College football coaches are still working on finishing up their 2021 recruiting classes, but plenty of top prospects have already made their commitments.
As it stands right now, 221 of the top 300 prospects have already made their decision and committed to a school. That means that a ton of future stars are already committed to their respective teams and some impactful prospects are off the board.
We looked at each class ranked in the Top 25 and decided which current commit is the most impactful. Some are just the top-ranked commit, some have made an impact on the recruiting trail for their team and some will make an impact once they get on the field.
Here is a look at each class and who we think is the biggest impact commit:
1. Ohio State Buckeyes
DE Jack Sawyer
6-foot-5, 230 pounds
Pickerington, Ohio
ESPN 300 rank: 1
This one was difficult, even though Sawyer is the No. 1-ranked player overall, Ohio State has a lot of options in this class. If you wanted to make the case for running back TreVeyon Henderson, that would make sense. Henderson is the No. 1-ranked running back in the class and the Buckeyes didn't sign an ESPN 300 running back in the 2020 class.
If you wanted to make the argument for quarterback Kyle McCord, that would make sense, too, as Ohio State will have only a few options at the position once McCord gets to campus, assuming Justin Fields leaves early for the NFL.
But it's tough to look past the top prospect overall, a 6-foot-5, 230-pounder from Ohio. Given defensive line coach Larry Johnson's track record with top defensive line prospects and the ability Sawyer has, he has to be the pick. He could be the next great defensive lineman to come through Ohio State.
2. Alabama Crimson Tide
OT Tommy Brockermeyer
6-foot-6, 280 pounds
Fort Worth, Texas
ESPN 300 rank: 2
Brockermeyer has already had an impact on Alabama and he isn't even on campus. He is the No. 2-ranked prospect overall, the top recruit in the state of Texas, has incredible ties to the Texas Longhorns program as his grandfather, father and older brother all played for Texas, and he has a twin brother ranked in the ESPN 300 who also committed to Alabama.
Being able to get a recruit with those kind of ties to a program such as Texas, with the ability Brockermeyer has and at the position he plays, is pretty incredible. Alabama has had success with offensive linemen in the past and Brockermeyer could be another first-round pick out of Tuscaloosa.
There won't be pressure on Brockermeyer to start early, considering the roster already has some young offensive linemen who have contributed. But given his ability, he could if Alabama needed him to. It wouldn't be a surprise to see Brockermeyer make a tremendous impact throughout his career.
3. North Carolina Tar Heels
QB Drake Maye
6-foot-4, 205 pounds
Charlotte, North Carolina
ESPN 300 rank: 46
Maye is another prospect who has already made an impact despite not setting foot on campus. Coach Mack Brown said he wanted to create a fence around the state of North Carolina, and keep the top prospects home.
He did that in his first class by flipping quarterback Sam Howell from Florida State and he did it again in this class by flipping Maye from Alabama. Howell has worked out well so far for Brown, putting together one of the best freshman seasons ever.
North Carolina has a few options for this list as well given the talent in the class. Cornerback Tony Grimes, a five-star, reclassified to the 2020 class, so he doesn't technically count anymore. Defensive end Keeshawn Silver, a five-star, very well could be the pick here, as could wide receiver Gavin Blackwell or linebacker Raneiria Dillworth. But Maye, a North Carolina prospect and a talented quarterback, is who we're picking.
He could have a big impact on the future recruiting efforts in the state and could be the guy who takes over at quarterback once Howell is gone.
4. Tennessee Volunteers
LB Terrence Lewis
6-foot-1, 200 pounds
Hollywood, Florida
ESPN 300 rank: 2
Lewis is a five-star linebacker who should have a big impact on the Vols' defense given his versatility. He can be an every-down linebacker, helping in run support or pass coverage and is a huge addition to this Tennessee class.
He has also already made an impact on the recruiting trail as well. Tennessee is competing with other SEC powers for top recruits. Lewis had been committed to Florida at one point and was being recruited by most of the top programs in the conference. For coach Jeremy Pruitt and his staff to go into Florida and pull out a five-star is a pretty big deal, and other prospects have noticed.
Lewis will make an impact on the field, but he was already an impact recruit based on who he is and how Tennessee was able to get him in the class.
5. LSU Tigers
LB Raesjon Davis
6-foot, 210 pounds
Santa Ana, California
ESPN 300 rank: 45
From a recruiting standpoint, LSU was able to once again go into California and get one of the top prospects in the country in Davis. The staff did it in 2020 when the Tigers signed cornerback Elias Ricks, and now did it with Davis. Beating the in-state teams for one of the best defenders in the country is a big deal, and now LSU gets to add Davis to its future defense.
Davis is a versatile linebacker and the staff was ecstatic with his commitment because of his talent. He can do a little bit of everything and given the success of LSU's linebackers in recent years, Davis should be able to continue that trend in the future.
6. Clemson Tigers
RB Will Shipley
5-foot-11, 200 pounds
Matthews, North Carolina
ESPN 300 rank: 22
Shipley's commitment to Clemson was important in this class because he is a top-ranked prospect in North Carolina, where the Tar Heels are trying to build a fence and because of his talent level.
Clemson is going to lose running back Travis Etienne after this season. The staff landed DeMarkcus Bowman in the 2020 class and will have Lyn-J Dixon, who will be a senior once Shipley arrives, so it was important to add in a top running back to this class.
Shipley was told he'll be a part of the run and pass game at Clemson and says he thinks he can be an effective contributor in both areas. He has the speed, the hands and the big-play ability to be a great running back for Clemson and should make a big impact throughout his career.
7. Oregon Ducks
WR Troy Franklin
6-foot-1, 175 pounds
Atherton, California
ESPN 300 rank: 69
Oregon has done an excellent job adding young talent to its defense with some of the best prospects in the country over the past few classes. The staff didn't have an ESPN 300 wide receiver in the 2020 class, but that changed in 2021 with Franklin and Isaiah Brevard. ESPN 300 tight end Moliki Matavao and running back Seven McGee are also important additions on offense in this class.
Franklin has an opportunity to make a big impact in the future, and could be an immediate impact player for the Ducks. The No. 69-ranked recruit fits well in what new offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead wants in his offense at receiver and Franklin could thrive in that system.
There are quite a few receivers on Oregon's roster right now, but by the time Franklin gets to campus, quite a few will be juniors or off the roster. So even if Franklin doesn't make an immediate impact, he will have a shot early in his career.
8. Florida Gators
QB Carlos Del Rio
6-foot-2, 200 pounds
Loganville, Georgia
ESPN 300 rank: 59
You can never have enough quarterbacks, especially the way transfers are happening throughout at the position. Del Rio will arrive at Florida for the 2021 season, when Emory Jones will be a redshirt junior and Anthony Richardson will be in his second season. Outside of those two, there won't be any other options so adding Del Rio to this class was important.
He's the No. 12-ranked pocket passing quarterback in the class and still ranked No. 59 overall. He plays at Grayson High School in Georgia, which has produced some top prospects over the years and has quality competition.
9. USC Trojans
QBs Jake Garcia and Miller Moss
Garcia: 6-foot-2, 190 pounds
La Habra, California
ESPN 300 rank: 19
Moss: 6-foot-2, 200 pounds
Santa Ana, California
ESPN 300 rank: 37
We cheated with this one and chose both Garcia and Moss, but it's the right answer. USC has Kedon Slovis on the roster now, but he'll be a junior by the time Garcia and Moss enter the program.
Garcia and Moss will give USC two good options to battle it out for the starting position once Slovis is gone and solidify the offense for the future. Outside of the talent and competition the two bring to the table, Garcia is the No. 2-ranked prospect in California and Moss is the No. 4-ranked recruit in the state.
USC had an atrocious time keeping in-state prospects home in the 2020 class, signing only one ESPN 300 recruit from California. The coaches also saw the No. 1-ranked dual-threat quarterback and No. 1-ranked prospect in the state, Bryce Young, flip from USC to Alabama. That hurt, so landing two of the top quarterbacks in this class is a huge deal and one of these two prospects could make a big impact depending on who wins the starting job.
10. Michigan Wolverines
WR Xavier Worthy
6-foot-1, 165 pounds
Fresno, California
ESPN 300 rank: 125
This pick was going to be quarterback J.J. McCarthy because he could stabilize the quarterback position for Michigan in the future. Worthy is getting the nod, though, because he is going to ultimately help Michigan get to the speed in space as he has elite speed.
Most of the faster receivers Michigan has signed in the past few classes have been 5-foot-10 and under with Mike Sainristil, Giles Jackson and A.J. Henning. Worthy is going to bring a little more size to the offense, and if he can add weight, he could be an excellent option to stretch the field on the outside.
McCarthy would make sense as this pick, and maybe he should be, but it seems as though Worthy could be an outstanding receiver at Michigan.
11. Miami Hurricanes
LB James Williams
6-foot-4, 220 pounds
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
ESPN 300 rank: 33
Williams had been committed to Miami, but then decommitted in 2019. He released a top list of Alabama, Georgia and Clemson in February, but ultimately went back to Miami when he announced his commitment in July.
He was targeted by nearly every major program in the country and has the versatility to play safety or linebacker within the Hurricanes' defense. Adding him back into this class was a big deal for Manny Diaz whose defense ranked 13th in yards per game and 12th in yards per play last season.
To get one of the top prospects in the state of Florida, and to keep him away from some of the top major programs in the country was a big win, and adding one of the best defenders in the class to your roster makes Williams an easy pick.
12. Texas Longhorns
ATH Ja'Tavion Sanders
6-foot-4, 220 pounds
Denton, Texas
ESPN 300 rank: 49
Sanders is listed as an athlete and could realistically play at a few different positions for Texas. He is probably a defensive end, though, and has the potential to immediately help a Longhorns' defense that gave up 431.5 yards per game and ranked 66th in sacks last season with 27.
Sanders is the No. 5-ranked prospect in the state of Texas, and was targeted by a ton of schools, including Texas A&M and LSU.
13. Georgia Bulldogs
QB Brock Vandagriff
6-foot-3, 200 pounds
Bogart, Georgia
ESPN 300 rank: 35
Vandagriff is the No. 5-ranked pocket-passing quarterback in the class and he's still ranked No. 35 overall, which should tell you why there are so many quarterbacks on this list. The Georgia prospect initially committed to Oklahoma, which is another indicator of his talent, but eventually decommitted and chose the Dawgs.
He's the No. 3-ranked prospect in the state of Georgia, but more importantly, he's going to add to a quarterback room that needs more competition. The coaches brought in grad transfer Jamie Newman from Wake Forest for this season, which means there will be a new quarterback for Vandagriff's freshman season. He'll have to compete with D'Wan Mathis, a four-star from the 2019 class, and Carson Beck, an ESPN 300 signee from 2020.
Both quarterbacks are good in their own right, but Vandagriff has the most potential of the three and could make a big impact at quarterback for Georgia.
14. Oklahoma Sooners
QB Caleb Williams
6-foot-2, 210 pounds
Washington, D.C.
ESPN 300 rank: 15
Williams is the No. 1-ranked dual-threat quarterback in this class and has a chance to be something special at Oklahoma. Head coach Lincoln Riley has had success with transfer quarterbacks in the past, but he has landed Williams and signed Spencer Rattler, the No. 1-ranked dual-threat quarterback in the 2019 class.
Landing both of those quarterbacks, combined with the success Riley has had on offense, makes it easy to see Oklahoma's offense is in good hands for quite some time.
Williams is going to have to compete with Rattler, who will only be a redshirt freshman in the 2020 season. That didn't scare him off from committing to Oklahoma in the first place and the extra experience doesn't guarantee Rattler will beat Williams for the job once he's on campus. Either way, Williams has a very good shot at eventually being the starting quarterback for Oklahoma, and given his talent and ability, he could be the next great quarterback under Riley.
15. Maryland Terrapins
LB Demeioun Robinson
6-foot-4, 220 pounds
Gaithersburg, Maryland
ESPN 300 rank: 36
Coach Mike Locksley has been trying to keep the top prospects in the state at home, which has been a challenge for past coaches of late. Robinson is the top-ranked recruit in Maryland for this cycle and was targeted by some of the bigger programs in the country, so keeping him home was a priority.
Maryland didn't sign any of the state's 10 ESPN 300 prospects in the 2020 class, a group that included two five-star defensive lineman in Bryan Bresee and Chris Braswell. So getting Robinson on board has already made an impact. Add in that he is someone who could make an immediate impact on defense and it's easy to see why he's the pick here.
16. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
QB Tyler Buchner
6-foot-2, 200 pounds
La Mesa, California
ESPN 300 rank: 39
Buchner is the No. 7 pocket-passing quarterback in the class and still ranked in the top 40. He is one of the top prospects in California and is going to join Notre Dame at a good time.
Ian Book will be graduated once Buchner arrives on campus, which means a new quarterback competition will take place. He won't have some of the same experience Drew Pyne or the other quarterbacks will have, but Buchner has the talent to compete early and try to win the starting job.
17. Wisconsin Badgers
OT JP Benzschawel
6-foot-6, 260 pounds
Grafton, Wisconsin
ESPN 300 rank: 209
When you think Wisconsin, you think big, Midwestern offensive linemen, and that's exactly what Benzschawel is. His brothers Beau and Luke both played for Wisconsin and that turned out well for both sides, so why not do it again with the third brother.
Having a stout offensive line is a huge part of Wisconsin's offense and this class has two big tackles who could help with Benzschawel and Riley Mahlman, a 6-foot-7, 265-pound tackle out of Minnesota. Either one could be the pick here, but considering the family history at Wisconsin and the talent level, Benzschawel is the pick to make the big impact for the Badgers.
18. Texas A&M Aggies
WR Shadrach Banks
6-foot, 205 pounds
Houston, Texas
ESPN 300 rank: 99
The Aggies added some talented receivers in the 2020 class with Demond Demas and Muhsin Muhammad III, and now the coaches are getting another in Banks.
Texas A&M ranked 64th in pass yards per game last season, 109th in yards per reception and 52nd in receiving touchdowns. So adding in prospects such as Banks is essential, and joining the Aggies class he has an opportunity to help improve the offense over the next few seasons once he gets to campus.
19. Minnesota Golden Gophers
CB Avante Dickerson
6-foot-170 pounds
Omaha, Nebraska
ESPN 300 rank: 48
Dickerson was a big win for coach P.J. Fleck and his staff, getting a commitment from a top-50 recruit. He's the highest-ranked recruit Minnesota has ever landed and he had offers from some of the top programs in the country.
He has already made an impact in recruiting, showing that Fleck and his staff are still continuing to improve the program and stepping up recruiting year after year. Outside of that, his talent level will make an impact on the Minnesota defense and add another great defender into the program.
20. Iowa Hawkeyes
OT David Davidkov
6-foot-5, 290 pounds
Winnetka, Illinois
ESPN 300 rank: 241
Similar to Wisconsin, you often think of big Midwest offensive linemen when you think of Iowa. The staff has had a ton of success at the position and Davidkov seems like another big cog in the future offense.
He has good size and he fits with what Iowa typically looks for in its lineman -- a strong, athletic prospect who could be a multiyear contributor. Davidkov is part of an excellent offensive line class for Iowa, but he's the best of the group and has a chance to make an impact for the Hawkeyes.
21. Penn State Nittany Lions
OT Landon Tengwall
6-foot-5, 306 pounds
Olney, Maryland
ESPN 300 rank: 89
Penn State didn't sign an ESPN 300 offensive tackle in the past two classes, so it was imperative to make sure the coaches hit their mark in 2021. Tengwall is one of the top tackles in the class and was targeted by a ton of programs.
He's the No. 9 tackle in the class and from Good Counsel in Maryland, which has produced a ton of top prospects over the years. Tengwall is the highest-ranked commit in the class as it stands now and he's a big piece of the future offense at this point. Having him on board gives Penn State a really good option along the offensive line and a prospect who could contribute early on for the Nittany Lions.
22. Auburn Tigers
QB Dematrius Davis
5-foot-11, 190 pounds
Houston, Texas
ESPN 300 rank: 216
Auburn has quarterback Bo Nix as its starter, but Nix will be a junior by the time Davis is added to the roster. The staff added four-star, Chayil Garnett, to its 2020 class, but outside of those three, there won't be many other options.
Davis has helped North Shore High School win consecutive state championships, and as a junior had over 2,600 yards passing and more than 1,400 yards rushing with 54 total touchdowns. He is a big play waiting to happen and should fit well with offensive coordinator Chad Morris and Gus Malzahn. Davis doesn't have ideal size, but he could make a big impact in that offense and is a proven winner.
23. Florida State Seminoles
LB Branden Jennings
6-foot-3, 225 pounds
Jacksonville, Florida
ESPN 300 rank: 68
Jennings is a legacy recruit, whose father also played at Florida State. He's a big linebacker who plays violently and by all accounts could contribute early for the Seminoles.
Even though he was a legacy recruit, he still had a ton of big offers and many programs after him. Coach Mike Norvell is trying to build his program and he's going to need a stout defense to succeed. Having someone like Jennings at linebacker in the future defense is going to be a big help to build what Norvell is looking for in Tallahassee.
24. Washington Huskies
QB Sam Huard
6-foot-2, 180 pounds
Burien, Washington
ESPN 300 rank: 14
Huard is the No. 1 pocket-passing quarterback in this class, so it's tough not to go with him. He has football in his blood as his father, Damon, and uncles Brock and Luke all played in college. Damon and Brock both played for Washington as well and eventually made it to the NFL.
Washington has some options at quarterback right now, but none with a ton of experience. Huard has a chance to compete very early in his career and has the ability to be an outstanding quarterback for the Huskies. He threw for 4,172 yards and 56 touchdowns last season for his high school, and while Washington has some quarterbacks ahead of him, none of them have as much potential as Huard.
25. California Golden Bears
QB Kai Millner
6-foot-2, 180 pounds
Gilbert, Arizona
ESPN 300 rank: 115
Cal has some good options at quarterback this season with Chase Garbers, Spencer Brasch and Devon Modster, but Garbers will be a senior when Millner arrives on campus. Brasch will be a redshirt sophomore and there should be a competition for the starting spot.
Landing Millner, a player ranked in the top 150, along with ESPN 300 wide receiver J. Michael Sturdivant in this class, was a big win for the Cal offense. Millner will come in at a good time to help increase competition at the position and potentially raise the level of play.