As the 2021 college football season winds down and the start of the early signing period rapidly approaches, action on the recruiting trail is becoming frantic.
Notable coaching changes have sparked changes among commitments, notably Oklahoma. The news of Lincoln Riley leaving for USC led to several ESPN 300 decommits to the Sooners' class; as a result, they dropped from inside the top five to just outside the top 10. Coaching changes will continue to affect the class rankings over the coming weeks.
The race for the No. 1 class remains tightly contested, with a new contender emerging. Alabama and Georgia remain in the top two spots respectively, but Texas A&M has pushed its way into that mix as well.
The Aggies, shortly after landing No. 1 overall prospect DT Walter Nolen, added five-star No. 2 WR Evan Stewart, a big-play threat with outstanding speed. With their 13th ESPN 300 commit on board, they have jumped up to the No. 3 spot and become a factor in the battle for the top class in the nation.
1. Alabama Crimson Tide
ESPN 300 commits: 15 | Previous ranking: 1 
SEC rank: 1 of 14
Top offensive commit: OT Tyler Booker (No. 7)
Top defensive commit: DE Jeremiah Alexander (No. 11)
Alabama is back in contention for the No. 1 overall class. The Tide hold commitments from multiple players who rank among the top two at their position, including No. 1 OT Booker, a big, flexible, high-effort player with all the tools to be one of Alabama's next dominant offensive linemen. They scored big at RB, landing top-rated Emmanuel Henderson, an explosive runner with good vision. ESPN 300 QB-DT Ty Simpson is the son of a college coach who possesses a compact and smooth delivery. Getting five-star Alexander back into the mix after he decommitted during his junior season was big, as the top in-state prospect can be an explosive and quick front-seven defender. Robert Woodyard, a top-10 in-state prospect as well, is another strong pickup on defense.
2. Georgia Bulldogs
ESPN 300 commits: 13 | Previous ranking: 2
SEC rank: 2 of 14
Top offensive commit: RB Branson Robinson (No. 21)
Top defensive commit: ATH Malaki Starks (No. 10)
Georgia has strung together five straight top-three classes and is in prime position to extend that streak to six. The strength of the class is built with in-state talent -- the Bulldogs have commitments from five of the state's top seven prospects, including Gunner Stockton, a strong-armed passer who was once a South Carolina verbal and will join 2021 four-star QB Brock Vandagriff in Athens. Having fielded some of the top running backs in the nation in recent years, the Bulldogs are poised to keep that position a strength with two ESPN 300 commits, led by Robinson, the No. 2-ranked RB. The class includes a solid foundation of talent on defense as well. LB C.J. Washington posted impressive testing numbers at the Under Armour Atlanta camp this past spring, including a 4.21 5-10-5 shuttle, and can be a sideline-to-sideline presence for the Bulldogs. They further boosted an already strong D-line with commitments from a pair of ESPN 300 big men in October with in-state DL Mykel Williams, who at one point was committed to USC, and Bear Alexander, who rejoined the class after decommitting from the Bulldogs for a period of time. They are assembling one of the best secondary classes in the nation with multiple ESPN 300 defensive backs committed, including No. 1 athlete Starks, No. 3 CB Jaheim Singletary and Marquis Groves-Killebrew.
3. Texas A&M Aggies
ESPN 300 commits: 12 | Previous ranking: 6 
SEC rank: 3 of 14
Top offensive commit: WR Evan Stewart (No. 12)
Top defensive commit: DT Walter Nolen (No. 1)
Not only are the Aggies in contention for a fourth straight top-10 class, they have worked their way into the mix for the top class in the nation. Their first key pickup was Malick Sylla, an in-state defensive end with a good first step and nice upside. They added a DL with impact ability in five-star Nolen, who is explosive, powerful and agile and can be a disruptive force in the trenches. Adding those two to a talented D-line group from the 2021 cycle, led by five-star Shemar Turner, can give Texas A&M one of the most formidable defensive fronts in college football. The Aggies also added a high school teammate of Sylla's in ESPN 300 defender Bobby Taylor, a lengthy and quick-footed cornerback. Top-three safety Bryce Anderson was a big win over Texas on the recruiting trail and gives them a versatile, speedy defensive back. They have their quarterback in Conner Weigman, a powerful thrower with good accuracy, and added one of the top playmakers in the class in the speedy five-star WR Stewart.
4. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
ESPN 300 commits: 14 | Previous ranking: 5
Independent rank: 1
Top offensive commit: OT Aamil Wagner (No. 116)
Top defensive commit: OLB Jaylen Sneed (No. 44)
The Fighting Irish are not only making a push for back-to-back top-10 classes -- they're in the running for their highest-ranked class since 2013 (No. 4). If they do it, it will be with a new head coach after the sudden departure of Brian Kelly. The new staff, though, is set up to take over an excellent class. Having fielded one of the top offensive line units during the 2020 season, they're working to keep that unit a strength with a several ESPN 300 OL commits in No. 1-rated center Joey Tanona from in state, lengthy and agile Wagner and Ty Chan. Steven Angeli, a talented QB prospect who has continued to develop and improve his mechanics, possesses good arm strength and a quick delivery. Running back Jadarian Price not only possesses good speed, but is also a tough runner who can produce after contact. ESPN 300 ILB Niuafe Tuihalamaka can be a powerful and versatile presence within the front seven, and top-five OLB Sneed gives the Irish a rangy and explosive player. Four-star Tyson Ford, a defensive lineman, has nice initial burst as well as good agility.
5. Penn State Nittany Lions
ESPN 300 commits: 12 | Previous ranking: 3 
Big Ten rank: 1 of 14
Top offensive commit: WR Kaden Saunders (No. 30)
Top defensive commit: DE Dani Dennis-Sutton (No. 79)
The Nittany Lions' 2021 class never reached higher than No. 15 and ultimately finished outside the top 25, but in 2022 they are competing for the top spot. They have had great in-state success with commitments from six of the top 10 players in Pennsylvania, including ESPN 300 OT Drew Shelton. Key in-state defensive pickups include Dennis-Sutton, who possesses a good initial burst, strength and agility; and Ken Talley, an explosive player with a good motor. They have two quarterbacks in the class, led by top-three QB-PP Drew Allar, a strong-armed passer with good feet, and Beau Pribula, who possesses some traits in the mold of former Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley. Coach James Franklin is on his way to assembling one of the most talented groups of pass-catchers in this class, which includes the four-star Saunders, a good route runner who can create yards after the catch with his suddenness.
6. Ohio State Buckeyes
ESPN 300 commits: 11 | Previous ranking: 8
Big Ten rank: 2 of 14
Top offensive commit: ATH Kaleb Brown (No. 87)
Top defensive commit: LB C.J. Hicks (No. 25)
The Buckeyes landed their top target, five-star QB Quinn Ewers, and got him on campus sooner than expected. Ewers reclassifying from the 2022 class to 2021 made the Buckeyes' bid for their first No. 1-ranked recruiting class in the ESPN rankings era a little tougher. That said, their 2022 class remains impressive, and they will still end up bringing a QB in with this group and remain near the top of the rankings once again. The Buckeyes add ESPN 300 QB & one-time USC commit Devin Brown, a late riser on the recruiting scene who possesses good timing and anticipation. They have multiple ESPN 300 wide receivers including Brown, who can be a versatile offensive option, and Caleb Burton, who was one several big pickups out of Texas. Defense is also well represented, including two top-15 defensive back commits in Terrance Brooks and Jyaire Brown. In-state linebacker Hicks is a well-rounded player who brings strong leadership qualities to Columbus.
7. Oregon Ducks
ESPN 300 commits: 11 | Previous ranking: 9
Pac-12 rank: 1 of 12
Top offensive commit: OT Kelvin Banks (No. 33)
Top defensive commit: LB Devon Jackson (No. 86)
The Ducks are in contention for a fourth straight top-rated Pac-12 class. They have had success close to home with commitments from two of the state's top-three-ranked prospects, ESPN 300 S Trejon Williams and ESPN 300 OLB Emar'rion Winston. They generated big success, literally and figuratively, in Texas with a pair of four-star OL commits out of the Lone Star State in Banks, one of the top OT prospects in the nation, and Cameron Williams. They landed multiple ESPN 300 prospects out of California as well, including ATH Jalil Tucker, who possesses big-time speed and could contribute on either side of the ball but projects to cornerback in college. Oregon landed its quarterback in Tanner Bailey, a promising prospect who is a poised and accurate passer with a quick release.
8. North Carolina Tar Heels
ESPN 300 commits: 10 | Previous ranking: 10
ACC rank: 1 of 14
Top offensive commit: OT Zach Rice (No. 13)
Top defensive commit: DT Travis Shaw (No. 20)
The Tar Heels are contending for back-to-back top-25 classes. Mack Brown and staff made several key additions on defense, including two ESPN 300 CBs in Marcus Allen and Tayon Holloway. Sebastian Cheeks can be an active presence at linebacker, as he possesses very good agility and can quickly read and react. WR Tychaun Chapman can be a big-play weapon offensively, as he is one of the fastest receivers in this class. Their offensive attack added one of the top blockers in this class in No. 3 OT Rice, who possesses a big frame, good mobility and physical style of play. Coming off a great run of landing in-state talent during the 2021 cycle, the Tar Heels are again having success at home, namely in RB Omarion Hampton and the massive but explosive DT Shaw, the top-rated player in North Carolina. No. 23 OLB Malaki Hamrick and high three-star DE Beau Atkinson were nice in-state pickups on defense.
9. Texas Longhorns
ESPN 300 commits: 12 | Previous ranking: 7
Big 12 rank: 1 of 10
Top offensive commit: WR Brenen Thompson (No. 91)
Top defensive commit: DT Jaray Bledsoe (No. 54)
After guiding one of the most high-powered attacks in college football as offensive coordinator at Alabama, Steve Sarkisian is now assembling his first full class as head coach at Texas, adding pieces to make the Longhorns explosive. The Longhorns went to California for their quarterback, Maalik Murphy, a prospect with a big arm. The class also features a big-play offensive target from in-state in speedster Thompson. Defense is not being overlooked either, as the Longhorns added one of the top defensive back prospects in the state in Bryan Allen Jr., a top-five safety who is fluid with good instincts. The secondary is one of the class' strengths, and the Longhorns flipped a one-time TCU commit, in-state ESPN 300 CB Jaylon Guilbeau. They ended the summer by adding four ESPN 300 defensive linemen, including Bledsoe, a big man from a smaller school who brings high upside with flexibility and agility. Aaron Bryant was an out-of-state pickup who can be a physical and stout presence in the trenches.
10. Clemson Tigers
ESPN 300 commits: 10 | Previous ranking: 11
ACC rank: 2 of 14
Top offensive commit: QB Cade Klubnik (No. 66)
Top defensive commit: CB Daylen Everette (No. 43)
Clemson has seven straight top-10 classes, including the No. 1 class in 2020, and with a strong push over the summer months, it is again contending for a top-10 finish. The Tigers picked up some steam in June with several commitments, including ESPN 300 defenders Sherrod Covil, a physical safety, and Jihaad Campbell, a lengthy and agile prospect with a high ceiling for development. Their defensive class continued to benefit with two top-10 CB pickups in July with Everette and Jeadyn Lukus, as well as landing top-10 safety Keon Sabb. Offensively, they have a pair of ESPN 300 offensive line prospects in Collin Sadler, an in-state prospect, and Blake Miller, a big body who displays excellent strength.
11. Missouri Tigers
ESPN 300 commits: 7 | Previous ranking: 13
SEC rank: 5 of 14
Top offensive commit: WR Luther Burden (No. 8)
Top defensive commit: DT Marquis Gracial (No. 52)
The Tigers have won several key battles inside state lines with commitments from five of the state's top 15 prospects, including the top-rated player in Gracial, a big man who has the tools to be an SEC-quality-impact-type player in the defensive trenches. ESPN 300 ATH Ja'Marion Wayne and four-star safety Isaac Thompson were also big in-state pickups. A monstrous win close to home was landing No. 1 WR Burden out of East Saint Louis High School. He is a smooth, explosive target with quick hands who can be an instant-impact performer. The staff did an excellent job of establishing a strong relationship early on with Sam Horn, an accurate passer from Georgia; the ball can jump off his hands.
12. Stanford Cardinal
ESPN 300 commits: 6 | Previous ranking: 14
Pac-12 rank: 2 of 12
Top offensive commit: RB Arlen Harris Jr. (No. 241)
Top defensive commit: DE Ernest Cooper IV (No. 34)
The Cardinal recruit nationally, and that is represented in their class, which includes prospects from over 10 different states. They have landed a pair of ESPN 300 prospects out of Tennessee in OT Fisher Anderson and TE Sam Roush. Stanford has recruited and developed some excellent TEs in recent years, and Roush runs well, provides a wide catch radius and can be a physical blocker. He has the tools to be another high-level performer at the position. Out of Missouri is Harris, a runner with good vision. A rangy edge defender with violent hands and a good motor, Cooper was a big-time pickup out of Texas. While the Cardinal cast a wide net, in-state talent also remains a key, and they have landed several commits closer to home, led by top-10 safety Kamari Ramsey, who can be an instinctive and punishing presence at the position.
13. Oklahoma Sooners
ESPN 300 commits:7 | Previous ranking: 4
Big 12 rank: 2 of 10
Top offensive commit: RB Gavin Sawchuk (No. 57)
Top defensive commit: DT Gabe Brownlow-Dindy (No. 4)
The Sooners were competing for a top-five class, but the unexpected departure of Lincoln Riley has set this class back a bit. The new staff is still in a position to inherit one of the better classes in the nation. The Sooners have a top-10 running back on board in Sawchuk, a wiry back with good blend of speed, power and agility. To protect that offensive talent, they have secured multiple ESPN 300 commitments on the offensive line in OTs Jacob Sexton and Jake Taylor. The defense took a hit with two ESPN 300 front-seven prospects deciding to open up their recruitment, but there is still some strong talent on that side of the ball on board. Five-star Brownlow-Dindy is an explosive and agile presence in the trenches, and Robert Spears-Jennings, a top in-state prospect with quick feet, could contribute on either side of the ball with upside as a defensive back.
14. LSU Tigers
ESPN 300 commits: 8 | Previous ranking: 12
SEC rank: 4 of 14
Top offensive commit: OT Will Campbell (No. 17)
Top defensive commit: CB Laterrance Welch (No. 101)
Despite struggling on the field and having gone going through a coaching change, LSU maintained a strong presence on the recruiting trail. The Tigers now head into the early signing period with a new coach in place in Brian Kelly, and while he left behind a top-five class at Notre Dame, he inherits a program with a wealth of recruiting potential and the opportunity to still finish among top 10 this cycle. Always tough to beat on their home turf, they have commitments from several key in-state prospects, led by QB Walker Howard and top-10 OT Campbell. Joining Campbell in the offensive trenches are multiple OL commitments from in state, including top-five OG Emery Jones and ESPN 300 OT Bo Bordelon, an aggressive and flexible big man whose father was an All-SEC offensive lineman at LSU. Building off their tradition of fielding excellent defensive backs, LSU holds commitments from a pair of top-20 cornerbacks in Welch and the lengthy and instinctive JaDarian Rhym.
15. Florida State Seminoles
ESPN 300 commits: 5 | Previous ranking: 15
ACC rank: 3 of 14
Top offensive commit: QB A.J. Duffy (No. 39)
Top defensive commit: CB Travis Hunter (No. 2)
The Seminoles have had struggles at quarterback in recent years, but Mike Norvell has secured his passer for the 2022 cycle in Duffy. A coach's kid who will arrive in Tallahassee from IMG Academy, he will bring good accuracy but strong instincts and should come in ready to compete for playing time immediately. The Seminoles also have landed one of the top defensive prospects in this class in Hunter, who possesses an excellent blend of speed, quickness, length and toughness. The addition of ESPN 300 DB Sam McCall, who is an explosive player and can be a sideline-to-sideline presence, can give the Seminoles two big-time playmakers in their secondary.
16. Kentucky Wildcats
ESPN 300 commits: 6 | Previous ranking: 19
SEC rank: 6 of 14
Top offensive commit: OT Kiyaunta Goodwin (No. 70)
Top defensive commit: DE Tyreese Fearbry (No. 123)
The Wildcats have scored some big victories and benefited from a strong spring on the recruiting trail. They went into bordering Indiana to land top-10 OT Goodwin, a big, strong prospect with good flexibility and balance who could contribute significantly on their offensive line. Four-star twin brothers Keaten and Destin Wade were big additions out of neighboring Tennessee, with Keaten a rangy linebacker and Destin a versatile player who could contribute in multiple roles, including competing for the QB position. Fearbry brings excellent length and agility with promising upside to develop into a disruptive edge defender. Kentucky has also had success within its own borders with commitments from the top three players in the state: ESPN 300 WR Dane Key, four-star ATH Treyveon Longmire and high three-star OG Grant Bingham.
17. Michigan Wolverines
ESPN 300 commits: 2 | Previous ranking: 18
Big Ten rank: 3 of 14
Top offensive commit: WR Tyler Morris (No. 135)
Top defensive commit: CB William Johnson (No. 19)
The Wolverines signed the Big Ten's No. 2 class in the 2021 cycle, and they remain near the top of the conference this time around. The secondary has benefited with two strong pickups in Johnson and four-star Kody Jones. The rangy and heady Johnson is a key commitment, as he is not only among the top five cornerback prospects in the class, but is also the top-rated player in the state of Michigan. Jones, who possesses excellent quickness, is listed as an athlete but projects to cornerback. The Wolverines went west to California to find their QB, Jayden Denegal, a big, strong-armed passer who can throw the ball with power and velocity. TE Marlin Klein is a commit to keep an eye on. Originally from Germany but now playing his high school football in Georgia, he is a 6-foot-6, 220-pound prospect with promising upside and the tools to grow into a versatile and physical offensive weapon.
18. Michigan State Spartans
ESPN 300 commits: 4 | Previous ranking: 16
Big Ten rank: 4 of 14
Top offensive commit: RB Dillon Tatum (No. 253)
Top defensive commit: DT Alex VanSumeren (No. 213)
The foundation of the Spartans' class is built on big in-state victories, led by four of the state's top 10 prospects. DT VanSumeren, a one-time Michigan commit, possesses good initial quickness and excellent strength, and has the tools to anchor their defensive line unit in coming seasons. Rangy ATH Jaden Mangham could play on either side of the ball, likely best contributing in the secondary. ESPN 300 WR Antonio Gates Jr. is a nice-sized target with some savviness as a route runner and the ability to make tough catches in traffic. The Spartans went out west to land four-star QB Katin Houser, a passer with good mechanics and a strong arm.
19. Virginia Tech Hokies
ESPN 300 commits: 4 | Previous ranking: 17
ACC rank: 4 of 14
Top offensive commit: OT Gunner Givens (No. 82)
Top defensive commit: CB Cam Johnson (No. 160)
The new staff at Virginia Tech will be in line to inherit a strong class that could still be among the best in ACC. A key commitment is RB Ramon Brown, a top-10 in-state player who is an aggressive runner with good ball skills and can be an all-purpose-type back. Givens has the tools to help pave future running lanes for Brown, as he is a physically impressive big man with good feet, flexibility and some nastiness. ATH Alex Orji is a promising addition -- he projects as a dangerous option at QB thanks to his good arm strength and upside, but he can be an excellent receiver as well with the Hokies. WR Daequan Wright was a nice get out of Georgia, as he is a lengthy target who has shown good physicality as a blocker.
20. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
ESPN 300 commits: 4 | Previous ranking: 20
ACC rank: 5 of 14
Top offensive commit: WR Janiran Bonner (No. 216)
Top defensive commit: LB Jaron Willis (No. 140)
Georgia Tech has taken advantage of being in one of the most talent-rich states in the nation. Among multiple in-state pickups is one of the top prospects in Georgia, LB Willis, an explosive and physical defender. WRs Bonner and Derrick Moore, along with RB Antonio Martin, were key pickups on the offensive side of the ball from within their borders. They pulled out of Florida ESPN 300 safety Jaylin Marshall, a prospect with good quickness and frame to develop. The Yellow Jackets ventured north to land four-star K.J. Miles, a DT with a good initial burst, nice strength and upside.
21. South Carolina Gamecocks
ESPN 300 commits: 3 | Previous ranking: 21
SEC rank: 7 of 14
Top offensive commit: QB Braden Davis (No. 179)
Top defensive commit: CB Keenan Nelson Jr. (No. 168)
A key early pickup for new South Carolina coach Shane Beamer was Davis, a poised and strong-armed QB with nice upside. The Gamecocks have been building a strong class around their ESPN 300 QB, bolstering their offensive line with high three-star Grayson Mains. They landed several talented defensive backs, including ESPN 300 safety Peyton Williams, a physical presence; No. 16 CB Nelson, who can be a well-rounded defender; and four-star Kajuan Banks, a prospect with good quickness and ball skills.
22. Arkansas Razorbacks
ESPN 300 commits: 2 | Previous ranking: 25
SEC rank: 8 of 14
Top offensive commit: OT Andrew Chamblee (No. 234)
Top defensive commit: S Myles Rowser (No. 295)
Owning home is a must at Arkansas, and Sam Pittman and staff are accomplishing that with six of the state's top 10 prospects committed. Leading that group is a pair of four-star O-line prospects in ESPN 300 OT Chamblee and E'Marion Harris. In the defensive trenches, in-state DT Nico Davillier can be a stout and strong presence against the run. Rowser, from Michigan, was a key grab out of state, as was three-star Peach State athlete Rashod Dubinion, who projects as a multi-purpose weapon on offense.
23. Rutgers Scarlet Knights
ESPN 300 commits: 3 | Previous ranking: 27
Big Ten rank: 5 of 14
Top offensive commit: OT Jacob Allen (No. 150)
Top defensive commit: OLB Moses Walker (No. 136)
Rutgers brought back head coach Greg Schiano to try to elevate the program after years of struggles on the field and in recruiting. So far, Schiano is signaling he can deliver and has Rutgers ranked among the top classes in the Big Ten. Keeping top talent close to home will be key, and an early indication he is up for that fight was landing Allen, the No. 3-ranked player in New Jersey. He has also landed several other solid in-state commitments, notably from three-star DE Kenny Fletcher. The Scarlet Knights went into neighboring Pennsylvania to get Anthony Johnson, a top-10 ILB, and returned to Florida, where Schiano had a lot of success during his first stint, to land a commitment from four-star WR Amarion Brown. QB Gavin Wimsatt, who combines a smooth delivery with the ability to throw for power, was a key part of this 2022 class, but Rutgers did not have to wait to get him on campus, as he reclassified and enrolled this fall.
24. Boston College Eagles
ESPN 300 commits: 1 | Previous ranking: 26
ACC rank: 6 of 14
Top offensive commit: QB Peter Delaportas (No. 261)
Top defensive commit: DT Kwan Williams (four stars)
The Eagles have been building on a good start and continuing to strengthen their 2022 class. They have put together an impressive group of offensive players, led by Delaportas and in-state high-three-star WR Joseph Griffin Jr. The Eagles have stocked up at tight end with three commitments in three-stars Matt Ragan, Jeremiah Franklin and R.J. Maryland, who is out of Texas powerhouse Southlake Carroll and is a target who possesses very good ball skills and body control with upside as a blocker. Three-star WR Ishmael Zamor is another in-state verbal. On defense, Williams, ILB Edwin Kolenge and three-star CB Jamal Hood are future starters.
25. Indiana Hoosiers
ESPN 300 commits: 3 | Previous ranking: 24
Big Ten rank: 6 of 14
Top offensive commit: RB Gi'Bran Payne (No. 260)
Top defensive commit: LB Dasan McCullough (No. 40)
Head coach Tom Allen and staff are building off a successful 2020 campaign on the field and assembling one of the Big Ten's top classes in 2022. Former Ohio State commit McCullough is a big, aggressive defender with good agility and can be an impact-type defender for the Hoosiers. They continue to do well in Florida with several four-star defensive pickups, including CB Trevell Mullen. Four-star OL Demon Moore was a nice in-state get, and they dipped into Texas to land a QB in this class in the strong-armed Josh Hoover.
26. Oklahoma State Cowboys
ESPN 300 commits: 2 | Previous ranking: 29
Big 12 rank: 3 of 10
Top offensive commit: WR Talyn Shettron (No. 73)
Top defensive commit: CB Dylahn McKinney (three stars)
The Cowboys signed the No. 3 class in the Big 12 for 2021 and are in the mix to do so again in 2022. Several talented prospects lead the offense. The Cowboys got a key in-state commitment from top-10 WR Shettron. The onetime Oklahoma commit is a lengthy target and good route-runner who can also be a dangerous red zone weapon. Their class includes a talented signal-caller in Garret Rangel, a player who displays good instincts and timing. His live arm can be a nice fit in Mike Gundy's offense. Several other offensive weapons include a trio of four-star running backs in Ollie Gordon, the diminutive-but-lightning-quick Braylin Presley and C.J. Brown, who has the tools to be a productive all-purpose back.
27. Mississippi State Bulldogs
ESPN 300 commits: 0 | Previous ranking: 35
SEC rank: 9 of 14
Top offensive commit: QB Braedyn Locke (four stars)
Top defensive commit: DE Donterry Russell (three stars)
After signing a four-star QB out of Texas in 2021, Mike Leach returned to the Lone Star State to find his QB for 2022 in Locke, a prospect who comes across as a tough player with a quick release and strong arm. The Bulldogs also landed some future potential top receiving targets from in-state in Dakota Jordan, Janorris Hopson and four-star Marquez Dortch, a one-time commit to rival Ole Miss. They've had some success in-state with defensive talent in Russell, a lengthy edge defender with good quickness and promising upside as a pass-rusher. High three-star athlete Trent Singleton is a physical player with quick feet and could contribute on either side of the ball, but projects to the secondary for Mississippi State.
28. Baylor Bears
ESPN 300 commits: 1 | Previous ranking: 28
Big 12 rank: 4 of 10
Top offensive commit: TE Kaian Roberts-Day (No. 245)
Top defensive commit: S Devyn Bobby (four stars)
The Bears won't have issues fielding really good tight ends in the future with a class headlined by ESPN 300 Roberts-Day, who could also project to defensive end, four-star TE Cody Mladenka and versatile three-star TE Kelsey Johnson. Defensive line is a key area of need in the 2022 cycle for Dave Aranda's staff, and the Bears have multiple strong pickups for that unit in DT Tre Emory, as well as three-star ends Carmello Jones and Kyler Jordan, who has a good first step, possesses excellent power and could emerge as a sleeper from this group.
29. Cincinnati Bearcats
ESPN 300 commits: 1 | Previous ranking: 38
Group of 5 rank: 1
Top offensive commit: WR Quincy Burroughs (three stars)
Top defensive commit: DE Mario Eugenio (No. 220)
The Bearcats are making the most of back-to-back undefeated regular seasons. Squarely in the College Football Playoff hunt, they are putting together not only one of the top Group of 5 classes, but one of better classes in the nation overall. They had landed some strong defensive line prospects, led by ESPN 300 DE Eugenio, who can be a disruptive edge rusher, as well as in-state DL Derrick Shepard and DEs Cecil Doggette Jr. and Tyler Gillison. They also pulled out of Florida an offensive weapon in Burroughs, a raw prospect with good hands and high upside. Three-star running back Stephan Byrd was a key in-state keep on the offensive side of the ball. On the offensive line, three-star in-state OT Ethan Green has an ideal frame to develop.
30. Florida Gators
ESPN 300 commits: 5 | Previous ranking: 23
SEC rank: 10 of 14
Top offensive commit: WR Chandler Smith (No. 125)
Top defensive commit: DT Chris McClellan (No. 117)
Billy Napier is the new head coach, and one of his many tasks will be to boost their recruiting efforts in the ultracompetitive SEC. He will inherit a class with a quality group of offensive prospects that includes ESPN 300 QB Nick Evers, who won positional MVP at the Dallas Under Armour camp this spring. From in state, Tony Livingston, who is converting from tight end, has a high ceiling at offensive tackle. The Gators are have several potential big-play targets for their passing attack. Smith gives them a target with a nice blend of height and speed, and Jayden Gibson is a rangy target who offers a wide catch radius and can win 50-50 balls. The Gators also landed ESPN 300 DT Chris McClellan, a defender with violent hands and good motor.
31. UCLA Bruins
ESPN 300 commits: 6 | Previous ranking: 30
Pac-12 rank: 3 of 12
Top offensive commit: TE Jack Pedersen (No. 158)
Top defensive commit: LB Jalen Woods (three stars)
We felt UCLA needed to elevate its recruiting efforts this cycle, and thus far the Bruins are showing signs of doing that. Head coach Chip Kelly has added several offensive weapons, including a pair of ESPN 300 tight ends in Pedersen and Carsen Ryan. Pedersen is a big body who can be an effective blocker and also possesses good agility and hands to be a productive receiving target as well. Ryan possesses good body control, feet and ball skills. UCLA also has a trio of in-state ESPN 300 WRs on board in Mekhi Fox, Clint Stephens and Jadyn Marshall.
32. Tennessee Volunteers
ESPN 300 commits: 1 | Previous ranking: 31
SEC rank: 11 of 14
Top offensive commit: OT Addison Nichols (No. 113)
Top defensive commit: LB Joshua Josephs (three stars)
New head coach Josh Heupel is targeting offense with his first full class. That includes several O-line commitments in ESPN 300 OT Nichols, a huge win on the recruiting trail, and Maurice Clipper Jr., a four-star OG who is a flexible big man with good body quickness. At QB, the Vols added Tayven Jackson, a passer with a smooth release, good arm strength and promising upside. They also have commitments from multiple WRs, including from in-state four-star Cameron Miller. Kalib Perry, who projects to linebacker, tested well at this past spring's Ohio Under Armour camp and could contribute in several ways.
33. West Virginia Mountaineers
ESPN 300 commits: 3 | Previous ranking: 22
Big 12 rank: 5 of 10
Top offensive commit: QB Nicco Marchiol (No. 217)
Top defensive commit: CB Jacolby Spells (No. 137)
The Mountaineers landed most of their key commitments once the NCAA lifted the dead period. A big pickup was Marchiol, a lefty with a quick release who can also be a threat when he needs to run, thanks to his mobility. They have worked to give him talented targets with a commitment from a pair of four-star WR Jarel Williams, who is a good-sized target with strong hands. The talent pool in West Virginia is not very deep, but the Mountaineers landed the state's No. 1 player in TE Corbin Page. On defense, Spells can be a dynamic playmaker with his blend of speed and excellent ball skills.
34. Iowa State Cyclones
ESPN 300 commits: 1 | Previous ranking: 32
Big 12 rank: 6 of 10
Top offensive commit: WR Jason Essex (four stars)
Top defensive commit: DT Hunter Deyo (No. 284)
Matt Campbell and staff have demonstrated the ability to ID and develop talent, and with their 2022 class, they're assembling a group that could be one of their strongest in recent years. They gained a big victory by landing ESPN 300 in-state DT Deyo, who can be a strong and high motor presence in the trenches. Away from home, they landed several talented pickups in Florida, including QB Rocco Becht. Out of Tampa, they landed a pair of high three-star skilled prospects in WR Greg Gaines and RB Xavier Townsend, who could be a versatile and electric playmaker at WR, RB and in the return game. RB Quaron Adams was a nice get out of Arizona, as he possesses big-play speed.
35. Purdue Boilermakers
ESPN 300 commits: 1 | Previous ranking: 33
Big Ten rank: 7 of 14
Top offensive commit: QB Brady Allen (four stars)
Top defensive commit: DE Joe Strickland (No. 227)
Coach Jeff Brohm has anchored his 2022 class with in-state talent in four-star QB Allen and ESPN 300 DL Strickland, a defender who can play with leverage and brings upside. Allen is a tall pocket passer with a strong arm and good accuracy. The Boilermakers are bringing in several promising future targets for Allen, including WR Zion Steptoe, a onetime Utah commit who is a sudden and precise route runner with quick hands. Out of Ohio, they pulled Kentrell Marks, a high-three star RB that can add more offensive firepower, as he is a smooth and elusive runner who can also contribute as a receiving target.
36. Auburn Tigers
ESPN 300 commits: 3 | Previous ranking: 34
SEC rank: 12 of 14
Top offensive commit: QB Holden Geriner (No. 188)
Top defensive commit: S Tre Donaldson (No. 228)
The Tigers are still a long way from where fans are used to seeing them in the rankings, but new head coach Bryan Harsin picked up some recruiting momentum later in the summer and is moving in the right direction. Donaldson is a terrific athlete who will also play basketball at Auburn, and ESPN 300 DL Caden Story is a prospect with good reach and mobility in the trenches. Hometown pickup Powell Gordon is an underrated edge defender with good initial quickness and active hands. The first player on board for the 2022 cycle was QB Geriner, an accurate passer with a strong arm.
37. Virginia Cavaliers
ESPN 300 commits: 1 | Previous ranking: 39
ACC rank: 7 of 14
Top offensive commit: WR Dakota Twitty (No. 224)
Top defensive commit: LB Stevie Bracey (three stars)
The Cavaliers are getting offensive on the recruiting trail, with several of their top commits projected to WR, including Twitty, a towering target with good body control who offers a wide catch radius. Coach Bronco Mendenhall returned to his Utah roots to pull a flexible, tenacious and underrated OL in Joe Brown. Virginia stayed in-state to get its QB in Davis Lane, a mobile passer with a strong arm and some swagger.
38. Vanderbilt Commodores
ESPN 300 commits: 0 | Previous ranking: 40
SEC rank: 13 of 14
Top offensive commit: QB Drew Dickey (four stars)
Top defensive commit: LB Langston Patterson (three stars)
The Clark Lea era has gotten off to a strong start on the recruiting trail. The former defensive coordinator has certainly targeted some talent for that side of the ball, led by top-15 ILB Patterson from within Tennessee. Originally from Europe, high three-star athlete Darren Agu is an intriguing prospect to follow, as he possesses a nice ceiling for development. The Commodores went into Texas to land QB Dickey, a prospect with a big arm who can make all the throws.
39. Ole Miss Rebels
ESPN 300 commits: 2 | Previous ranking: 37
SEC rank: 14 of 14
Top offensive commit: WR Jeremiah Dillon (four stars)
Top defensive commit: DT Zxavian Harris (No. 182)
Lane Kiffin is looking to further build recruiting success off a 10-win season. The Rebels have a commitment from a top-five in-state prospect in DT Harris, a big body who can be a tough interior run-stuffer. ESPN 300 CB Nick Cull was a key defensive pickup out of Georgia. Potential future offensive weapons include Larry Simmons, a polished route runner, and Kyirin Heath, a smooth, lengthy target.
40. Wisconsin Badgers
ESPN 300 commits: 1 | Previous ranking: N/A
Big Ten rank: 8 of 14
Top offensive commit: OT Joe Brunner (No. 46)
Top defensive commit: DT Curtis Neal (four stars)
With a tradition of fielding excellent offensive linemen, it should come as no surprise that this class includes a top-10 OT prospect. In-state ESPN 300 big man Brunner is an OL that can bend and block effectively at the second level. The defensive line is adding a four-star prospect as well in Neal, who has good initial quickness and the size and strength to take on and eat up blocks. QB commit Myles Burkett lacks ideal height, but is mobile with a smooth release and good accuracy.
41. Northwestern Wildcats
ESPN 300 commits: 1 | Previous ranking: N/A
Big Ten rank: 9 of 14
Top offensive commit: WR Reggie Fleurima (No. 262)
Top defensive commit: LB Braydon Brus (three stars)
Pat Fitzgerald and staff continue to ID talent that fits their program and develop it into strong production on the field. One of the top prospects in-state, Fleurima, is a target with good ball skills and body control. Four-star RB Joseph Himon II is diminutive in stature but is quick and elusive with the ball in his hands. The Wildcats have added several O-line prospects, including high three-star OT Austin Firestone, an aggressive blocker with a nice frame to develop. Brus is an agile linebacker that can tackle well in space.
42. Texas Tech Red Raiders
ESPN 300 commits: 1 | Previous ranking: N/A
Big 12 rank: 7 of 12
Top offensive commit: WR Tyler King (four stars)
Top defensive commit: CB Maurion Horn (No. 218)
The Red Raiders have tabbed former Baylor assistant Joey McGuire to led them into a new era. A successful Texas high school coach for many years, he brings a high energy style that should elevate their presence on the recruiting trail, especially in-state. He has already added some strong additions, including one-time USC commit LB Ty Kana and in-state Erik Gray, who is a flexible, agile and tenacious interior OL. He inherited ESPN 300 CB Horn, who has good speed and ball skills.
43. NC State Wolfpack
ESPN 300 commits: 1 | Previous ranking: N/A
ACC rank: 8 of 14
Top offensive commit: ATH Michael Allen (No. 239)
Top defensive commit: DT Brandon Cleveland (four stars)
Three-star QB M.J. Morris, a passer with a live arm, throws a good deep ball and can also extend and create plays with his legs. Key in-state four-star pick-ups were Allen, who projects to RB, and LB Torren Wright. The Wolfpack also dipped into Florida for some D-line additions in Cleveland and Nick Campbell. Rylan Vann is a physical and flexible interior OL that is also a very good high school wrestler.
44. UCF Knights
ESPN 300 commits: 0 | Previous ranking: N/A
Group of 5 rank: 2
Top offensive commit: OT Leyton Nelson (three stars)
Top defensive commit: DE Keahnist Thompson (four stars)
Gus Malzahn, who used to compete for top-25 classes at Auburn, now has UCF in contention for one of the best Group of 5 classes and a top-40 finish. They are taking advantage of the deep well of talent around them, with four-star in-state commits DE Thompson and CB Nikai Martinez, a DB with quick feet that tackles well. Nelson should develop into a multiyear starter, as he brings good body quickness and balance.
45. Minnesota Golden Gophers
ESPN 300 commits: 0 | Previous ranking: N/A
Big Ten rank: 10 of 14
Top offensive commit: WR Ike White (four stars)
Top defensive commit: DE Trey Bixby (four stars)
Out of South Dakota, QB Jacob Knuth is from a bit off the beaten path but is a promising prospect with good arm strength and the mobility to extend plays outside the pocket. The Golden Gophers have several talented WRs in their class, including four-star White, who has quick hands and can be a slippery in space. RB Zach Evans is a physical runner who possesses a strong lower body, as well as good speed to take runs the distance once in the open field. They are keeping at home the top-rated player in state in Bixby.
46. Maryland Terrapins
ESPN 300 commits: 1 | Previous ranking: N/A
Big Ten rank: 11 of 14
Top offensive commit: WR Shaleak Knotts (No. 219)
Top defensive commit: LB Caleb Wheatland (three stars)
On the heels of signing a top-20 class that was rooted in defensive talent, Mike Locksley is building a 2022 group that is more focused on offense. This class is headlined by ESPN 300 WR Knotts, a fluid target with length. Peach State three-star A.J. Swann and in-state four-star Jayden Sauray are two talented options at QB. Preston Howard, a player with good feet and exciting upside, and Perry Fisher are two who project to offensive perimeter positions for the Terps. In-state three-star OLB Kellan Wyatt was a needed victory. Wheatland is a thickly built and strong ILB prospect.
47. Colorado Buffaloes
ESPN 300 commits: 0 | Previous ranking: N/A
Pac-12 rank: 4 of 12
Top offensive commit: TE Zach Courtney (three stars)
Top defensive commit: LB Aubrey Smith (four stars)
Near the bottom nationally in total defense, the Buffaloes have assembled a class led by defensive talent. Smith is a tough and explosive defender that could quickly find his way onto the field. Athletes Simeon Harris and Kenny Soares should help bolster the defense as well, as they project to the secondary and linebacker, respectively.
48. Duke Blue Devils
ESPN 300 commits: 0 | Previous ranking: N/A
ACC rank: 9 of 14
Top offensive commit: WR Mehki Wall (three stars)
Top defensive commit: CB Chandler Rivers (three stars)
After a long tenure by David Cutcliffe, Duke will be starting a new era. He is a leaving behind a solid 2022 class to build upon. In-state WR Wall is agile and can make plays as a receiving target and returner. QB Henry Belin IV brings good tools to develop, as he displays poise and ability to be accurate as a passer. Rivers is a diminutive, but quick-footed and instinctive defender.
49. Oregon State Beavers
ESPN 300 commits: 0 | Previous ranking: N/A
Pac-12 rank: 5 of 12
Top offensive commit: C Dylan Lopez (four stars)
Top defensive commit: DE Mathias Malaki-Donaldson (three stars)
While many programs have made coaching changes, Oregon State has given Jonathan Smith a new contract, and he is rewarding the school with a stronger recruiting class. After finishing outside the top 75 for the 2021 cycle, he now has the Beavers sitting inside the top 50. They landed one of the top centers in the country in Lopez, who played at IMG Academy and should quickly be able to work his way into the two-deep. Luka Vincic is another very good OL pickup, as he's an aggressive and flexible big man. LB Melvin Jordan out of Florida can be an explosive hitter, and Malaki-Donaldson is a lengthy edge defender with upside. TE Jack Velling has tools to be a productive offensive contributor, as he is a good-sized target with some speed and can also develop into an effective blocker.
50. Arizona Wildcats
ESPN 300 commits: 0 | Previous ranking: N/A
Pac-12 rank: 6 of 12
Top offensive commit: OG Grayson Stovall (three stars)
Top defensive commit: LB Sterling Lane (four stars)
Assembling his first full class, Jedd Fisch has the Wildcats in line for a stronger finish than a year ago. Among the worst rush defenses in the country, they have two strong front-seven pickups in Lane and high three-star Tyler Martin. Lane can be a disruptive edge rusher with good speed and body control, and Martin is a thick, strong and physical defender that could develop at ILB or play with his hand down. Stovall and DE Russell Davis II were big pickups from one of top high school programs in Arizona, Hamilton. Davis needs to add mass, but can be an explosive pass rusher.
Dropped out: USC (36)