As the college football season gets underway for some FBS programs, all remain active in recruiting, with several programs adding to their classes and climbing up the rankings.
While the race for the top spot remains fierce, with top-ranked Alabama and No. 2 Ohio State both adding four-star prospects to their classes, the top five also now has a new contender in the mix. LSU pushed forward a spot with a pair of pickups, including from ESPN 300 cornerback Nathaniel Wiggins, an athlete with good flexibility, feet and ball skills.
Oregon continues to lead the Pac-12 on the recruiting trail and is in position to potentially sign its highest-ranked class in over a decade. Eleventh-ranked offensive tackle Kingsley Suamataia, out of Orem (Utah) High School, joins a class that also includes ESPN 300 No. 2-ranked center Jackson Light from Corner Canyon High School, also in Utah.
Two Big Ten teams made moves up the rankings as well. Wisconsin bolstered its offensive line by adding No. 7 OT Nolan Rucci, its third ESPN 300 offensive line commit. Nebraska made a double-digit leap as well after securing commitments from a pair of tight ends: in-state prospect A.J. Rollins and ESPN 300 TE Thomas Fidone Jr., a big target with good hands who could contribute quickly.
1. Alabama Crimson Tide
ESPN 300 commits: 16 | Previous ranking: 1 
The Crimson Tide started lower in the class rankings because of a lack of commitments, but their run to the No. 1 spot is impressive. Five-star OT J.C. Latham was a big June win over Big 12 and SEC competition, while five-star OT Tommy Brockermeyer was a massive win over childhood favorite Texas. ESPN 300 C James Brockermeyer was the same. Another big-time win on the OL comes from Georgia in ESPN 300 OT/G Terrence Ferguson. Flipping ESPN 300 quarterback Jalen Milroe from Texas fills a major need, and he compares favorably with former Ohio State QB J.T. Barrett. Coach Nick Saban went back to the Sunshine State for a pair of wideouts in the class, reeling in ESPN 300s Jacorey Brooks and Agiye Hall. ESPN 300 athlete Christian Leary might be the fastest player in pads in Florida. The Crimson Tide also went to South Florida for another five-star defender, outside linebacker/defensive end Dallas Turner. Versatile defenders in the fold include ESPN 300 in-state OLBs Deontae Lawson and Ian Jackson, as well as Louisiana ESPN 300 Kaine Williams. ESPN 300 DT Damon Payne was another big national recruiting win. In-state four-star DT Anquin Barnes has plenty of upside. ESPN 300 DE Monkell Goodwine is the latest nationally recruited prospect from Maryland to head to Tuscaloosa. ESPN 300 S/ATH Kadarius Calloway was a terrific flip from Mississippi State out of neighboring Mississippi. Junior college CB Khyree Jackson should hit the two-deep running next spring.
2. Ohio State Buckeyes
ESPN 300 commits: 17 | Previous ranking: 2
Ryan Day signed the No. 5-ranked class in February, and he is competing for his first No. 1 class as a head coach. A pair of five-stars headline the class in No. 1 overall prospect Jack Sawyer, an in-state defensive end, and Virginia running back TreVeyon Henderson. The signal-caller is ESPN 300 Kyle McCord, and he will throw to high school teammate Marvin Harrison Jr. at the next level. The Buckeyes' class is built with players from across the nation, with ESPN 300 guard Donovan Jackson from the Houston area, ESPN 300 CB Jakailin Johnson out of Missouri, ESPN 300 RB Evan Pryor out of North Carolina, ESPN 300 WR Denzel Burke out of Arizona, ESPN 300 ATH Andre Turrentine out of Tennessee and ESPN 300 ATH Jantzen Dunn out of Kentucky. Flipping Peach State ESPN 300 CB Jordan Hancock from Clemson was yet another national flex for the Buckeyes. Going to Virginia for ESPN 300 DT Tyleik Williams was a nice rebound after losing Tunmise Adeleye. In-state ESPN 300 prospects in the fold are DT Mike Hall, WR Jayden Ballard, ILB Reid Carrico, OT Ben Christman and S Jaylen Johnson.
3. Tennessee Volunteers
ESPN 300 commits: 9 | Previous ranking: 3
The 2021 cycle will be Jeremy Pruitt's best in Knoxville after signing back-to-back top-20 classes. This class is headlined by five-star linebacker Terrence Lewis, the No. 11 recruit overall. Tennessee also has big wins out of Alabama in ESPN 300 pass-rusher Dylan Brooks and ESPN 300 WR Jordan Mosley. Georgia is most important to the Volunteers' out-of-state efforts on an annual basis, and ESPN 300 WR Julian Nixon and ESPN 300 RB Cody Brown are in the fold from the Peach State. North Carolina is always important for Tennessee, and ESPN 300 ATH Kaemen Marley is one of the most versatile prospects in the class. Four-star ATH Damarius McGhee will bring excellent playmaking ability to Knoxville. Key in-state wins are four-star WR Walker Merrill and RB Elijah Howard. Defensive end Darrell Jackson was a nice grab out of Florida, and RB Jaylen Wright also was a good win out of North Carolina. Talented juco RB Tiyon Evans will be an impact player from day one. Four-star TE Hudson Wolfe was another crucial in-state win. Three-star OT Colby Smith has as much upside as anyone in the class, but it was the flip of in-state three-star OT J'Marion Gooch from Auburn that won the headlines. Four-star William Parker is another talented in-state OL on the verbal list.
4. Clemson Tigers
ESPN 300 commits: 13 | Previous ranking: 4
Coach Dabo Swinney is locked in on Clemson's seventh straight top-10 class with another terrific start to the cycle. Five-star OLB Jeremiah Trotter Jr. is one of the nation's top playmakers, with a father who played in the NFL. The Tigers went into Tennessee to grab Tee Higgins three classes ago, then returned in the 2021 class to land ESPN 300 TE Jake Briningstool and ESPN 300 OG Dietrick Pennington. ESPN 300 WR Beaux Collins out of California was the go-to target for Clemson rising freshman QB D.J. Uiagalelei. ESPN 300 DE Cade Denhoff was a big win out of Florida, as was ESPN 300 OT Marcus Tate. Neighboring Georgia remains crucial for Clemson, as the Tigers will bring in ESPN 300 LB Barrett Carter, ESPN 300 WR Dacari Collins and four-star RB Phil Mafah. ESPN 300 C Ryan Linthicum was a Maryland high school teammate of 2020 five-star Bryan Bresee. Versatile ESPN 300 RB Will Shipley was a huge May win out of neighboring North Carolina, as were ESPN 300 DE Zaire Patterson and big-bodied No. 4 DT Payton Page. Four-star QB and one-time Georgia baseball verbal commit Bubba Chandler has emerged as the top sleeper prospect in the country.
5. LSU Tigers
ESPN 300 commits: 13 | Previous ranking: 6 
The defending national champions have a tidal wave of momentum and have capitalized in neighboring Texas, winning for ESPN 300 WR JoJo Earle and ESPN 300 OLB/DE Landon Jackson. ESPN 300 QB Garrett Nussmeier was another huge win out of the Lone Star State over Big Ten, ACC and Big 12 programs. The Tigers went north to Ohio and reeled in ESPN 300 RB Corey Kiner and went to Michigan for ESPN 300 OT Garrett Dellinger. ESPN 300 playmaking OLB Raesjon Davis was a huge win out of California on Jan. 1, and ESPN 300 Zavier Carter was a big win out of the Peach State to begin May. July 4 brought a victory in Florida, with ESPN 300 edge rusher Keanu Koht picking the Tigers over Alabama, Florida and Miami. ESPN 300 Peach State CB Nathaniel Wiggins fits the mold of former LSU all-league cornerbacks. Speedy ESPN 300 WR Deion Smith was a big win out of neighboring Mississippi. In-state ESPN 300 WR Chris Hilton adds some elite quickness to the class. ESPN 300 ILB Gregory Penn III brings a presence from Maryland. Three-star DT Anthony Hundley hails from the Sunshine State. In-state three-star DE Saivion Jones has a terrific frame for the staff to develop.
6. Oregon Ducks
ESPN 300 commits: 12 | Previous ranking: 8
Coming off a Rose Bowl victory and top-five AP finish, the Ducks are a sure bet for a third straight top-15 class in 2021, with designs on a top-five finish. They went to Arizona for their quarterback, ESPN 300 Ty Thompson, and followed with ESPN 300 OLs Bram Walden and Jonah Miller. The Ducks ventured to Utah for one of the nation's top center prospects in Jackson Light and ESPN 300 OT Kingsley Suamataia, and to Nevada for ESPN 300 TE Moliki Matavao. The July 4 verbal of ESPN 300 WR Isaiah Brevard marks the second straight year that the Ducks have gone to Mississippi for a talented offensive prospect. California ESPN 300s Troy Franklin, Kyron Ware-Hudson, Jaylin Davies and Seven McGee are among the state's top playmakers on both sides of the ball. Four-star DT Keanu Williams is yet another big victory out of the talented state to the south. ESPN 300 ILB Keith Brown was a huge in-state victory. Three-star DE/OLB Terrell Tilmon will be a senior season riser. Junior college CB JaDarrius Perkins will be looked upon to compete right away.
7. Florida Gators
ESPN 300 commits: 11 | Previous ranking: 5 
Dan Mullen's third consecutive top-10 class in Gainesville is a near lock coming off back-to-back 10-win seasons and top-10 AP poll finishes, as well as the hiring of ace recruiter Tim Brewster. Brewster immediately addressed the need at tight end with ESPN 300s Gage Wilcox and Nick Elksnis. There are two quarterbacks in the class, ESPN 300 Carlos Del Rio and four-star Texan Jalen Kitna. Two huge early August wins came from South Florida in ESPN 300 DBs and high school teammates Jason Marshall and Corey Collier. A pair of ESPN 300 WRs are in the fold in Trevonte Rucker (from an hour's drive away) and Georgia playmaker Daejon Reynolds. A third ESPN 300 WR is Marcus Burke from Jacksonville powerhouse Trinity Christian. ESPN 300 in-state ATH Charles Montgomery could play on either side of the ball. ESPN 300 Chief Borders is a versatile jumbo athlete who projects as an OLB. A solid secondary group is made up of LSU flip Dakota Mitchell and four-star S Donovan McMillon. ESPN 300 DE Tyreak Sapp will likely move to DT long term. Four-star DE Justus Boone, a big win out of South Carolina, has a high ceiling. In-state four-star DT Desmond Watson has plenty of ability if he keeps his weight under control.
8. Miami Hurricanes
ESPN 300 commits: 9 | Previous ranking: 9
Manny Diaz has the Hurricanes off to a fast start after retooling his coaching staff following a disappointing 2019 season. Keeping ESPN 300 S/OLB James Williams home over Georgia was a huge win in July, as was beating out Florida for local five-star DT Leonard Taylor the first week of August. ESPN 300 OG/C Laurence Seymore was dominant at Under Armour Camp Miami, as was ESPN 300 DT Savion Collins. ESPN 300 OT Michael McLaughlin and ESPN 300 RB Thad Franklin were two more standouts from Under Armour Camp Miami. Four-star RB/WR Brashard Smith, a one-time Florida Gators verbal commit, is an ideal playmaker with versatility for new offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee. Four-star C Ryan Rodriguez is another South Florida standout from the spring camp circuit. Getting ESPN 300 WR Jacolby George back in the fold was big, as was keeping ESPN 300 WR Romello Brinson home. ESPN 300 four-star TE Elijah Arroyo comes from Texas. Outside linebacker Tyler Johnson has shown quickness and range. Three-star DT Allan Haye possesses quickness and power. ESPN 300 DE Jabari Ishmael will bring edge rush ability from down the road at Columbus High, while four-star OLB Chase Smith brings a coaches' dream frame to develop out of Palm Bay. Linebacker/DE Thomas Davis, a one-time Mississippi State verbal commit out of South Georgia, is a high-ceiling prospect.
9. North Carolina Tar Heels
ESPN 300 commits: 10 | Previous ranking: 7
Mack Brown signed the No. 16-ranked class in the 2020 cycle, but the 2021 class will be the one Tar Heels fans look toward as Brown's most impactful in Chapel Hill because of the many in-state wins. Five-star DE Keeshawn Silver and ESPN 300 QB and Alabama flip Drake Maye headline the class. Linebacker is a key need, and the staff has delivered with ESPN 300s Power Echols and Raneiria Dillworth. Plus, four-star safety Gabriel Stephens will likely play outside linebacker long term. Four-star DE Jahvaree Ritzie is yet another big in-state victory on the defensive line. North Carolina fans will not need to wait for prized recruit Tony Grimes, as the five-star and No. 1-ranked CB reclassified from the 2021 class to 2020. ESPN 300s Tymir Brown and DeAndre Boykins are additional needed playmakers in the secondary. ESPN 300s Gavin Blackwell and Kobe Paysour will bring size to the wide receiver room. Versatile ESPN 300 Kamarro Edmonds could play running back or safety at the next level. Three-star WR J.J. Jones is a future playmaker out of the Palmetto State. Three-star DE Trevion Stevenson is full of upside and adds even more depth to the defensive front in Chapel Hill.
10. Georgia Bulldogs
ESPN 300 commits: 11 | Previous ranking: 12
The Bulldogs are in good shape for an 11th straight top-10 class after keeping ESPN 300 in-state QB Brock Vandagriff close to home. ESPN 300 Lovasea Carroll will be a nice offensive weapon for the staff with his ability as a runner and strong ball skills as a receiving target. ESPN 300 DEs Jonathan Jefferson and Elijah Jeudy have powerful skill sets with ample room for frame development. ESPN 300 S David Daniel is one of the nation's best at his position, as are ESPN 300 OLs Dylan Fairchild and Micah Morris. In-state ESPN 300 ILB Chaz Chambliss starred at Under Armour Ray Lewis' RL52 Camp prior to his junior season. The Bulldogs went to Napa, California, for ESPN 300 TE Brock Bowers. Three-star DL/OL Marlin Dean is the sleeper in the class. Three-star WR Jackson Meeks is an under-the-radar name to remember down the line.
11. USC Trojans
ESPN 300 commits: 7 | Previous ranking: 10
After a dismal 2020 class by USC standards, the Trojans have built impressive early momentum in the 2021 cycle and land near the top 10. ESPN 300 QB Jake Garcia is popular with other top prospects in Southern California and is joined by former high school teammate and ESPN 300 ATH Anthony Beavers. The early June commitment of Miller Moss gives the Trojans a pair of ESPN 300 QBs in the class. ESPN 300 WR Quaydarius Davis out of Texas was a onetime Texas verbal. ESPN 300 OLB Ma'a Gaoteote has a last name familiar to USC fans. ESPN 300 ATH Julien Simon out of Washington is likely to find a long-term home at linebacker. ESPN 300 OG Jay Toia is a good get in a tackle-heavy 2020 class. Four-star RB Brandon Campbell will bring versatility from the Lone Star State, as will in-state four-star Prophet Brown. Four-star safety Xamarion Gordon is a playmaker from California. The Trojans went to the East Coast to snag upside DE Colin Mobley.
12. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
ESPN 300 commits: 8 | Previous ranking: 11
The Fighting Irish have the makings of yet another top-15 class, led by ESPN 300 signal-caller Tyler Buchner out of California and ESPN 300 playmakers Cane Berrong and WR Lorenzo Styles Jr. In addition to the No.1 TE-H Berrong, they added two other big-bodied TEs to their class in three-stars Joe Alt and Mitchell Evans. ESPN 300 Blake Fisher heads to South Bend, Indiana, in the mold of former Fighting Irish offensive line standouts. The same can be said for ESPN 300 OG Rocco Spindler. Three-star Pat Coogan is another OL in the fold. Defensive line is key in the 2021 cycle, and ESPN 300 Gabriel Rubio from Missouri and three-star DE Jason Onye out of Rhode Island are solid early wins. Holding onto ESPN 300 Lone Star State DE David Abiara is a tall challenge with Oklahoma, Texas and others in pursuit. ESPN 300 OLB Prince Kollie oozes raw ability. Four-star DB Philip Riley out of the Sunshine State picked Notre Dame amid 40 offers, as did three-star CB Ryan Barnes out of Maryland.
13. Texas Longhorns
ESPN 300 commits: 9 | Previous ranking: 13
The Longhorns' disappointing 2019 season slowed the early recruiting momentum in the 2021 cycle, but the class still has a legitimate chance at the top 10, with ESPN 300 high school teammates Ja'Tavion Sanders and Billy Bowman Jr. in the fold. Four-star WR Jaden Alexis is blessed with vertical speed and quickness, and three-star TE Juan Davis possesses tremendous hands. Small-school RB Jonathan Brooks has excellent feet in the hole and superior vision. ESPN 300 OLB Derrick Harris Jr. and ESPN 300 OG Hayden Conner were two more key wins out of the Houston area. Three-star Sunshine State center Michael Myslinski will be a multiyear starter in Austin. After Jalen Milroe flipped to Alabama, Texas wasted no time in flipping three-star Charles Wright from Iowa State. ESPN 300 Morice Blackwell joins Davis as playmaking OLBs in the class. ESPN 300 DE Jordon Thomas missed his junior year because of injury, but he is one of the top edge-rushing prospects in the country when healthy. ESPN 300 CB Ishmael Ibraheem and ESPN 300 S J.D. Coffey committed on the same day, June 15. The staff returned to the West Coast again, reeling in ESPN 300 CB Jamier Johnson over Arizona State and UCLA.
14. Michigan Wolverines
ESPN 300 commits: 9 | Previous ranking: 14
The Wolverines haven't finished outside the top 20 in the class rankings since 2015, and this year is expected to continue the streak. Jim Harbaugh landed his quarterback early when ESPN 300 J.J. McCarthy committed in May 2019. A trio of ESPN 300 OLs -- OT Giovanni El-Hadi, C Raheem Anderson II and OG Greg Crippen, a onetime Notre Dame verbal -- will provide pass protection in the future. Legitimate home run threat speed at WR is in the class, too, in ESPN Xavier Worthy out of California. At the skill positions, three-stars in TE Louis Hansen and South Florida CB Ja'Den McBurrows will all make plays. ESPN 300 OLBs Junior Colson and Jaydon Hood were huge wins out of Tennessee and Florida, respectively. ESPN 300 DE Quintin Somerville was a huge win out of Arizona over every Pac-12 program. Three-star DEs T.J. Guy and Dominick Giudice were nice wins out of Massachusetts and New Jersey, respectively. Four-star Kechaun Bennett could play DE or OLB in Ann Arbor. Three-star S Rod Moore out of Ohio and three-star OLB Tyler McLaurin out of Illinois have quickness and playmaking abilities.
15. Oklahoma Sooners
ESPN 300 commits: 7 | Previous ranking: 15
A fifth straight top-10 class is a possibility for the Sooners with the July 4 verbal of five-star QB Caleb Williams. The early May commitments of ESPN 300 WR Mario Williams Jr. and ESPN 300 OLB Clayton Smith set the tables for the class. The ultra-talented duo joins ESPN 300 WR Cody Jackson out of the Houston area and in-state ESPN 300 ATH Ethan Downs. The Sooners beat out many of the nation's elite programs for Virginia ESPN 300 DE Kelvin Gilliam. Talented three-stars in the fold include Houston-area OT Cullen Montgomery, DE Nathan Rawlins-Kibonge out of Oregon, ATH/OLB Danny Stutsman out of the Sunshine State and in-state CB Jordan Mukes. If ESPN 300 CB Latrell McCutchin returns to form after a serious knee injury, the class will be even better long term. Three-star Caleb Johnson will be a senior riser, and will likely begin his career in Norman at cornerback.
16. Texas A&M Aggies
ESPN 300 commits: 8 | Previous ranking: 16
Texas A&M continues to ascend on the recruiting trail under Jimbo Fisher, with another top-10 class a real possibility. ESPN 300 QB Eli Stowers is an elite player who has high-jumped 6 feet, 10 inches. ESPN 300 WR Shadrach Banks could develop into a linebacker. ESPN 300 DE Jahzion Harris and ESPN 300 DT Victory Vaka were big out-of-state wins from New York and California, respectively. An ESPN 300 DE who will transition to DT, Marcus Burris must first overcome a serious injury. ESPN 300 ATH/CB Dreyden Norwood out of Arkansas will also look to rebound from injury. Another key out-of-state win is four-star OT Trey Zuhn out of Colorado. Three-star OLB Kaci Seegars out of North Carolina has nice upside. ESPN 300 Reuben Fatheree II and Matthew Wykoff are talented in-state OLs in the fold. Four-star versatile DB Deuce Harmon was a head-to-head win over Texas, while ESPN 300 S Kendal Daniels was a huge win out of Oklahoma over Big 12 and SEC competition. Three-star CB Tyreek Chappell was a nice win out of Pennsylvania who possesses the confidence to play bump-and-run in the SEC.
17. Wisconsin Badgers
ESPN 300 commits: 5 | Previous ranking: 20
The Badgers are in search of a third consecutive top-30 class under Paul Chryst coming on the heels of a five-year run that has averaged more than 10 wins per season on the field. A trio of ESPN 300 OLs are in the fold in OT Nolan Rucci, Riley Mahlman from Minnesota and OT J.P. Benzschawel from within the state. Another in-state ESPN 300 on the commit list is safety Hunter Wohler. ESPN 300 DE T.J. Bollers was a huge win out of Iowa in June. A pair of in-state running backs -- Jackson Acker and Loyal Crawford -- look to be next in line in Madison. Four-star TE Jack Pugh was a huge victory from Ohio. Three-star DLs Darryl Peterson and Mike Jarvis fit the mold of players developed at the position in recent years.
18. Auburn Tigers
ESPN 300 commits: 6 | Previous ranking: 17
After inking the No. 7-ranked class, one full of defensive talent, in the 2020 cycle, the Tigers are loading up on defense again in 2021 with ESPN 300 DTs Lee Hunter and Marquis Robinson, along with Sunshine State ESPN 300 Ahmari Harvey and four-star cornerbacks Phillip O'Brien Jr. and Tar'varish Dawson. Another frame to develop on the defensive front will be Tobechi Okoli, who has a quick first step at 6-foot-5, 250 pounds. ESPN 300 QB and onetime Virginia Tech verbal commit Dematrius Davis and ESPN 300 RB Armoni Goodwin headline the offensive side of the ball. Auburn's group of talented offensive linemen includes ESPN 300 OG Jaeden Roberts, Caleb Johnson and Garner Langlo. Three-star TE Landen King was a onetime verbal commit to Texas.
19. Maryland Terrapins
ESPN 300 commits: 4 | Previous ranking: 18
After inking the No. 33-ranked class in February, Mike Locksley and staff are looking to ascend into the top 25 in the 2021 cycle with a great start close to home. Getting the state's top-ranked prospect, Demeioun Robinson, on board in late March was huge. Robinson is joined in the class by area ESPN 300 prospects Antwain Littleton, Taizse Johnson and Marcus Bradley, who has an elite first step for his size. Four-star DT Tommy Akingbesote has as much upside as any in the class. Area three-stars verbally committed are DE ZionAngelo Shockley, tight ends Joseph Bearns and Leron Husbands, and CB Dante Trader Jr. Junior college OLB Gereme Spraggins will be an impact player.
20. Florida State Seminoles
ESPN 300 commits: 4 | Previous ranking: 19
Mike Norvell rallied in his first cycle in Tallahassee with a top-20 class, and the Seminoles are building momentum for 2021. ESPN 300 QB Luke Altmyer was a needed win out of Mississippi, but the Seminoles will have to hold off Alabama. Peach State four-star Bryson Estes and in-state three-star Kimo Makaneole are very good interior prospects at a position of need. Three-star TE Jackson West has terrific hands and body control, as does 6-foot-5 four-star WR Malik McClain. ESPN 300 OLB Branden Jennings was a must-win legacy. Help at cornerback will come from in-state ESPN 300 Omarion Cooper, Lone Star State ESPN 300 Hunter Washington and four-star Under Armour Camp Miami standout Kevin Knowles. The Seminoles beat out SEC foes for Pelican State four-star DE Byron Turner Jr., while four-star DE Joshua Farmer was a nice win from nearby Quincy, Florida.
21. California Golden Bears
ESPN 300 commits: 4 | Previous ranking: 21
A very talented class of offensive players has vaulted the Bears into the top 25. ESPN 300 QB Kai Millner will have some excellent players to throw to in the future in ESPN 300 Lone Star State WR J. Michael Sturdivant, ESPN 300 WR Mavin Anderson and ESPN 300 TE Jermaine Terry. Four-star DE Derek Wilkins was a terrific pickup over Pac-12 competition in early August. The class also is adding three-star DEs Akili Calhoun and Myles Williams, three-star OLB Moses Oladejo, who has plenty of upside, and 6-foot-2 three-star CB Kaleb Higgins. Three-star S Hunter Barth out of Arizona could end up at outside linebacker long term with his ability to play the run combined with his capacity to add ample weight. Three-star OTs Bastian Swinney and William Reed both have ideal frames to develop over time, while three-star OG Ryan Lange could be ready to push for time early on.
22. Iowa Hawkeyes
ESPN 300 commits: 3 | Previous ranking: 22
The Hawkeyes are in line for a third straight top-40 class after a strong start to the 2021 cycle. It should come as no surprise that the Hawkeyes have a talented group of offensive linemen committed in ESPN 300s David Davidkov, Connor Colby, four-star Gennings Dunker and Missouri three-star Beau Stephens. The beneficiary of that talented group will be versatile playmaker Arland Bruce IV out of Kansas. On defense, ESPN 300 OLB Justice Sullivan brings range and versatility. Defensive line is a key position of need, and the Hawkeyes filled it early with three-star DEs Max Llewellyn and Jeffrey Bowie, as well as DT Griffin Liddle. Sunshine State three-star CB Jordan Oladokun is back in the fold.
23. Washington Huskies
ESPN 300 commits: 4 | Previous ranking: 23
The Huskies' class got off to a great start to the 2021 cycle when ESPN 300 QB Sam Huard committed back in 2018. The class began the rise into the top 25 with the June and early July commitments of ESPN OLB Will Latu, ESPN 300 OG Owen Prentice and ESPN 300 WR Jabez Tinae. Another four-star in the class is Utah DT Voi Tunuufi. Three-star RB Caleb Berry was a nice grab out of the Lone Star State, as was three-star CB Dyson McCutcheon out of California. Another CB from California in the class is long-armed Zakhari Spears.
24. Arizona State Sun Devils
ESPN 300 commits: 3 | Previous ranking: 25
After signing the No. 23-ranked class in February, Herm Edwards and staff have the Sun Devils back in the top 25 with commitments from ESPN 300 CBs Isaiah Johnson and Tommi Hill. A third four-star in the class is WR Lonyatta Alexander out of Washington. Two three-star prospects, OLB Jaydon Williams and C Ezra Oyetade, were big wins out of the Lone Star State over Texas. Three-star QB Finn Collins was another strong evaluation out of California, as was three-star CB Robert Regan. Length to develop on defense comes in the form of three-stars Eric Gentry, Pelican State DE Gharin Stansbury, and Tar Heel State OLB Isaiah Pipkin. Offensive line depth is on the way with three-stars Austin Barry, OT Caleb Banks, OG Marcus Mbow, OT Charles Armstrong and legacy Isaia Glass.
25. Arkansas Razorbacks
ESPN 300 commits: 2 | Previous ranking: 26
Sam Pittman signed the No. 29 class in short order in February and now sits in the top 30 once again. The state of Oklahoma has been key in the 2021 class with ESPN 300 ATH A.J. Green, four-star RB Javion Hunt and three-star WR Bryce Stephens all jumping on board. ESPN 300 WR Ketron Jackson was a huge win out of Texas over the Longhorns. Another four-star in the class is Lone Star State QB Lucas Coley, who has plenty of upside and will graduate high school before he turns 18. In-state Terry Wells and Cole Carson out of Texas are two quality offensive-tackle prospects. Linebacker is a key position of need on defense, and the staff has filled it well with three-stars Jermaine Hamilton-Jordan, Marco Avant and Christopher Paul Jr. Three-star CBs Keuan Parker and Chase Lowery have quick feet and reaction times.
26. Minnesota Golden Gophers
ESPN 300 commits: 2 | Previous ranking: 27
A fast start for the Gophers has slowed, but a solid class in the top 30 remains, headlined by ESPN 300 QB Athan Kaliakmanis and No. 3-ranked CB Avante Dickerson. Another four-star DB in the fold is Steven Ortiz out of Arizona. Three-star RB Mar'Keise Irving was a nice grab out of Illinois. Three-star WR Brady Boyd catches lasers at Southlake Carroll from the No. 1 prospect in the country in 2022, Quinn Ewers. Long arms on the offensive line are on the way in the form of three-stars Logan Purcell, Austin Barber and Cameron James. The same can be said at DE with three-stars Austin Booker and Deven Eastern.
27. Penn State Nittany Lions
ESPN 300 commits: 3 | Previous ranking: 24
James Franklin continues to prove he's one of the nation's top recruiters. Four-star QB Christian Veilleux turned down offers from Clemson and Michigan, among others. ESPN OT Landon Tengwall will head to Penn State ready from day one, as will ESPN 300 S Jaylen Reed. Reed is joined on the verbal list from the state of Michigan by three-star CB Kalen King and three-star ILB Kobe King. Four-star DE Rodney McGraw was a nice flip from Indiana. ESPN 300 Zakee Wheatley and ATH Jeffrey Davis Jr. could be a factor on either side of the ball.
28. Nebraska Cornhuskers
ESPN 300 commits: 3 | Previous ranking: 39
After signing a top-25 class in February, Scott Frost and staff are in position to climb the rankings in the 2021 cycle. Wide receiver is a must-win position this cycle, and the staff won out for ESPN 300 Kamonte Grimes out of Florida, Shawn Hardy out of Georgia and onetime Virginia Tech verbal Latrell Neville out of Texas. ESPN 300 TE Thomas Fidone Jr. was a huge victory out of Iowa, and he is joined by in-state three-star TE A.J. Rollins. On defense, ESPN 300 OLB Randolph Kpai and three-star Patrick Payton were key wins over Big Ten and ACC competition. The signal-caller in the class comes from inside state lines, three-star Heinrich Haarberg.
29. Missouri Tigers
ESPN 300 commits: 2 | Previous ranking: 28
The Tigers are in a fight to keep the best talent home, and there is some early momentum to make a December push. Winning out for in-state ESPN 300 Travion Ford was huge, as was keeping OT Connor Tollison home. The state of Texas is always important for the Tigers, and two three-star prospects, CB Darius Jackson and DE Jonathan Jones, both had Big 12 offers. ESPN 300 ILB Dameon Wilson was big win out of the Tar Heel State in late June. The staff sought impact players on the defensive line and headed to the junior college ranks for DEs Shemar Pearl and Daniel Robledo.
30. Baylor Bears
ESPN 300 commits: 0 | Previous ranking: 29
The Bears have built an impressive first full class under Dave Aranda, headlined by a very good group of offensive linemen, including tackles Connor Heffernan and Ryan Lengyel, as well as long-armed G/C Tate Williams. Four-star Kyron Drones is the quarterback in the class and has an impressive quartet of WRs on the verbal list in four-star Elijah Bean, Javon Gipson, Hal Presley and Roderick Daniels. The defensive line is a strong group as well with DE Sam Carrell, DT Byron Murphy II and DT Dakote Doyle. Safeties Cisco Caston, Devin Lemear and Romario Noel have scheme versatility.
31. Louisville Cardinals
ESPN 300 commits: 0 | Previous ranking: 30
After inking the No. 37-ranked class in February, the Cardinals are back in the top 40, led by four-star Tar Heel State RB Trevion Cooley and OG Michael Gonzalez. The class full of out-of-state players also includes key wins in Florida CB Rance Conner, Illinois three-star S Benjamin Perry, Washington three-star OLB Jaraye Williams, Peach State three-star DE Victoine Brown II and Palmetto State WR Ahmari Huggins-Bruce. Also on the verbal list from the all-important state of Georgia are three-stars Kani Walker, S T.J. Quinn and OLB Jackson Hamilton.
32. NC State Wolfpack
ESPN 300 commits: 2 | Previous ranking: 31
The Wolfpack hovered around the top 40 in the 2020 cycle and are doing so again in 2021. Winning out for Peach State ESPN 300 QB Aaron McLaughlin was huge for the staff, and the same can be said for ESPN 300 in-state WR Micah Crowell and four-star Jordan Poole with the rival Tar Heels on an in-state run in 2021. Two more key in-state wins were three-star DEs Travali Price and Zyun Reeves. Three-star OLB Caden Fordham will be a multiyear starter in Raleigh. Three-star guards Thornton Gentry out of South Carolina and Lyndon Cooper out of Georgia helped fill a key need in the class. In-state skill wins include three-star CB Mario Love and three-star WR Jakolbe Baldwin.
33. Virginia Cavaliers
ESPN 300 commits: 2 | Previous ranking: 32
The Cavaliers signed the No. 48-ranked class in the previous cycle and are ascending slightly in the 2021 class. The staff made a long trip to Wichita Falls, Texas, for ESPN 300 QB Jacob Rodriguez. Beating out North Carolina for in-state ESPN 300 OT Logan Taylor was huge. Four-star DE Josh McCarron brings edge rush ability from across the country. Three-star in-state OLB Michael Green brings good range and a frame similar to McCarron. Three-star OLs Hugh Laughlin, Ty Furnish and Charlie Patterson combine with Taylor to form a quality OL class. Three-star WR Jesiah Davis and three-star S Langston Long were nice wins out of neighboring North Carolina.
34. Pittsburgh Panthers
ESPN 300 commits: 1 | Previous ranking: 33
The Panthers are working their way into the top 40 of the class rankings after signing the No. 45 class in February. Keeping legacy ESPN 300 DT Elliot Donald was a must. Four-star RB Rodney Hammond out of Virginia should be an impact playmaker. A second RB out of Virginia in the class is three-star Malik Newton. Two more key in-state wins on the trail are three-star S Javon McIntyre from a talented Imhotep Charter program and three-star DE Nahki Johnson. Three-star CB Khalil Anderson will bring very good change of direction from the Peach State, while three-star ILB Derrveron Maxwell-Black out of the Sunshine State is a knock-back tackler.
35. Mississippi State Bulldogs
ESPN 300 commits: 2 | Previous ranking: 35
Mike Leach's first full class in Starkville sits inside the top 40, led by ESPN 300 Lone Star State quarterback Sawyer Robertson, who turned down a Texas offer. Another ESPN 300 prospect from Texas is WR/ATH Theodore Knox. A third four-star in the class is in-state WR Brandon Buckhaulter. The talented class of WRs also includes Pelican State three-star Malik Nabers and in-state three-star Jacobi Moore. DeLand High in Central Florida brings defensive playmaking from S Myzel Williams and OLB Timar Rogers. Junior college defenders LB Navonteque Strong and CB Cortez Eatmon are expected to compete right away.
36. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
ESPN 300 commits: 1 | Previous ranking: 34
The Yellow Jackets continue to make waves on the trail under Geoff Collins. ESPN 300 WR James Blackstrain out of Florida is one of those prospects the Yellow Jackets have to keep bringing in as they boost the caliber of offensive player in the program. Blackstrain is joined by four-star OG Weston Franklin, California three-star QB Chayden Peery and area 6-foot-5 three-star WR Leo Blackburn. Defensive help is on the way in three-star DEs Noah Collins and Grey Carroll, three-star hard-hitting OLB Gavin Barthiel out of Florida, in-state three-star S Sirad Bryant and upside three-star DE/OLB Joshua Robinson.
37. Oklahoma State Cowboys
ESPN 300 commits: 3 | Previous ranking: 36
The Cowboys have been a fixture around the 35-45 range in the class rankings for a while, and that remains the same in the 2021 cycle. A terrific group of wide receivers is on the commit list in ESPN 300s Bryson Green and Blaine Green from Lone Star State power Allen High, speedy three-star Raymond Gay, sure-handed and undervalued athlete John Paul Richardson and in-state three-star Jaden Bray out of Norman North High. Four-star OG Aden Kelley was a key in-state win over Big 12 and Big Ten programs. On defense, ESPN 300 ILB Collin Oliver and four-star OLB Donovan Stephens will have the opportunity to play right away.
38. Boston College Eagles
ESPN 300 commits: 1 | Previous ranking: 38
The Eagles are ascending on the trail in the 2021 cycle following a 2020 class that ranked No. 61 with very little time to build. Flipping ESPN 300 CB Clinton Burton Jr. from Florida was a massive victory, and he will team with three-star CB commits Jalon Williams and Jalen Cheek to form a formidable secondary down the line. Another talented defender in the class is four-star DT Andre Porter. Three-star linebackers Trevin Wallace and Owen McGowan add to the defensive haul. On offense, three-star OTs Otto Hess and Ilija Krajnovic have terrific frames to work with. The QB in the class is three-star Emmett Morehead out of Virginia.
39. Kentucky Wildcats
ESPN 300 commits: 2 | Previous ranking: NR
The Wildcats' class is headlined by a pair of ESPN 300 in-state victories: WR Dekel Crowdus Jr. and OG Jager Burton. Two more in-state prospects in the class are three-star RB La'Vell Wright and S Jordan Lovett. The Peach State has been fruitful for the Wildcats in the cycle with three-star OLB Martez Thrower and three-star WR Chauncey Magwood. The states of Alabama and Ohio have also netted wide receivers in Christian Lewis and Armond Scott, respectively, who both stand at 6-foot-3. More three-stars in the class from neighboring Ohio are OG David Wohlabaugh and OT Paul Rodriguez. Three-star CB Adrian Huey was a premium position win out of Tennessee.
40. Virginia Tech Hokies
ESPN 300 commits: 1 | Previous ranking: NR
The Hokies have been a fixture around the top 40 for years and remain here in the 2021 cycle with verbals from four-star WR Tray Curry and four-star ATH/LB Jack Hollifield. Three-star CB D.J. Harvey was a big win from the West Coast, as was three-star WR Da'Wain Lofton out of the Lone Star State. Two more three-star WRs in the class are Will Johnson out of neighboring Maryland and in-state prospect Jaylen Jones. Three-star safety Jalen Hoyle was a nice win out of the Garden State over ACC foes. The signal-caller in the class also hails from New Jersey: Tahj Bullock.
Dropped out: West Virginia (37), Rutgers (40)