We are one month from the early signing period, which starts Dec. 16 and runs through Dec. 18.
That means college coaches are starting to cram in their last efforts to fill their 2021 recruiting classes and are making their final pitches on Zoom to try to close strong. It has been a weird recruiting year with no in-person visits since March, and now the early signing period is happening when some teams are still playing football.
There isn't enough time in the day for coaches to put their full effort toward recruiting, so it is going to be an absolutely weird and wild finish. Whether they are ready or not, this early signing period is fast approaching.
To get a better picture of where some teams stand, we outlined some of the biggest questions, biggest needs and biggest targets for every team ranked in the top 25 of the recruiting class rankings.
1. Alabama
This is already the No. 1-ranked class overall with the most ESPN 300 commits of any program, so there aren't many needs left. Alabama has the No. 2-ranked prospect overall in offensive tackle Tommy Brockermeyer and three total five-star recruits committed.
The staff has four offensive linemen, four linebackers, three receivers and three defensive backs committed. The only areas where Alabama could use help is finishing strong on defense, specifically along the defensive line or another cornerback in the class. The coaches have ESPN 300 defensive tackle Damon Payne and ESPN 300 defensive end Monkell Goodwine committed, as well as four-star defensive tackles Tim Keenan and Anquin Barnes. So adding a few more big pieces along the defensive front would be a bonus.
Alabama is still targeting ESPN 300 defensive end Tunmise Adeleye, who has the Crimson Tide in his top group, as well as Shemar Turner, Maason Smith and J.T. Tuimoloau, among others along the defensive line.
2. Ohio State
The Buckeyes are in a similar boat as Alabama in that they have the No. 2-ranked class overall and 16 ESPN 300 commitments. With 20 total commitments, Ohio State likely doesn't have a ton of room left in this class, but there are still some big targets on the board.
If there are any big needs left, it's probably on the offensive line where Ohio State has ESPN 300 prospects Donovan Jackson and Ben Christman, as well as three-star Zen Michalski. The staff is still targeting offensive tackle Tristan Leigh, the No. 22-ranked prospect overall, but there is plenty of competition to land him as LSU and Oklahoma are among other schools after him.
Outside of Leigh, Ohio State is still after Tuimoloau and wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, the No. 28-ranked player overall. So while there might not be a ton of room, there are still some big names left that are keeping Ohio State in the running for the No. 1 overall class.
3. Oregon
For whatever reason, Oregon's 2021 class doesn't seem like it's getting the national attention it deserves. The Ducks have the No. 3-ranked class overall, and if they can stay in that spot, it will be the first time the Ducks have signed a top-5 class since ESPN started its rankings in 2006.
That deserves to be celebrated by Mario Cristobal and his staff, and there aren't many holes left as we approach the early signing period. The Ducks have 23 total commitments and 14 are ranked in the ESPN 300. The top eight commitments are all on offense, including wide receiver Isaiah Brevard, quarterback Ty Thompson and receivers Troy Franklin and Dont'e Thornton, the top commits in the class.
Oregon has focused quite a bit on defense the past few recruiting classes, with the top four commitments as defensive players in the 2020 class and the top three commitments on defense in 2019. This 2021 class is bringing balance and more offensive skill players to the roster that already has some really good, young defensive players. Because there are so many offensive prospects, if there are any needs left in this class, Oregon would like to get a defensive lineman or a safety prospect.
Along the defensive line, it would be ideal to bring in an athletic tackle or edge player with position flexibility. Tuimoloau is still a target along the defensive line and technically so is defensive end Korey Foreman, but Foreman seems to be leaning in other directions.
4. LSU
The Tigers have done a good job with balance in this class, bringing in some excellent prospects on both offense and defense, but it's clear the team needs defensive help. Of the 14 ESPN 300 commitments in the class, nine are on defense.
The staff isn't done on that side yet, either, or at least it hopes it's not. Of the remaining targets on the board, LSU would love to add Foreman and ESPN 300 defensive tackle Maason Smith. Both are still heavily considering LSU, but it's going to be a dogfight down the stretch to land either prospect.
Foreman is the No. 3-ranked recruit overall and Smith is ranked 56th overall. Landing both of those targets would bring a big boost to the defensive front and add some prospects who could compete for early playing time.
On offense, the Tigers would love to add Leigh along the offensive line and are very much in the mix to get him. The staff has only ESPN 300 offensive tackle Garrett Dellinger committed along the offensive line, so adding more pieces there is an important focus.
5. Clemson
The Tigers have a balanced class and with 14 of the 17 total commitments ranked as ESPN 300 prospects, making it so Clemson has one of the best classes in the country once again. It's not all about quantity for Clemson, it's about quality and developing the talent they evaluate in high school.
You can't argue with the results, either. This group seems like another of Clemson's signature classes, where it eventually gets production out of key recruits. Running back Will Shipley looks as if he could be a star in this offense, wide receiver Beaux Collins, at 6-foot-4, 195 pounds, could give the staff an excellent option at receiver, as well as Dacari Collins.
On defense, the staff added ESPN 300 defensive linemen Payton Page, Cade Denhoff and Zaire Patterson, as well as ESPN 300 linebackers Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Barrett Carter. The area that is lacking in this class is at defensive back, where Clemson has only ESPN 300 safety Andrew Mukuba in this class. The staff had two ESPN 300 corners and two safeties committed in the 2020 cycle and six total defensive backs in 2019, so it's not a dire situation, but it would have been a help had Clemson been able to land some of its targets in the secondary.
6. Florida
The Gators are steadily improving on the field and in recruiting under Dan Mullen. The outlook is bright based on both outcomes and now, with a No. 6-ranked class, Mullen and his staff have an opportunity to add even more talent.
The offense is rolling with Kyle Trask at quarterback and Mullen always seems to have a good grasp of developing players on that side of the ball. Florida has ESPN 300 quarterback Carlos Del Rio, ESPN 300 receivers Trevonte Rucker, Daejon Reynolds and Marcus Burke, as well as ESPN 300 tight ends Gage Wilcox and Nick Elsksnis.
The staff also has some solid defensive prospects committed, with the No. 1-ranked corner, Jason Marshall, the No. 3 safety, Corey Collier, and ESPN 300 defensive ends Jeremiah Williams and Tyreak Sapp. But some of the bigger targets for Florida in this class remain on the board in ESPN 300 linebacker Xavian Sorey, defensive end Tunmise Adeleye and safety Terrion Arnold.
Florida's defense ranks 63 in yards allowed per game, No. 85 in yards per play, No. 57 in interceptions, No. 84 in tackle percentage, No. 60 in missed tackles and you get the picture. Defensive help is needed and that is, and was, a big focus for Florida in this class.
7. Georgia
One of Georgia's biggest needs in this class was at quarterback. The staff was able to get in-state ESPN 300 quarterback Brock Vandagriff to flip from Oklahoma to Georgia, and that is something to be noted for the future.
Vandagriff will need to come in ready with the mindset that he should compete for playing time. The staff did a good job identifying the need and getting Vandagriff in the class and it also has done a good job along the offensive line, landing ESPN 300 linemen Amarius Mims, the No. 3-ranked tackle, Dylan Fairchild and Jared Wilson.
The secondary could still use more help as the staff has ESPN 300 safety David Daniel, four-star corner Kamari Lassiter three-star corner Javon Bullard and juco corner De'Jahn Warren committed. It's good to have those prospects committed, but if Georgia can finish with ESPN 300 corner Nyland Green, that would be a big help.
The staff also is still looking to add to the defensive line and linebacker spots with ESPN 300 linebacker Smael Mondon and defensive linemen Korey Foreman and Maason Smith still on the board, among others.
8. Tennessee
There isn't much to nitpick with Tennessee's recruiting class. There are 26 total commitments, nine of whom are ranked in the ESPN 300. There are some really good prospects at the top with five-star linebacker Terrence Lewis, the No. 2 outside linebacker in the country, Dylan Brooks, the No. 4 defensive end overall, and ESPN 300 athlete Kaemen Marley.
An area the staff could have improved was at offensive line, where the coaches have four-star William Parker and three-stars J'Marion Gooch and Colby Smith. Tennessee signed five offensive linemen in 2020 and got transfer Cade Mays, so it's not a make-or-break thing. It's just always good to keep that cupboard stocked and continue to bring in top talent as the staff will eventually see some of its best players along the line head off to the NFL. Making sure you have replacements set to go when that happens is key for consistency.
9. USC
The Trojans are having a big bounce-back year in recruiting after finishing the 2020 cycle with the No. 54-ranked class overall -- USC's worst finish in recruiting since ESPN started its rankings in 2006, a big drop from No. 7 in 2018 and No. 5 in 2017.
The staff has taken on the mantra of "Take Back the West." Oregon has come into the state of California the past few classes and raided the state of its top prospects. USC has done a much better job in 2021 with the in-state group, now with five ESPN 300 commitments from California, after landing only one in 2020.
That's still not where the staff wants to be, but having a top-10 class after finishing outside the top 50 deserves some recognition. The coaches have added two ESPN 300 quarterbacks, linebackers Ma'a Gaoteote and Julien Simon, tight end Michael Trigg and a few other top recruits.
With 22 total commitments, similar to many other programs, USC doesn't have a ton of room left but if the coaches were to add more pieces, they would like them to come along the defensive line, at wide receiver or potentially more pieces at linebacker. The staff needs more up front on defense and playmakers at receiver, especially. As it stands, there are only two defensive line commits in the class: ESPN 300 defensive tackle Jay Toia and three-star defensive end Colin Mobley. The staff had only three defensive line commits sign in the 2020 class, so depth could be an issue if that doesn't pick up.
10. Miami
The Hurricanes have 21 commits in this class, so they are nearing capacity. There are nine ESPN 300 commitments in the class and coach Manny Diaz has a shot at landing a top-10 class if he can hold on to the current commits and add a few more pieces.
The staff has Leonard Taylor, the No. 2-ranked defensive tackle, James Williams, the No. 4-ranked outside linebacker and ESPN 300 defensive linemen Savion Collins and Jabari Ishmael committed on defense.
On offense, Diaz and his staff have added ESPN 300 receivers Jacolby George and Romello Brinson, ESPN 300 offensive linemen Laurence Seymore and Michael McLaughlin, and ESPN 300 running back Thad Franklin.
The only areas where Miami could have used more help is in the secondary, where the staff has only safety Kamren Kinchens and corner Malik Curtis. The other is at quarterback as Miami does not have a quarterback committed in this class. There is still time to see a quarterback land with Miami, and maybe flip ESPN 300 USC quarterback commit Jake Garcia, but it hasn't happened yet.
11. North Carolina
The Tar Heels are close to finishing their class with 17 total commitments. The uncertainty around scholarship numbers in the future because of the extra year of eligibility granted this season might cause some schools to hold off on going overboard with this 2021 class.
The staff should be happy with this haul, even if there isn't a lot in terms of quantity. It's the second class in a row North Carolina has added a five-star defensive end, this time with Keeshawn Silver, and the staff also has four-star defensive end Jahvaree Ritzie and three-star end Elijah Sutton. Mack Brown and his staff were able to flip ESPN 300 quarterback Drake Maye from Alabama and also added ESPN 300 linebackers Raneiria Dillworth and Power Echols.
I don't know if you can get a better name for a linebacker than Power.
North Carolina originally had five-star corner Tony Grimes committed in this 2021 class, but he decided to reclassify to the 2020 class and enrolled with the Tar Heels in August. That technically still counts for this class since Grimes will get an extra year of eligibility and the staff also has ESPN 300 safeties Kamarro Edmonds and DeAndre Boykins.
So there isn't much else that's needed, but if there were still a need or piece to add, it would likely come in the form of an athletic outside linebacker who can help with the pass rush -- someone who can play on the edge with versatility. The staff likes the prospects along the defensive line, but getting someone who has versatility at other spots could help.
12. Notre Dame
The Irish have quietly put together another good recruiting class after finishing at No. 14 in 2019 and 2020. These aren't really flashy classes, but the staff is getting the prospects it wants at key positions and it's now getting some production from some of the young players, including tight end Michael Mayer and running back Chris Tyree from the 2020 class, and Kyle Hamilton and Kyren Williams from 2019.
The staff has an excellent quarterback committed in Tyler Buchner out of California, as well as another top tight end in Cane Berrong. Notre Dame has done a good job getting commitments up front on both offense and defense with offensive linemen Rocco Spindler and Blake Fisher and defensive linemen Gabriel Rubio and David Abiara, all ranked in the ESPN 300.
There are 20 total commitments so far and 10 are ranked within the ESPN 300. Notre Dame just recently flipped cornerback Philip Riley from USC, which was one of the team's needs. Outside of Riley, the coaches have three-star Ryan Barnes and Chance Tucker committed, but Barnes could be a nickel or safety at the next level. Notre Dame is still after ESPN 300 corner Ceyair Wright to try to fill another corner spot. Wright has a ton of schools still after him, including USC, Michigan, Oregon and Stanford, so it will be a tough task to get him. The coaches could also add another running back in this class and are still after Audric Estime for the position.
13. Oklahoma
It's no secret Oklahoma has had success recruiting offensive prospects, especially skill players, and that is holding true in this 2021 class. Oklahoma has the No. 1 wide receiver, Mario Williams, committed, as well as Billy Bowman Jr., Jalil Farooq and Cody Jackson, receivers ranked 10th, 17th and 20th, respectively.
Bowman could play a different position, but he counts in the receiver haul for now. Oklahoma also has the No. 1-ranked dual-threat quarterback in Caleb Williams committed, but one of the needs yet to be filled is at offensive line.
The staff landed three ESPN 300 offensive linemen in 2020, but so far has only three-star Cullen Montgomery committed in 2021. That could change, however, as ESPN 300 linemen Bryce Foster, Savion Byrd and Tristan Leigh are all considering Oklahoma. Landing one or two of these remaining targets would do a lot for future depth and competition, and it would help keep the offensive line consistent going forward.
The defense still needs help. Oklahoma has linebacker Clayton Smith and defensive ends Ethan Downs and Kelvin Gilliam ranked in the ESPN 300, and it has four-star corner Latrell McCutchin, three-star corners Jordan Mukes and Damond Harmon, three-star defensive end Nathan Rawlins-Kibonge and three-star linebacker Danny Stustman. It's clear the defensive recruiting has not matched the talent level of the offensive recruiting and eventually that is going to need to even itself out.
14. Michigan
This recruiting class for the Wolverines has been good and will help fill some big needs. In particular, ESPN 300 linebackers Branden Jennings and Junior Colson, along with ESPN 300 defensive end Quintin Somerville, will bring much-needed help to the defense.
On offense, quarterback J.J. McCarthy is one of the more important recruits for Michigan, as he will bring competition and an elite-level quarterback to the roster Michigan has needed for some time. Landing ESPN 300 receivers Xavier Worthy and Cristian Dixon will add speed and size at receiver and give a different dimension to the offense.
The defense needs more help, however, especially at tackle. Michigan doesn't have one tackle committed in this 2021 class and didn't have one in 2020, either. The coaches landed two in the 2019 class in ESPN 300 Mazi Smith and Christopher Hinton, but having two defensive tackles in three classes is going to create major issues at depth. It has already created issues as Michigan has signed only four defensive tackles from 2017 to 2021 and two -- Aubrey Solomon and Deron Irving-Bey -- transferred.
If that doesn't improve and Michigan doesn't add at the position, the coaches are digging themselves an even deeper hole. The staff has ESPN Junior 300 tackle Alex VanSumeren committed in 2022, but there is a big need in this current cycle.
15. Texas A&M
The Aggies sit at No. 15 in the rankings, but there is a chance Jimbo Fisher and his staff could see a rise in ranking with what they have left on the board. There are 18 total commitments in the class, seven ranked in the ESPN 300.
Receiver Shadrach Banks, athlete Dreyden Norwood and offensive tackle Reuben Fatheree II lead the class. The staff has two ESPN 300 defensive ends committed in Marcus Burris and Jahzion Harris, but there are several big defensive line prospects still in consideration.
Defensive tackle Tywone Malone and defensive ends Elijah Jeudy, Tunmise Adeleye and Shemar Turner are still considering Texas A&M. The staff also is in on ESPN 300 running back L.J. Johnson and a few prospects in the secondary. So there are plenty of opportunities for Texas A&M to move up, and it could be one of the more exciting teams to watch in the next month.
16. Texas
The Longhorns are in an interesting situation where they have filled many of their needs with high school prospects, and with what is remaining in this class, the staff might look to the transfer market for any other spots that need help.
One of the bigger needs was recently filled when ESPN 300 linebacker Terrence Cooks II committed. He's a 6-2, 210-pound prospect out of Pearland, Texas, and gives the defense three ESPN 300 linebackers in this class with Derrick Harris Jr. and Morice Blackwell. The defense is going to receive some needed help from this class with those linebackers, as well as ESPN 300 defensive ends Ja'Tavion Sanders and Jordon Thomas, corners Ishmael Ibraheem and Jamier Johnson and safety J.D. Coffey.
Getting more talent on defense was the biggest need and Texas has addressed it. There are still some big targets out there, including ESPN 300 defensive end Shemar Turner, ESPN 300 running back L.J. Johnson and ESPN 300 offensive lineman Savion Byrd. Texas likely doesn't lead for most of those targets, though, so the transfer market will be something for the Longhorns to watch once the staff knows what needs are remaining after the early signing period.
17. Wisconsin
With 20 commitments, Wisconsin's class is essentially full. As you would expect, offensive linemen count for three of the top-four recruits in this class, which always is a need in every class.
It starts with Nolan Rucci, the No. 7-ranked tackle, who has a brother who plays for Wisconsin. The Badgers also have tackles Riley Mahlman and J.P. Benzschawel, who also had brothers who played for Wisconsin.
The staff also landed ESPN 300 defensive end T.J. Bollers and ESPN 300 safeties Braelon Allen and Hunter Wohler. The staff focused on filling some of the needs at running back and receiver as well, getting running backs Jackson Acker and Loyal Crawford, and receivers Markus Allen and Skyler Bell, along with tight end Jack Pugh.
18. Auburn
With only 14 total commitments in this class there is still quite a bit of room for Auburn to fill slots. The coaches don't have to fill all the scholarships available if they don't think a prospect can help, but it would behoove them to try to get near 20 so they're not dealing with depth issues.
The staff has done a nice job on the interior of the defensive line, landing ESPN 300 tackles Lee Hunter and Marquis Robinson and adding playmakers in running back Armoni Goodwin and quarterback Dematrius Davis.
There are still holes that need to be filled, however, at linebacker, adding a pass-rusher, getting another receiver and potentially more help in the secondary. There is still time left, but Auburn is going to have to work to fill those spots.
19. Florida State
New coach Mike Norvell and his staff are working to get more talent and depth. It has been difficult for every new coach, including Norvell, with the recruiting limitations from COVID-19. It's difficult to judge new coaches too harshly in how recruiting classes are panning out, because in many cases, the coaches haven't been able to get in front of their targets in person.
Florida State has six ESPN 300 commitments in the class and some are at key positions, including quarterback Luke Altmyer. The Seminoles brought in two quarterbacks in 2020 and Altmyer brings more competition. The coaches also have two good corners committed in Omarion Cooper and Hunter Washington to help the secondary.
There are still a lot of needs left, though, and a glaring one is at wide receiver. Florida State needs playmakers on offense and needs more receivers in this class. The staff has ESPN 300 receiver Malik McClain and three-star Joshua Burrell, but adding more would be a big help.
One of the bigger targets remaining is ESPN 300 receiver Destyn Hill, the No. 86-ranked prospect overall. Hill is a top receiver out of Edna Karr High School in New Orleans and he would be a welcomed addition.
Looking at the rest of the class, Florida State could use help at defensive end. ESPN 300 end Shambre Jackson is committed, as well as four-stars Byron Turner Jr. and Joshua Farmer, but FSU ranks 70th in total sacks with 10 this season and 60th in disrupted dropbacks. Getting more help in that area can't hurt.
20. Cal
The Golden Bears have 19 total commitments and four rank in the ESPN 300. Wide receiver J. Michael Sturdivant, the No. 104-ranked recruit overall, is the highest ranked, followed by quarterback Kai Millner, who ranks No. 114.
The staff also has ESPN 300 receiver Mavin Anderson and tight end Jermaine Terry, and Terry is one of the top tight end recruits overall. Cal added quite a bit in its 2020 class, so there aren't a ton of holes. The area the staff would have liked to hit that still has targets remaining is at running back. There is plenty of time to get those prospects and the staff signed two in the previous class.
21. Maryland
The Terps' class is nearly full with 19 total commitments, four of whom rank in the ESPN 300. The top of this class has some talent, including ESPN 300 linebacker Demeioun Robinson, ranked No. 35 overall, and ESPN 300 defensive tackles Tommy Akingbesote and Taizse Johnson.
The staff has done a good job adding playmakers and bulk in the front seven on defense, but the need in this class is along the offensive line.
Maryland has only one offensive lineman committed in three-star Kyle Long out of Missouri. The staff added five offensive linemen in the 2020 class, but two were juco prospects. Finishing off this class with a few more offensive linemen would help keep consistency and add depth.
22. Washington
This class has only 15 total commitments with four ESPN 300 prospects. It starts with quarterback Sam Huard, who is the No. 1 ranked pocket-passer in the country and ranked No. 14 overall. That is a big get and gives the staff a player at quarterback who should be able to come in and compete early.
The other ESPN 300 recruits are receiver Jabez Tinae, offensive lineman Owen Prentice and linebacker Will Latu. The staff has been able to get commitments from four of the six in-state ESPN 300 prospects who have already announced their decisions.
The biggest question for Washington comes in the form of the remaining in-state recruits who have not committed. At the top is defensive tackle J.T. Tuimoloau, the No. 4-ranked recruit overall and the No. 1 defensive tackle in the class. Tuimoloau is being targeted by several schools and there is a chance Ohio State is the favorite to land him with Alabama, Oregon, USC and Oklahoma in the mix.
The next is receiver Emeka Egbuka, the No. 28-ranked recruit overall and the No. 3-ranked prospect in the state. Similar to Tuimoloau, Egbuka is heavily considering Ohio State, as well as Oklahoma and Clemson. It seems unlikely that Washington pulls in those two, but never say never until the player is signed.
23. Arkansas
This is another new staff, so once again it doesn't seem fair to fully judge them. With 19 commitments and two ESPN 300 commits in the class, Sam Pittman and his staff are doing a good job filling needs, but it was always going to be an uphill battle with no visits and no in-person recruiting.
That said, the results on the field will certainly help in the future and might pay late dividends in this class as we approach the early signing day. Where the coaches will look to fill some of those needs likely comes along the defensive line. Arkansas has only three-star defensive tackle Solomon Wright committed along the defensive line. The Razorbacks will need to add there to help with depth.
It would be nice to add speed, but Arkansas likely wants to get bigger along the defensive line and will need to find recruits to help them accomplish that goal, like defensive tackles Isaiah Iton and Cameron Ball.
24. NC State
The Wolfpack have three ESPN 300 commitments and 19 total, led by ESPN 300 quarterback Aaron McLaughlin, who was a one-time Auburn commitment. The coaches also have ESPN 300 wide receiver Micah Crowell and ESPN 300 linebacker Jordan Poole in the class.
Those are three great additions for the staff and they are complemented well by the other commitments. It's a good class for NC State, but it is lacking at offensive tackle, especially because there were more interior linemen in the 2020 class. Offensive tackle Jaleel Davis is the only tackle committed in the class with guards Lyndon Cooper and Thornton Gentry the two interior commitments.
25. Minnesota
The Gophers got a big recruiting win when they landed ESPN 300 corner Avante Dickerson, the No. 2-ranked corner in the country. He is a big addition at a position of need and it will help shore up the future defense. The staff also got ESPN 300 quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis, a 6-3, 188-pound recruit from Antioch, Illinois.
The coaches have three total corners in this class and one safety, and they have done a nice job adding more talent on defense. The class is almost full for Minnesota, but there is still a need at offensive line. The staff has tackle Cameron James out of Chicago and Logan Purcell out of Annandale, Minn. If the coaches can add two more offensive linemen, that would likely be the ideal situation for depth.