron Lewis was a needed flip from West Virginia, and he is yet another big-time prospect out of the Garden State headed to Ann Arbor. ESPN 300 OLB Jaylen Harrell out of Florida could grow into a hand-in-the-dirt edge player. Speed and playmaking on offense will come from ESPN 300 WR A.J. Henning out of Illinois and ESPN 300 RB Blake Corum from Maryland. Four-star wide receiver Roman Wilson has quickness. Four-star OT Jeffrey Persi, four-star OG Zak Zinter and three-star OL Reece Atteberry have plenty of upside.
Penn State Nittany Lions
Grade: A- | National rank: 12
James Franklin continues recruiting at a high level for Penn State with a third consecutive top-15 class, led by elite ESPN 300 LB Curtis Jacobs, who starred at the Under Armour Camp in Baltimore. One of the nation's top tight ends is in the fold in ESPN 300 Theo Johnson, who highlights the offensive signees along with ESPN 300 WR Jaden Dottin. ESPN 300 DT Cole Brevard was a needed win out of Indiana, as was ESPN 300 DE Coziah Izzard out of Maryland. The Nittany Lions beat Big Ten foes for ESPN 300 CB Enzo Jennings from Michigan. ESPN 300 Micah Bowens is the latest talented quarterback out of Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas. ESPN 300 Caziah Holmes is an athlete out of Florida who could play running back or wide receiver, while four-star Keyvone Lee is locked in as a downhill running back. Among a talented offensive line class is four-star Virginia Tech flip Jimmy Christ, who joins three-star OG Golden Israel-Achumba and OT Olu Fashanu. Four-star athlete Tyler Warren will transition to tight end at Penn State. Junior college WR Norval Black has an abundance of quickness, and juco CB Ji'Ayir Brown brings size and strength to the position.
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Grade: B+ | National rank: 24
Coach Scott Frost continues to battle geographical recruiting issues with success in Lincoln, signing another top-30 class. The cycle has netted verbal commitments from ESPN 300 OT Turner Corcoran, ESPN 300 LB Keyshawn Greene, ESPN 300 CBs Henry Gray and Jaiden Francois from outside the state, and ESPN 300 WR Zavier Betts from Nebraska. ESPN JC50 WR Omar Manning will be a force from Day 1 in Lincoln. Three-stars Marcus Fleming and Alante Brown are two more talented wide receivers in the class. Three-stars Nash Hutmacher and Alex Conn join Corcoran in the OL class. The QB in the class is three-star Logan Smothers from Alabama. Three-star RB Sevion Morrison is a name to remember out of Oklahoma, as is three-star RB Marvin Scott III from the Sunshine State. Three-star Texas WR William Nixon is the sleeper in the class. ESPN JC50 defensive tackle Pheldarius Payne was a big signing day flip from NC State. Junior college DE Niko Cooper should provide quality depth next season. Three-star DE Jimari Butler should be a name to remember after some seasoning.
Wisconsin Badgers
Grade: B | National rank: 26
An eighth straight top-45 class is in the books for the Badgers, headlined by ESPN 300 in-state offensive linemen Trey Wedig and Jack Nelson, ESPN 300 OLB Kaden Johnson out of Minnesota and ESPN 300 ATH/RB Jalen Berger out of the Garden State. A terrific offensive line class also includes three-star tackle Ben Barten and three-star guards Tanor Bortolini and Dylan Barrett. Three-star TE Cam Large could be a name seen on the two-deep relatively quickly. Linebacker was another key need, and it was met with ESPN 300 Nick Herbig out of Hawaii and three-stars Malik Reed, Cole Dakovich and Preston Zachman. Adding depth at defensive end was another big need, and three-star Aaron Witt from Minnesota and three-star James Thompson Jr. out of Ohio both have ideal measurables to develop.
Purdue Boilermakers
Grade: B | National rank: 28
The Boilermakers continue to ascend on the recruiting trail under coach Jeff Brohm. Fresh off a top-30 class in February, Purdue is back inside the top 40 with ESPN 300 QB Michael Alaimo, ESPN 300 RB Tirek Murphy and three-star WR Maliq Carr providing key offensive momentum. More help on the offensive side of the ball will come from speedy four-star Abdur-Rahmaan Yaseen, a signing day flip from Northwestern, and three-star WR Collin Sullivan from Texas. Three-star OT Gus Hartwig was a key in-state win, and he has the look of a multiyear starter. Three-star Antonio Stevens will hold down the safety position in future seasons. Three-star DE Gregory Hudgins III and three-star ILB Ben Kreul are key front-seven wins. ESPN JC50 cornerback Geovonte Howard heads to Purdue with expectations to push for a starting spot.
Iowa Hawkeyes
Grade: B | National rank: 32
The Hawkeyes signed another top-50 class, with an emphasis on the defensive line. ESPN 300 end Logan Jones was a must in-state win, and he is joined by three-star ends Deontae Craig, Mason Richman and Isaiah Bruce, along with three-star tackle Michael Lois. Offensively, the class will bring four-star QB Deuce Hogan to Iowa City from Texas, as well as Under Armour All-America Game tight end Elijah Yelverton. Four-star RB Leshon Williams is a solid bet to hit the field early and will bring downhill power with excellent vision. A second running back in the class is three-star Gavin Williams from Iowa. Four-star OT Tyler Elsbury has the look of a multiyear starter.
Maryland Terrapins
Grade: B | National rank: 33
Mike Locksley has the Terrapins in the top 40 with a great group, headlined by the signing day flip of ESPN 300 WR Rakim Jarrett from LSU. The class also features four-star Florida LB Ruben Hyppolite II and speedy WR Deajaun McDougle out of South Florida power Deerfield Beach. Three-star RB Isaiah Jacobs is the younger brother of former Alabama running back Josh Jacobs, now with the Las Vegas Raiders. More talent headed to Maryland from the Sunshine State includes three-star DE Riyad Wilmot, OG Khristopher Love and senior riser safety Glen Miller. Area three-star OT Ja'Khi Green has an ideal frame to develop. Postgrad four-star Osita Smith is a big-time safety prospect.
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Grade: B- | National rank: 36
P.J. Fleck parlayed an 11-win season into another top-40 class for the Golden Gophers. The 2020 cycle includes one of the nation's top wide receivers in ESPN 300 Daniel Jackson from Kansas. A second prospect from the Sunflower State is three-star RB Ky Thomas. Minnesota stayed home to sign a talented three-star WR in 6-foot-3 Jonathan Mann. Linebacker was a key need in the class, and the staff responded with three-stars Itayvion Brown, Jaqwondis Burns and sneaky athletic Lucas Finnessy. Three-star DE Jalen Logan-Redding will bring edge-rush ability. Three-star safeties Jalen Glaze and Michael Dixon will bring quickness and speed. Another three-star defensive back in the class is Texas cornerback Abner Dubar.
Northwestern Wildcats
Grade: B- | National rank: 40
Despite a disappointing 3-9 season, Northwestern has been able to forge ahead on the recruiting trail thanks to 19 total victories in 2017 and 2018, and the Wildcats added some key pieces for the future. ESPN 300 OT Peter Skoronski picked Northwestern over Notre Dame, Stanford and Iowa, and he is joined in the offensive line haul by three-stars Josh Priebe, Terah Edwards and Ben Wrather. The Wildcats flipped lineman Jordan Butler from Vanderbilt, and the ESPN 300 big man could contribute on either side of the ball. Three-star RB Cameron Porter and TE Hunter Welcing are two more playmakers. Three-star S Garnett Hollis, three-star CB Jaheem Joseph and three-star OLBs Xander Mueller and Cullen Coleman are key defensive signees who could see the field early.
Michigan State Spartans
Grade: C+ | National rank: 46
The Spartans looked to the state of Georgia heavily in the 2020 cycle, with three-star receiver Ricky White and three-star defensive end Simeon Barrow Jr. headed to Big Ten country. Three-star Texan Darius Snow and three-star Devin Hightower fill needs at linebacker. In-state victories come in the form of No. 7-ranked center Dallas Fincher, three-star TE Tommy Guajardo and three-star WR Ian Stewart. Three-star DE Kyle King out of Indiana is a name to lock away.
Indiana Hoosiers
Grade: C+ | National rank: 55
The Hoosiers won eight games and put together a recruiting class just outside the top 50. Four-star WR Rashawn Williams and three-star RB Tim Baldwin will bring even more playmaking abilities to Bloomington. Williams is joined in the class of wide receivers by three-stars Lemuel Neely-Watley and David Baker. The QB in the group is three-star Dexter Williams out of Georgia. On the defensive line, three-stars Damarjhe Lewis and Caleb Murphy will impress with size and quickness. Three-star safety Bryson Bonds was under-recruited out of Texas, and three-star cornerback Javon Swinton arrives from Georgia.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Grade: C | National rank: 60
Greg Schiano is back at Rutgers, and the recruiting has instantly picked up. Keeping talented players home will be the key to ascending, and three-stars Tyreem Powell, Chris Long, WR Malachi Melton, WR Ahmirr Robinson, S Elijuwan Mack, DE Victor Konopka and OLs Isaiah Wright and Bryan Felter is a good class to begin with. Three-star QB Evan Simon was a needed out-of-state win, as were three-star WR Robert Longerbeam and three-star TE Wesley Bailey out of the Sunshine State. Three-star OLB Jack del Rio heads to New Brunswick from southwest Florida.
Illinois Fighting Illini
Grade: C | National rank: 63
Lovie Smith turned around the Illini on the field last season, and he signed a class that is impressive considering it is small in numbers. Impact players in the class are expected to be ESPN JR50 OLB Lavar Gardner Jr. and ESPN 300 WR James Frenchie. Three-star DE Cooper Davis was a longtime Missouri verbal, and he could be a future star at OT if he doesn't stay on defense. Three-star DE Jer'Zhan Newton is another talented jumbo athlete out of the Sunshine State. Three-stars Quinton McCoy and Tre'von Riggins are two more defensive linemen from Florida on board. Junior college DT Anthony Shipton could start quickly. The QB in the class, three-star Gregory Spann II, also hails from Florida. Three-stars Phifer Griffin and Kevin Tyler are names to remember on the offensive line.
Pac-12
Oregon Ducks
Grade: A- | National rank: 13
The Ducks continue to be a national recruiting power, landing the top-ranked prospect in California once again, this time in five-star LB Justin Flowe. There are also ESPN 300 letters of intent from Missouri CB Dontae Manning, Utah DE/OLB Noah Sewell, CB Luke Hill out of Maryland and WR/ATH Jaden Navarrette from California. Another ESPN 300 commitment out of the Golden State is a huge one: QB Jay Butterfield. Butterfield is joined by ESPN 300 Robby Ashford in a very talented two-quarterback class. Athlete Kris Hutson and TE Seth Figgins are two more key wins out of all-important California. Four-star OG Jonathan Denis and three-star OT Jaylan Jeffers have upside on the offensive line. ESPN JC50 OG T.J. Bass is expected to compete for a spot right away, as is four-star S Bennett Williams. ESPN 300 DT and longtime Alabama verbal Jayson Jones could end up on the offensive line.
Washington Huskies
Grade: A- | National rank: 15
The Huskies continue to recruit at a top-15 level and kept the class together after the resignation of coach Chris Petersen. Keeping five-star OLB Sav'ell Smalls home over many national powers was a massive victory. The state of California is, as always, paramount, and the 2020 returns netted ESPN 300s OG Myles Murao, WR and two-sport star Jalen McMillan and QB Ethan Garbers. Joining them on the ESPN 300 list are OT Roger Rosengarten and in-state playmaker Sam Adams, the son of former Texas A&M and NFL standout Sam Adams. Another key in-state win is ESPN 300 OG Geirean Hatchett. Three-star OG Gaard Memmelaar and three-star Lone Star State RB Jayveon Sunday will add key depth to each position. Three-star TEs Mark Redman and Mason West filled a key need. Four-star WR Rome Odunze was a key win out of Nevada, as was ESPN 300 S Jacobe Covington out of Arizona. Three-star cornerbacks Elijah Jackson and Makell Esteen have ideal height and length.
Stanford Cardinal
Grade: B+ | National rank: 21
The Cardinal signed a top-25 class for the fourth time in five years, headlined by five-star OT Myles Hinton and ESPN 300 playmaker E.J. Smith, the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith. Winning in California is paramount, and the returns in the 2020 cycle are favorable with ESPN 300 WR John Humphreys, ESPN 300 WR Bryce Farrell and three-star defenders Tobin Phillips and Brandon Jones all impact victories. Four-star OT Connor McLaughlin from Florida and ESPN 300 CB Ayden Hector and four-star OG Levi Rogers out of Washington were big national wins. Three-star CB Omari Porter has length and plenty of upside and is the son of Auburn assistant coach Larry Porter. A pair of undersized three-star TEs will be heard from down the line in Lukas Ungar and Ben Yurosek.
Arizona State Sun Devils
Grade: B+ | National rank: 23
The Sun Devils are ascending on the field under Herm Edwards and are quietly adding talent and depth. The state of California is key for Edwards and staff, and the December signing day flip of ESPN 300 WR Johnny Wilson from Oregon sent a message; Wilson was followed by commitments from ESPN 300 Folsom High teammates Daniyel Ngata and Elijhah Badger during the Under Armour All-America Game. The trio is joined by five more four-stars headlining the top-30 class: WRs L.V. Bunkley-Shelton and Chad Johnson, DE Jordan Banks, DT Omarr Norman-Lott and senior riser QB Daylin McLemore. ESPN 300 Deamonte Trayanum will head to Tempe as a running back with the chance to play right away. Cornerback is a huge position of need in 2020, and three-stars DeAngelo Taylor, Edward Woods, Macen Williams and T. Lee all bring quickness and playmaking. Four-star DE Joe Moore was a big win out of the St. Louis area, and three-star OLB Caleb McCullough is a senior riser to remember down the line.
Utah Utes
Grade: B | National rank: 30
The Utes parlayed a terrific season on the field into a solid class, headlined by a pair of former four-star Texas verbals in DE Van Fillinger and playmaking RB Ty Jordan out of the Dallas area. Flipping ESPN 300 elite cornerback Clark Phillips III from California was a massive victory. Four-star DE Xavier Carlton joins Fillinger as huge in-state wins. Four-star offensive tackle Solatoa Moea'i will be a difference-maker in the run game. Another talented Texan in the class is quick, three-star WR Monterren Parks. More in-state victories come in the form of three-star safety Nate Ritchie, three-star ILB Sione Fotu and three-star OT Alex Harrison. Three-star DE Tyler Wegis has a lot of room for development, while three-star DE Keanu Tanuvasa will likely move inside.
Colorado Buffaloes
Grade: B | National rank: 34
The Buffaloes scored some key wins on offense in the 2020 cycle in ESPN 300 QB Brendon Lewis, ESPN 300 and Louisiana RB Ashaad Clayton and four-star OT Jake Wray out of Georgia. Three-star TE Caleb Fauria's last name will be familiar to Colorado fans. Three-star and Under Armour All-America Game WR Brenden Rice out of Arizona is a name that will be heard early in Boulder. Three-star Texas WRs Chris Carpenter and Keith Miller were nice grabs. On defense, juco DEs Justin Jackson and Guy Thomas are expected to contend for starting roles. Four-star S Christian Gonzalez was a needed flip from Purdue. Three-star DT Jordan Berry was a onetime LSU verbal. Three-star OLB Toren Pittman out of Texas is a name to remember, as is OLB Mister Williams.
UCLA Bruins
Grade: B | National rank: 35
The Bruins might not be achieving the success that many expected when Chip Kelly took over the program, but he has them climbing in the right direction. Kelly went back to where it all started for him, landing ESPN 300 QB-PP Parker McQuarrie out of New Hampshire. Closer to the UCLA base, Kelly and his staff have had success pulling several prospects from local power program St. John Bosco High School, including No. 28 safety Jonathan Vaughns and top-100 WR Logan Loya. Four-star in-state athlete John Humphrey and three-star Matt Sykes out of Hawai'i are talented playmakers. ESPN 300 OLB Damian Sellers was a nice signing day win over Pac-12 foes. The Bruins also have shown some national reach, landing No. 13 ILB Choe Bryant-Strother out of Georgia and Luke Akers, the sixth-ranked kicker, from Tennessee. Three-star LB Kenny Mestidor hails from Canada, while three-star CB Donald Warnell will head to Los Angeles from Houston. ESPN JC50 OLB/DE Mitchell Agude could play his way into starter snaps net year.
California Golden Bears
Grade: B- | National rank: 42
The Bears signed their first top-45 class in more than five years with a nice early-December run that included three-star TE D'Andre Rogers and onetime Arkansas WR verbal commit Mason Mangum. The playmakers join four-star QB Jaden Casey, three-star RB Chris Street and three-star WR Tommy Christakos in an offensive class that will add nice skill to the program. On defense, three-star OLB Andy Alfieri, three-star DTs Jaedon Roberts and Ricky Correia, three-star S Trey Paster and a quartet of three-star CBs will add key pieces to the defense in Berkeley. Three-star DE Ender Aguilar has a nice ceiling for development.
Oregon State Beavers
Grade: C+ | National rank: 47
A trio of talented and impact junior college transfers headline a top-50 class for Oregon State. ESPN JC50 cornerback Rejzohn Wright and ESPN JC50 defensive ends Tavis Shippen and Alex Lemon will arrive with instant-impact expectations. A fourth junior college defender in the class is cornerback Alton Julian. Three-star athlete Isaiah Newell was a nice win out of California, as was three-star QB Ben Gulbranson. A second signal-caller in the class is three-star juco Chance Nolan. Three-star linebackers Jason Walling Jr. and John Miller were needed victories from within the state lines. Three-star TEs Jake Overman and Tommy Spencer filled a major need.
USC Trojans
Grade: C+ | National rank: 54
The Trojans have seen quite a few struggles on the trail in the 2020 cycle with a class that doesn't look familiar to the fan base. The very small class did hit on some key positions of need and is headlined by ESPN 300 WR Gary Bryant. Another talented wide receiver in the class is area three-star Joshua Jackson Jr. Legacy four-star TE Jack Yary couldn't be lost to Arizona State. The future of the offensive line was a must, and the staff delivered with four-star Jonah Monheim, Lone Star State three-stars Casey Collier and Courtland Ford, and three-star OTs Caadyn Stephen, Andres Dewerk and Andrew Milek. Defensive line help in future years will come from four-star DT Jamar Sekona, three-star DT Kobe Pepe and three-star DE Tuli Tuipulotu.
Washington State Cougars
Grade: C- | National rank: 69
A new coaching staff late in the process kept signees happy, and the Cougars added some skill to the class late in January. The wide receiver position was replenished with three-stars Jay Wilkerson and Cedrick Pellum out of Texas, Joey Hobert out of California and the fast Mike Pettway out of Alabama. The QB in the class to spread the ball around is three-star Jayden de Laura out of Hawai'i. Offensive linemen who have good feet and frames to develop are three-stars James McNorton and Rodrick Tialavea.
Arizona Wildcats
Grade: C- | National rank: 70
The Wildcats leaned on the state of Texas heavily in the 2020 cycle, and the staff responded with three-star RB Frank Brown out of Houston, three-star OLB Derick Mourning out of the Katy area and senior riser three-star CB Edric Whitley out of the Austin area. The Sunshine State also yielded three-star safety Majon Wright and three-star OG Woody Jean. Keeping the best home in Arizona is always a tough task, so signing three-star QB Will Plummer and three-star DE Regen Terry was paramount. Three-stars Dion Wilson and Shontrail Key have terrific frames to develop.
SEC
Georgia Bulldogs
Grade: A+ | National rank: 2
No. 9 dual threat QB Malik Hornsby picks up the Arkansas hat and commits to play for the Razorbacks.
Coach Kirby Smart has signed only top-10 classes since he arrived in Athens, and the 2020 cycle is bringing in more difference-makers. Georgia's 10th consecutive top-10 class is headlined by five-star in-state OT Broderick Jones, five-star CB Kelee Ringo, five-star DT Jalen Carter, ESPN 300 TE Darnell Washington and ESPN 300 OTs Tate Ratledge and Chad Lindberg. Holding off Florida for ESPN 300 OC Sedrick Van Pran was another big win. Two more ESPN 300 CBs on board joining Ringo are Jalen Kimber and Major Burns. ESPN 300 WR Marcus Rosemy is another big win out of South Florida, and fellow Sunshine State athlete Arian Smith might be the nation's fastest prospect. ESPN 300 WR Jermaine Burton was a big signing day flip from LSU. The nation's No. 1 ILB, Mekhail Sherman, will be a force in the front seven in Athens. The QB in the class is ESPN 300 and onetime Alabama verbal commit Carson Beck out of Florida. ESPN 300 RB Kendall Milton will bring even more downhill power to the position. Big bodies on the defensive line will come from four-star Nazir Stackhouse and four-star DT Warren Brinson, who could play on either side of the line long term.
Alabama Crimson Tide
Grade: A+ | National rank: 3
Nick Saban has signed a 10th top-three class in the past 11 years in Tuscaloosa, headlined by ESPN five-star QB and USC flip Bryce Young, who will likely compete for the starting job early on. Signing playmakers at wide receiver was paramount with early NFL defections a given, and the next burner on the way from South Florida is Thaiu Jones-Bell, while ESPN 300 Javon Baker will bring strong and sure hands west from Georgia and ESPN 300 Traeshon Holden has huge upside. ESPN 300 RB Jase McClellan was a huge flip from Oklahoma on signing day. Fellow ESPN 300 running back Roydell Williams will bring key depth to the position. On defense, adding edge-rushing talent was a key priority, and five-star Chris Braswell is another big win out of Maryland. Joining Braswell on the edge are Peach State ESPN 300 William Anderson and in-state ESPN 300 OLB Quandarrius Robinson. Holding onto in-state ESPN 300 OLB Demouy Kennedy after a big LSU push was key. ESPN 300 athlete Drew Sanders is another future OLB in Tuscaloosa, but he also could play tight end. Two ESPN 300 DTs are signed in Timothy Smith and the underappreciated Jah-Marien Latham. The sleeper in the class is ESPN 300 athlete Kristian Story, who could play quarterback with a year of development.
LSU Tigers
Grade: A+ | National rank: 4
The Tigers' seventh top-10 class in the past eight years is in the books. Coach Ed Orgeron created a perfect storm in the 2020 cycle with the run to the national championship and the offensive turnaround culminating with Joe Burrow winning the Heisman Trophy. The class is headlined by five-star Peach State TE Arik Gilbert, a massive win over Alabama and Georgia, and ESPN 300 CB Elias Ricks out of California. Four-star S/CB Dwight McGlothern Jr. and LB Josh White are top-tier defenders from Texas. White is joined at linebacker by Georgia ESPN 300 Phillip Webb and Antoine Sampah, who is out of Virginia. From inside state lines, ESPN 300 WR Kayshon Boutte is one of the nation's top playmakers. ESPN 300 RB Kevontre Bradford doubles as a talented sprinter on the track. ESPN 300 DT Jaquelin Roy was a huge win over LSU's SEC foes, as was ESPN 300 DT Eric Taylor out of Alabama. ESPN 300 DT Jacobian Guillory was another big in-state victory. ESPN 300 B.J. Ojulari was a nice edge-rushing flip from Tennessee. ESPN 300 S Jordan Toles is a high-level athlete. ESPN 300 OT Marcus Dumervil will join good friend and ESPN 300 OG/C Marlon Martinez on the line. There is name recognition in the class with ESPN 300 QB Max Johnson, the son of former NFL signal-caller Brad Johnson. Junior college DE Ali Gaye will be counted on to make an instant impact.
Texas A&M Aggies
Grade: A | National rank: 6
Jimbo Fisher's second straight top-10 class in Aggieland is headlined by Under Armour All-America Game quarterback Haynes King, ultra-athletic ESPN 300 WR Demond Demas and ESPN 300 DT McKinnley Jackson, a signing day win over Alabama and LSU. Joining Demas as four-star WRs in the class are Muhsin Muhammad III and Devin Price, the son of defensive line coach Terry Price. Versatile ESPN 300 athlete Devon Achane will be a terrific offensive gadget for Fisher, while four-star RB Darvon Hubbard will be a downhill runner. Building depth on the offensive line was a must, and ESPN 300 Chris Morris and Georgia flip Akinola Ogunbiyi were key wins. ESPN 300 Jaylon Jones could star at cornerback or safety, as could ESPN 300 Antonio Johnson. ESPN JC50 CB Brian George comes with instant-impact expectations. ESPN 300 edge-rushing prospects Antonio Doyle and Fadil Diggs were big out-of-state wins at a position of need. ESPN 300 OLB Edgerrin Cooper can run sideline to sideline.
Auburn Tigers
Grade: A | National rank: 7
The Tigers have consistently signed classes ranked around the top 10 on average in the past eight seasons. The 2020 cycle brought more of the same, thanks to added momentum with Auburn coming off the thrilling victory over Alabama to end the regular season. Winning on the trail on the defensive side of the ball was paramount in the 2020 cycle, and ESPN 300 LBs Wesley Steiner, Desmond Tisdol and Cameron Riley were must-get prospects. ESPN 300 DLs Zykeivous Walker, Jeremiah Pegues and Jay Hardy were coveted by the staff, as was ESPN 300 S Christopher Thompson Jr. ESPN JC50 CB Marco Domio will be asked to push for a spot quickly. ESPN 300 athlete Ladarius Tennison is pound for pound the most physical prospect in the 2020 class. Wide receiver was another key position of need, and the staff hit it out of the park with ESPN 300s Kobe Hudson, Ze'Vian Capers and J.J. Evans. ESPN 300 athlete Tank Bigsby will be a versatile RB/slot WR for coach Gus Malzahn. ESPN JC50 OTs Kilian Zierer and Brenden Coffey will be expected to add depth very early.
Florida Gators
Grade: A | National rank: 8
Dan Mullen has been a signing day closer since arriving in Gainesville, and this year is no different after back-to-back 10-win seasons. The 2020 class addressed a number of positional needs and benefited from a coaching change in Tallahassee and an underwhelming season in Coral Gables. Defensively, Florida had a number of huge wins on the trail in in-state five-star DT Gervon Dexter, DE Antwaun Powell out of Virginia and DT Johnnie Brown out of Tampa. ESPN 300 DE Princely Umanmielen was a huge February signing day victory over Baylor and Texas. Former Texas verbal and ESPN 300 Ethan Pouncey was a key win at cornerback, as was the flip of ESPN 300 OLB Derek Wingo from Penn State. ESPN 300 athlete Jahari Rogers was a big win out of the Lone Star State over Texas and Oklahoma. On offense, ESPN 300 OT Issiah Walker was a key victory over Florida State and South Carolina, while WR depth will come from ESPN 300s Xzavier Henderson (the younger brother of Gators junior DB C.J. Henderson) and big, sure-handed target Jaquavion Fraziars. Flipping ESPN 300 G Joshua Braun from Georgia solidified the offensive line haul. Three-star Fenley Graham is one of the top returners in the country.
Tennessee Volunteers
Grade: B+ | National rank: 18
Coach Jeremy Pruitt has the Volunteers inside the top 20 in the 2020 cycle after turning around the season on the field. Keeping ESPN 300 athlete Keshawn Lawrence, ESPN 300 OT Omari Thomas and ESPN 300 DE Tyler Baron home marked three huge victories. ESPN 300 DT Dominic Bailey is a nice out-of-state gem, as is Sunshine State four-star DE Morven Joseph, who was committed to Florida and Florida State at various times during the process. ESPN 300 QB Harrison Bailey can make the desired throws with a clean pocket. Four-star Jalin Hyatt is one of the most explosive wide receivers in the class, while ESPN 300 WR Malachi Wideman will play football and basketball in Knoxville after flipping from Florida State on signing day. ESPN 300 center Cooper Mays was a must-get and a Vols legacy. ESPN 300 ILB Len'Neth Whitehead was a key win over South Carolina out of the Peach State. Three-star S and Arizona State flip Doneiko Slaughter will provide key depth early in Knoxville. Three-star Georgia athlete Jimmy Calloway could play on either side of the ball. Whitehaven High in Memphis will produce future starting linebackers in Martavius French, Bryson Eason and Tamarion McDonald. Four-star ATH Damarcus Beckwith was a huge signing day win over Florida, and he could play WR or develop into a rangy OLB.
South Carolina Gamecocks
Grade: B+ | National rank: 20
The Gamecocks have been a fixture in the top 25 over the past 11 years, and the 2020 class is their fourth straight top-20 finish. ESPN 300 five-star commit Jordan Burch is the biggest recruiting win since Jadeveon Clowney, and the Gamecocks beat out Clemson, LSU, Georgia and Alabama for the state's top prospect. ESPN 300 running back Marshawn Lloyd could be a difference-maker in Columbia, as could ESPN 300 dual-threat QB Luke Doty, after some body development. Four-star WRs Michael Wyman, Rico Powers Jr. and Jaheim Bell will be sure-handed targets with a physical presence. ESPN 300 OLB Mohamed Kaba and three-star CB Joey Hunter will play their way onto the two-deep early. Building depth on both lines continues to be a key need, and ESPN 300s Tonka Hemingway, Alex Huntley and Tyshawn Wannamaker are all quality wins on the trail. Four-star Eric Shaw is one of the most versatile prospects in the country.
Kentucky Wildcats
Grade: B+ | National rank: 22
The Wildcats inked a top-40 class for a fifth consecutive cycle, headlined by the wins on the defensive line in ESPN 300s Justin Rogers and Samuel Anaele. Three-star DT Tre'vonn Rybka was another key defensive line win. ESPN 300 ATH Joel Williams out of Louisiana will be an impact playmaker. On offense, ESPN 300 running back Michael Drennen II and four-star running back JuTahn McClain will bring quickness and playmaking. They will line up next to four-star QB Beau Allen in the future. A third RB in the class is Torrance Davis out of Ohio. ESPN JC50 OT Jeremy Flax could push for playing time early, as could four-star OG Reuben Adams. Three-star OT John Young was a big in-state victory over ACC and SEC competition, as was three-star OT Deondre Buford. Three-star WRs Kalil Branham and Earnest Sanders will head to SEC Country from Ohio and Michigan, respectively.
Mississippi State Bulldogs
Grade: B+ | National rank: 25
The Bulldogs signed a fourth consecutive top-30 class with another mix of talented high school and impact junior college prospects, led by ESPN 300 RB Jo'Quavious Marks, ESPN 300 CB Emmanuel Forbes and ESPN 300 speedster ATH Lideatrick Griffin. Four-star Javorrius Selmon joins Forbes as playmaking cornerbacks in the class. Three-star OT Calvin McMillian has a nice upside, as does three-star DT Armondous Cooley. Junior college DLs Jordan Davis and Tre Lawson will be called upon to help immediately in 2020, as will juco WRs Malik Heathand Caleb Ducking. There are two three-star, in-state QBs in the class: Jaden Walley and Will Rogers.
Arkansas Razorbacks
Grade: B | National rank: 29
New coach Sam Pittman only had 10 days to work with prior to the early signing period after being hired on Dec. 8, and he walked away with some key victories and is adding to the top-50 class. Flipping ESPN 300 Myles Slusher from Oregon was a must-win to create some momentum for the January efforts, as was the signing of ESPN 300 wide receiver Darin Turner. The February signing day win for ESPN 300 QB Malik Hornsby will be huge down the road, after some development physically. The same can be said of ESPN 300 OL Marcus Henderson. Holding onto ESPN 300 athlete Blayne Toll was another must. Flipping three-star offensive tackle Ray Curry from Missouri was another needed victory on signing day. Linebacker was a position of need, and in-state prospects Jashaud Stewart and Catrell Wallace are both expected to play early. Three-stars Kelin Burrle and Dominique Johnson round out a quality linebacker class. ESPN JC50 DE Julius Coates will push for a starting spot, while three-star DEs Eric Thomas and Jaqualin McGhee have nice frames for development over time.
Ole Miss Rebels
Grade: B | National rank: 39
Ole Miss' 11th straight top-50 class is in the books, with new coach Lane Kiffin keeping the group together. Senior riser three-star QB Kade Renfro out of Texas was a key win after the loss of Robby Ashford. ESPN 300 DE and onetime LSU verbal Demon Clowney was a huge January victory for Kiffin and staff. On the offensive line, four-star Eli Acker is a future protector. Linebacker was a key position of need, and the signatures of four-star Austin Keys and ESPN JC50 Daylen Gill will provide immediate depth. ESPN 300 Jakivuan Brown is another talented linebacker in the class who made a big jump as a senior. Three-star DT Desanto Rollins was a needed win out of neighboring Louisiana. ESPN JC50 CB Lakevias Daniel will push early for a starting spot.
Missouri Tigers
Grade: C+ | National rank: 54
Eliah Drinkwitz kept some key pieces in the fold in short order in December and followed by building a solid class with some nice victories in January. Wide receiver was a position of need, and the staff responded with ESPN 300 Javian Hester out of Oklahoma, four-star and longtime Ole Miss verbal Kris Abrams-Draine out of Alabama and three-stars Jay Maclin, Elijah Young, Jaylon Carlies and Chance Luper -- a onetime Boise State verbal. Throwing the ball to the talented group of WRs in future years could be three-star Brady Cook. Defensive line was another position that had to be addressed, and the returns are positive with ESPN JC50 DT Benjamin Key, four-star DE Kevon Billingsley, three-star DT Montra Edwards and senior riser Johnny Walker, who is out of the Sunshine State. Three-star CB Ennis Rakestraw out of the Dallas area was a huge February win over Alabama and Texas. Under Armour All-America Game kicker Harrison Mevis could win a job right away.
Vanderbilt Commodores
Grade: C | National rank: 58
The Commodores went to nine states to build the 2020 class, which included the neighboring state of Alabama for four-star ATH De'Rickey Wright. The Lone Star State yielded three-star QB Ken Seals, WR Logan Kyle, athletic OG Jason Brooks and ILB Ethan Barr. A second QB in the class is junior college three-star Jeremy Moussa out of California. The Sunshine State was responsible three-star OT Bradley Ashmore, three-star TE Diego LaMonica and three-star OLB Griffin Lampton. Three-star's Rocko Griffin, Mike Wright and Chase Lloyd all bring speed from the Peach State.
Best of the rest
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Grade: A- | National rank: 14
The Fighting Irish signed an eighth top-15 class in the past 10 years and the 2020 cycle is loaded with offensive skill, such as Under Armour All-America Game QB Drew Pyne, ESPN 300 RB/KR Chris Tyree, ESPN 300 WR Jordan Johnson out of Missouri and ESPN 300 TE Michael Mayer out of Kentucky. A second four-star TE in the fold is Kevin Bauman out of New Jersey. Arizona ESPN 300 OT Tosh Baker has a high ceiling, as does ESPN 300 OT Michael Carmody of Pennsylvania. On defense, ESPN 300 OLB Jordan Botelho from Hawai'i was a nice early win, as was ESPN 300 DE Rylie Mills out of Illinois. Coach Brian Kelly and staff have also gone international in this class, reeling in three-star DE Alexander Ehrensberger from Germany.
Cincinnati Bearcats
National rank: 49
The Bearcats continue to ascend under Luke Fickell after 11 wins and a second straight top-25 finish. The class is headlined by ESPN 300 dual-threat QB Evan Prater. The huge in-state win is accompanied by more key in-state three-star victories in OLBs Jaheim Thomas and Daved Jones, DT Justin Wodtly, safeties Sammy Anderson and Todd Bumphis, wide receivers Chris Scott and Ethan Wright, and versatile athlete Tyler Scott. The staff headed south to help build out the class, signing three-star DE Payten Singletary and three-star OT Kobe McAllister out of Georgia, along with three-star DB/WR Norman Love out of Florida. Four-star WR Jadon Thompson was a flip and longtime verbal to Illinois, while three-star WR Marquez Bell was once committed to South Florida.
Boise State Broncos
National rank: 65
The Broncos continue to bring talent into the program, with two states remaining imperative: California and Texas. The Lone State State haul features four-star OLB Herbert Gums, speedy three-star WR Latrell Caples and three-star QB Cade Fennegan. Three-stars Semaj Verner (safety), OT Brandon Hernandez, OGs Kyle Juergens and Nathan Cardona, and playmakers Isaiah Bradford and Cole Wright were nice evaluations out of the Golden State. Building depth was big on the defensive front in the 2020 cycle, and three-star DE Robert Cooper, juco DT Divine Obichere and juco DE Shane Irwin could all factor in early. The same can be said for junior college CB Jonathan Earl and junior college OG Riden Leong. Three-star CB Donovan Clark is a name to remember after some seasoning.
UCF Knights
National rank: 66
The Golden Knights reloaded on defense in the 2020 cycle, mostly from within the state lines. Three-star DBs Justin Hodges, Branden Coleman, Quadric Bullard and Corey Thornton, along with three-star DEs Kervins Choute, Kendrick Wilson and Joshua Celiscar, all hail from the home state. The need at defensive back also was filled from the junior college ranks with three-star CBs Devunte Dawson and Emmanuel Appiah-Takyi. On offense, three-star QB Parker Navarro, three-star TE Cornelius Forrest Jr. and three-star WR Ja'Cyais Credle all have the makings of multiyear starters. A second TE in the class is three-star Jordan Davis from within 30 miles of campus.
Tulane Green Wave
National rank: 67
The Green Wave filled their class with a high-level focus on three states: Louisiana, Texas and Florida. The home-state signees include local four-star DE Angelo Anderson, three-star DT and Houston flip Adonis Friloux, three-star DE Noah Taliancich, three-star OGs Josh Remetich and Rashad Green, three-star ATH Cornelius Dyson and three-star signal-caller Justin Ibieta. A second QB in the class is three-star Michael Pratt out of South Florida. The Lone Star State helps fills needs at a number of positions with three-star DTs Brandon Brown and Elijah Champaigne, three-star safety Kevaris Hall and tight end Reggie Brown. Junior college receivers Natorian Watts and Nataurean Watts will factor into the rotation.
SMU Mustangs
National rank: 68
The Mustangs made the most of a 10-win season on the field with some big recruiting wins. Four-star Danny Gray was a onetime TCU verbal and is an impact wide receiver out of the junior college ranks. Three-star DEs DeVere Levelston and onetime Nebraska verbal Junior Aho are two more junior college prospects expected to play a lot right away. The same can be said for juco OG Demetri Jordan. Speed and playmaking will come from Beaumont, thanks to versatile three-star Thaddaeus Johnson and three-star OLB Jay Bell. Three-star OT Erin Smith has a nice ceiling and is joined in the offensive line haul by three-stars in OT Dalton Perdue, OT Marcus Bryant, OG Marcus Smith, OG Ben Sparks and center Branson Hickman.
Houston Cougars
National rank: 71
Dana Holgorsen's first full class for the Cougars addressed needs on defense. Three-star juco OLB Malik Robinson and three-star juco DT Sedrick Williams will be called upon to add depth immediately. Three-star DT Chidozie Nwankwo lacks height but has great quickness for his size. Three-star DE Trevonte Sylvester has plenty of frame to develop. Wide receiver was a major need, and three-stars Khiyon Wafer, juco Nathaniel Dell and Dylan Robinson could all see the field next season. The same could be said for three-star RB Stacy Sneed. Three-star TE Darius Edmonds is a name to lock away.
Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns
National rank: 72
The Ragin' Cajuns' class is headlined by a terrific group of wide receivers in in-state three-star playmakers Reginald Johnson, Dontae Fleming, Errol Rogers and Kyren Lacy. There are a number of versatile three-star athletes in the class, as well: Caleb Anderson, Andray Pope and Trey Amos. Three-star OG Cory Marshall is expected to be a multiyear starter. Defensively, three-star DT Jordan Lawson was a nice win out of Mississippi, and the same can be said for three-star CB Courtline Flowers and DT Dominique Ratcliff out of the Lone Star State.
East Carolina Pirates
National rank: 73
The Pirates signed a full class that will bring depth to several positions, including quarterback, with three-stars Mason Garcia and Taji Hudson. Three-star TE Shane Calhoun, three-star WR Tyler Savage and three-star RB Rahjai Harris are skill talents headed to Greenville, North Carolina. The secondary was a key position of need, and the staff responded with securing three-star safeties Eric Doctor and Teylor Jackson, along with three-star CBs Sean Tucker, C.J. Crump and Teagan Wilk. The defensive line haul is impressive, with three-star DTs Xavier McIver, Suirad Ware, J'Vian McCray, D'Anta Johnson and Kareem Stinson. Junior college DE Elijah Robinson could push for a starting job early on.
Toledo Rockets
National rank: 74
The Rockets signed a terrific class of offensive players, with four-star RB Lamy S. Constant leading the way. Joining Constant on offense is three-star QB Gavin Hall out of Georgia and three-star TE Clay Caudill and three-star WR DeMeer Blankumsee, both out of Ohio. Defensive end was a key position of need, and the staff answered the call with three-stars Latrell Thompkins out of Michigan, Geri Theodore out of southwest Florida and Martez Poynter out of Missouri. Three-star safeties Maxen Hook and John Coleus will provide key depth early on.
BYU Cougars
National rank: 75
The Cougars loaded up at linebacker in the 2020 class with three-stars Bodie Schoonover and Joshua Wilson from within state lines and three-star senior riser Tate Romney from Arizona. Two more LBs who will be a handful are rangy three-star Ace Kaufusi and three-star Alex Muti from Hawai'i. On offense, wide receiver was key position of need, and the staff answered the bell with three-star Kody Epps, three-star juco Christopher Jackson, in-state 6-foot-2 target Devin Downing and three-star Koa Eldredge out of Hawai'i. Three-star QB Sol-Jay Maiava could be the one to spread the ball around in future years in Provo.