Reranking college football's 2020 recruiting class: Top recruits, teams

College football's 2020 recruiting class certainly had some misses starting at the top. While wide receiver Julian Fleming and defensive end Desmond Evans, ranked as the Nos. 1 and 2 recruits out of high school in the ESPN 300, are solid contributors, neither has been an immediate-impact difference-maker like projected.

As some of the elite high school talent from this class might not have impacted the college game yet, others have risen to greater heights, namely Jordan Addison, who went from the No. 57-rated receiver as a recruit to No. 1.

Recruiting is far from an exact science, and the emergence of the transfer portal gives players their own ability to redo their college decision without having to sit out a year for a better opportunity at reaching their potential. Addison is an example of that, as is Jahmyr Gibbs, who went from Georgia Tech to Alabama and from the No. 19 RB to No. 2 on our rerank.

The 2020 cycle also ended with Dabo Swinney locking down his first No. 1 class. Behind Clemson were Georgia, Alabama, LSU and Ohio State. Alabama is the only team of those five to make the College Football Playoff both years. LSU, on the other hand, has gone 16-14 since landing the No. 4 class, parting ways with coach Ed Orgeron during that time as well.

Below, we examine how different the 2020 recruiting cycle would look if we reranked players based on their college production. We break down what the top 25 players and top 10 classes from the 2020 cycle would look like knowing what we know now.

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Top 25 recruits | Top 10 classes

1. Bryce Young, QB

Alabama | 2020 ESPN 300 ranking: 5 (No. 1 QB-DT)

Coming off a 455-yard heroic passing performance in a loss vs. Tennessee, Young has been as advertised in every facet. He took Alabama to the national championship game and won the Heisman Trophy in his first full season as a starter. He has proven time and again that he is a rare difference-maker with elite passing skills and extremely high football instincts. The former five-star quarterback is on pace to eclipse 7,000 career passing yards in his junior season. Young is currently ranked as a top-three QB prospect in the 2023 draft.

2. Will Anderson Jr., LB

Alabama | 2020 ESPN 300 ranking: 49 (No. 6 DE)

Anderson has demonstrated that his top-50 recruiting ranking was still too low. Now, he is ESPN's consensus No. 1 2023 NFL draft prospect. On a national championship defense, the ESPN 300 DE earned a starting role at its Jack linebacker position on his way to freshman All-America honors. As a sophomore, he established himself as the nation's top defender, notching 34.5 tackles for loss, winning the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and being named SEC Defensive Player of the Year. Despite constant double teams, he still has tallied five sacks this season.

3. Jordan Addison, WR

USC | 2020 ESPN 300 ranking: four stars (No. 57 WR)

A four-star recruit just outside the ESPN 300, Addison has proven to be among the elite prospects from this class overlooked coming out of high school. At 6-feet, 165 pounds, we were concerned by his lanky frame, even though he ran a laser-timed 4.51 40. Still, he was an immediate contributor at Pitt as a freshman and elevated his play even further in 2021, winning the Biletnikoff Award as the nation's top receiver. With nice length, along with elite quickness and body control, he is now a key target in USC's passing attack and one of the top wide receiver prospects in next year's draft.

4. Bijan Robinson, RB

Texas | 2020 ESPN 300 ranking: 21 (No. 3 RB)

Robinson has carried the offense for Steve Sarkisian in Austin, and after his fifth straight 100-yard game on Saturday, his coach said he isn't sure that the 6-foot, 220-pound Robinson receives enough credit. He has been incredibly productive despite having to create on his own behind a below-average offensive line the past two years, as well as inconsistent quarterback play. Robinson runs with speed and power and creates big plays in the passing game. He has performed better than Tank Bigsby and Zach Evans, the backs ranked ahead of him in the 2020 class. Robinson is the consensus top RB prospect in the 2023 NFL draft.

5. C.J. Stroud, QB

Ohio State | 2020 ESPN 300 ranking: 104 (No. 2 QB-PP)

Stroud was a late riser in the recruiting process during the 2020 cycle. He signed with Ohio State and has proven to be an outstanding pickup. He fought off talented competition to take control of the Buckeyes' offense last season and has not looked back. Stroud, a consensus top-five draft prospect, threw for 4,435 yards and 44 TDs in a Heisman finalist season last year. A favorite to start the year and a leading contender midway through with 24 touchdowns in six games, Stroud is not sneaking up on anyone anymore.

6. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR

Ohio State | 2020 ESPN 300 ranking: 91 (No. 10 WR)

All the talk coming out of the Ohio State class in 2020 was WR Julian Fleming, the No. 1 recruit overall, and while he might very well materialize if he can stay healthy, the game-changer is Smith-Njigba. We saw the great size, elite quickness and explosiveness but questioned his top-end speed. He has had no issues separating as a route runner. When healthy, the 6-1, 200-pound Smith-Njigba is the best wide receiver in college football, as evidenced by his 347-yard, three-touchdown performance in last season's Rose Bowl. He injured his hamstring in the season-opener against Notre Dame and has appeared in only one other game this year, and Ohio State is being cautious with his return as the Buckeyes look to get back to the College Football Playoff.

7. Jalen Carter, DT

Georgia | 2020 ESPN 300 ranking: 12 (No. 2 DT)

The Bulldogs' defense has remained very stout despite having five players selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft, and returning an impact player in the trenches in Carter is a big reason. Initially a tight end prospect who physically outgrew the position, he maintained excellent quickness, agility and balance as he added mass. That blend of size (6-3, 300), explosiveness and mobility, coupled with a highly competitive demeanor, has allowed him to become one of the most disruptive defensive linemen in college football. Carter is the consensus No. 1 defensive tackle on ESPN's 2023 draft board.

8. Bryan Bresee, DL

Clemson | 2020 ESPN 300 ranking: 3 (No. 1 DT)

Pound for pound, the 6-5, 305-pound Bresee has been in discussion as college football's best defensive tackle since his freshman year, when he totaled four sacks and a fumble recovery for a Clemson defense that reached the College Football Playoff. Though he missed most of last season because of a torn ACL and dealt with a non-football medical issue earlier this month, he is a consistent and dominant force when he is on the field. He has shown he can play every position up front with unmatched quickness at the position.

9. BJ Ojulari, DE

LSU | 2020 ESPN 300 ranking: 122 (No. 13 DE)

Ojulari wasn't the most high-profile name for a loaded Marietta High School (Georgia) state championship team that sent multiple players to Power 5 programs, but he has proven to be the most impactful. Ojulari is a lengthy, rangy edge defender with excellent initial quickness who went from an immediate contributor in his first year to a starter and leading pass-rusher in Year 2. Despite the Tigers' struggles and coaching changes, he has remained a constant bright spot in Baton Rouge. Ojulari is among Jordan Reid's top five draft-eligible defensive ends.

10. Peter Skoronski, OT

Northwestern | 2020 ESPN 300 ranking: 150 (No. 19 OT)

As Northwestern's top commit in its 2020 class, ESPN 300 OT Skoronski has not disappointed. We underestimated his ability but saw high physical upside. Skoronski has packed on 50 pounds of muscle and retained his skills. He plays with good quickness, agility and balance, and was able to make an immediate impact for the Wildcats. The 6-4, 315-pound left tackle has started since Day 1 and become a two-time All-Big Ten selection who is rated among the top NFL offensive line draft prospects.

11. Myles Murphy, DL

Clemson | 2020 ESPN 300 ranking: 13 (No. 4 DE)

The Tigers' No. 1 class in the 2020 cycle was anchored by an excellent group of defensive linemen that included Bresee and Murphy, both five-star prospects. Murphy earned freshman All-America honors and was named ACC Co-Newcomer of the Year with three sacks and 18 total tackles. As a sophomore, he continued to be a disruptive presence, as he led the team in sacks (seven) and tackles for loss (14). The highly touted and productive Murphy is again ranked closely behind Bresee among draft prospects.

12. Jahmyr Gibbs, RB

Alabama | 2020 ESPN 300 ranking: 178 (No. 19 RB)

Gibbs, who spent his first two years at Georgia Tech before transferring to Tuscaloosa, reminds us so much of former Alabama standout Josh Jacobs. Jacobs was another back whose versatility we undervalued out of high school. Gibbs is arguably Tide's most dynamic player on offense. He entered the transfer portal to face high-caliber competition, and the decision paid off. Gibbs' greatest asset this year might have been shouldering the load when Bryce Young went down, as his 226 yards from scrimmage paced Alabama past Arkansas, and he recorded 154 rushing yards in a win against Texas A&M. He is an every-down back who can do it all. Gibbs is a consensus top-three running back on ESPN's NFL draft board.

13. Michael Mayer, TE

Notre Dame | 2020 ESPN 300 ranking: 81 (No. 3 TE-Y)

Notre Dame has developed a rich history at tight end, and Mayer quickly established himself as another great player at the position for the Fighting Irish. A big target with good hands and body control, Mayer was a talented route runner coming out of high school and finished his freshman year as a team leader in receptions. He built upon that in his sophomore season with a team-high 71 catches and is the focal point in Notre Dame's passing attack as a junior. He has established himself as the likely first tight end selected when he enters the NFL draft.

14. Kayshon Boutte, WR

LSU | 2020 ESPN 300 ranking: 33 (No. 3 WR)

When he's healthy, Boutte has shown to be among the best in the country, especially as a route runner. Consistency has been the issue with Boutte, but when he's on, he can dominate as of the most explosive players in college football. Coming off his first 100-yard performance of the season against Florida on Saturday, Boutte is physical with strong hands when contested and has traits similar to former LSU great Ja'Marr Chase.

15. Devon Achane, RB

Texas A&M | 2020 ESPN 300 ranking: 200 (No. 13 ATH)

Dynamic would be the best way to describe Achane both now and when he was coming out of high school. He's a flash of speed who can line up anywhere on the field to create mismatches. We can only imagine how much better his numbers would be if Texas A&M had stability at quarterback. We saw great versatility when he was a recruit, but he has shown great big-play speed and explosiveness in College Station, as evidenced by his 16 career rushing scores, three receiving touchdowns and two kickoff return touchdowns. Achane is Mel Kiper Jr.'s No. 5 running back.

16. Nick Herbig, LB

Wisconsin | 2020 ESPN 300 ranking: 144 (No. 13)

The road from tropical Hawai'i to Wisconsin might not seem like a natural pipeline, but Herbig has made it seem like a natural fit. The top-rated player in his home state, he was among the top linebackers overall in the 2020 class as an instinctive, high-motor defender. He worked his way into a starting role as a freshman and was one of the most disruptive defenders in the Big Ten last season with nine sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss. He currently leads the Big Ten in sacks with his lighting quickness closing on quarterbacks. He's moving his way up to a Day 1 draft grade.

17. Antonio Johnson, DB

Texas A&M | 2020 ESPN 300 ranking: 211 (No. 12 S)

One of 12 ESPN 300 signings by the Aggies in 2020, Johnson has developed into one of two key secondary additions in that class, along with Jaylon Jones. Initially ranked behind Jones, Johnson has proved that order should be reversed. After contributing as a freshman, Johnson became a consistent and top starter for the Aggies last season, ranking second on the team in total tackles (79). The 6-3, 195-pound junior, the consensus No. 1 safety in next year's draft class, leads the Aggies in tackles (48) this year.

18. Blake Corum, RB

Michigan | 2020 ESPN 300 ranking: 120 (No. 13 RB)

College football's second-leading rusher has exceeded our expectations as an every-down running back. Corum has always been fast and talented, but his measurables were less than ideal (5-8, 210). He's still on the shorter side but not necessarily small -- and there is a difference. Corum's powerful lower body and leverage have allowed him to succeed tackle to tackle, and his top-end speed is still elite when he breaks into the second level. He's starting to improve his draft stock and create legitimate Heisman buzz as Michigan seeks its second straight CFP appearance.

19. Josh Downs, WR

North Carolina | 2020 ESPN 300 ranking: 188 (No. 29 WR)

Downs' lower stock out of high school wasn't so much a reflection of his talent as it was his size at 5-9, 165 pounds. However, he has proven to play "big" in every sense of the word. He's an elite route runner and a nightmare in space for opposing defenses. We believe he is going to have a big second half of the season with more games like Saturday, when he had nine catches for 126 yards against Duke. Downs is Kiper's No. 5 wide receiver.

20. Jaylon Jones, CB

Texas A&M | 2020 ESPN 300 ranking: 35 (No. 3 CB)

Jones has been injured but also unbelievably productive when on the field, especially as a young player. The game has never been too big for him, and he was college ready from the day he arrived in College Station given his size (6-1, 190) and 4.6 speed. We expect his draft stock to also rise as his play becomes more consistent. His physical talent is as good as any cornerback in college football.

21. Kelee Ringo, CB

Georgia | 2020 ESPN 300 ranking: 8 (No. 1 CB)

Ringo, the No. 1-ranked corner in the 2020 class, would be ranked higher if he had a fuller body of work. But after redshirting his freshman year because of shoulder surgery, he has shown he is among the most elite players in his class. He was a key contributor and starter on the Bulldogs' stifling national championship defense last year, his 79-yard pick-six clinching their first title since 1980. On a defense that still is among the SEC's best against the pass, Ringo looks poised to be another Georgia defender to be picked in the first round. He is Todd McShay's top-rated cornerback in next year's draft class.

22. Noah Sewell, LB

Oregon | 2020 ESPN 300 ranking: 27 (No. 3 LB)

Sewell was one of two-high profile linebackers Oregon signed in 2020. While five-star Justin Flowe has flashed but battled injuries, Sewell has shined immediately. He led the team in tackles and was named Pac-12 Freshman Defensive Player of the Year in 2020. Last season, Sewell's 114 total tackles were second in the Pac-12 and he became the first player in program history to be named a Butkus Award semifinalist. Sewell, McShay's No. 1 inside linebacker prospect, has 24 tackles this season for Oregon, which has won five straight heading into a matchup against an undefeated UCLA team this week.

23. Marvin Mims, WR

Oklahoma | 2020 ESPN 300 ranking: 161 (No. 24 WR)

An Under Armour All-American coming out high school, Mims has been a key target in the Sooners' high-powered passing attack since arriving in Norman. He earned freshman All-America honors and has led the offense in receiving in each of his first two seasons. (He is on his way again with a team-high 542 yards so far this year.) Whether Spencer Rattler, Caleb Williams or Dillon Gabriel is under center, Mims remains a prominent piece in the Sooners' offense. He has totaled 1,857 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns in his career.

24. Quentin Johnson, WR

TCU | 2020 ESPN 300 ranking: 63 (No. 7 WR)

Johnson is leading one of the most prolific offenses in the country on a 6-0 TCU team. He is a problem for opposing defenses with his sudden get-off and ability to reach top speed quickly. Getting Johnson the ball consistently prior to the arrival of coach Sonny Dykes was difficult. He is coming off an eight-reception, 180-yard performance in this weekend's upset of Oklahoma State. We expect these types of performances are going to raise his draft stock.

25. Tank Bigsby, RB

Auburn | 2020 ESPN 300 ranking: 20 (No. 2 RB)

The aptly named Tank was among the top running backs in the 2020 class and quickly established himself as one of college football's best. A thickly built powerful runner with good balance and agility, he made an immediate impact, earning SEC Freshman of the Year honors. Bigsby ran for more than 1,000 yards last season and is versatile with good receiving skills, as he remains a key playmaker in the Tigers' offense in 2022. He is coming off a 179-yard, two-touchdown performance against Ole Miss.

With the benefit of close to three seasons to evaluate player production and accumulated wins on Saturdays, we can now better assess the most impactful classes from the 2020 cycle. Some blue chips at the top were obvious, as they perennially recruit the best talent.

However, there were some surprises in this reranking of programs that developed the best talent like Cincinnati and Utah.

1. Alabama Crimson Tide

2020 class ranking: 3 | Top commit: QB Bryce Young (No. 5)

The Crimson Tide have signed seven No. 1 classes under Nick Saban. Though this was not one of them, it could have been in retrospect. A few ESPN 300 signees like WR Javon Baker (UCF) and LB Drew Sanders (Arkansas) have moved on, but this class has produced multiple key contributors as well as two of the most impactful players in college football. A big pull out of California, No. 1 QB Bryce Young, looked poised to be an elite college player and has delivered, winning last season's Heiman. On the defensive side of the ball, Will Anderson Jr. made a quick impact and has developed into one of the nation's premier defenders. Alabama has gotten more defensive production from this class with signings LB Chris Braswell, DL Tim Smith and STAR Brian Branch.

2. Georgia Bulldogs

2020 class ranking: 2 | Top commit: CB Kelee Ringo (No. 8)

The Bulldogs secured a national championship last season, and this class played a substantial role. No. 1 CB Kelee Ringo and No. 2 DT Jalen Carter were key contributors to their ferocious championship defense. On offense, they brought in multiple starters and contributors, including RB Kendall Milton, who is among the team leaders in rushing; underrated in-state three-star WR Ladd McConkey and 6-7, 270-pound TE Darnell Washington, who is a nice complement to sophomore Brock Bowers. The offensive line also was positively impacted by this class, as starting center Sedrick Van Pran has delivered, as have five-star OT Broderick Jones and ESPN 300 OL Tate Ratledge.

3. Ohio State Buckeyes

2020 class ranking: 5 | Top commit: WR Julian Fleming (No. 1)

Ryan Day's top-five class has performed as such with great returns, especially on the offensive side. C.J. Stroud was a late riser on the recruiting scene but has been the trigger behind the Buckeyes' high-powered offense and developed into a Heisman contender. A pair of top-10 WRs arrived in this class, and while five-star Julian Fleming hasn't quite met expectations, he is now among their leaders in receiving touchdowns. Fellow highly ranked receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is one of the nation's premier wideouts after leading the Buckeyes in receptions last season. Five-star OT Paris Johnson Jr. and No. 1-ranked center Luke Wypler have also delivered as multiyear starters.

4. Clemson Tigers

2020 class ranking: 1 | Top commit: DT Bryan Bresee (No. 3)

The No. 1 class in 2020, the Tigers slip back a few spots. However, if they can return to the CFP, the talent and perseverance of this class will play a key role. Defensive talent, anchored by five-star instant-impact DLs Bryan Bresee and Myles Murphy, leads the class. ESPN 300 LB Trenton Simpson has been a leading tackler and could also be a first-round NFL selection from this defensive class. Tapped to be the replacement to Trevor Lawrence, highly touted QB DJ Uiagalelei has had struggles but also delivered at times as the Tigers are off to a 7-0 start. He leads the Tigers' offense this season in passing and is also second in rushing.

5. Michigan Wolverines

2020 class ranking: 11 | Top commit: ATH Braiden McGregor (No. 32)

This class initially finished just outside the top 10, but the Wolverines have received great returns and it has proved to be among the five best from the 2020 cycle. Michigan's top two signees, DL Braiden McGregor and WR A.J. Henning, have not quite met expectations, but both have contributed to a class with great depth. Undersized but dynamic ESPN 300 RB Blake Corum has delivered as a productive offensive playmaker. Four-star OL Zak Zinter has been a multiyear starter, and fellow four-star Roman Wilson has proven to be a nice get out of Hawai'i, as he has been among Michigan's top targets at WR. ESPN 300 signees Jaylen Harrell and safety R.J. Moten, as well as three-star DL Kris Jenkins, have developed into defensive starters.

6. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

2020 class ranking: 14 | Top commit: RB Chris Tyree (No. 30)

The Fighting Irish didn't sign a big class in this cycle, but of their nine ESPN 300 additions, they have gotten great production. Top-three TE Michael Mayer was a key offensive playmaker as a freshman on their 2020 CFP team and has since developed into one of the nation's premier players at the position. Speedster Chris Tyree also stepped in and contributed to that 10-win team and remains a part of their rushing attack and return game. Three-star Clarence Lewis has been a contributor to their secondary since arriving in South Bend, as has four-star DE Rylie Mills. ESPN 300 QB Drew Pyne was called into starting action during this season and has continued to improve and help steady Notre Dame's season some after an 0-2 start.

7. Oklahoma Sooners

2020 class ranking: 10 | Top commit: OLB Reggie Grimes (No. 31)

How this class finishes under new head coach Brent Venables remains to be seen as the Sooners navigate a rough patch. Several signees are no longer with the program. Under previous head coach Lincoln Riley, with whom they signed, this group has offered some really good production. Pieces of this class helped generate more than 20 wins, a conference title their freshmen season and a pair of bowl wins. WR Marvin Mims was a key target on that Big 12 title team and remains a top receiver for the Sooners. DL Perrion Winfrey was the top junior college DL and was a disruptive starter while with the program. Top signee Reggie Grimes has developed into a good defender, leading the team in sacks. The Sooners signed several four-star OLs with in-state ESPN 300 Andrew Raym and Anton Harrison developing into solid starters.

8. Texas A&M Aggies

2020 class ranking: 6 | Top commit: CB Jaylon Jones (No. 35)

An argument could be made that this class could be higher and closer to its original No. 6 ranking. Counterpoint: The Aggies should be having more on-field success. Much like the team, this class has flashed but been inconsistent. QB Haynes King has been able to win the starting job, but injury and inconsistency has had him fall short of expectations. Top signee Jaylon Jones has proven to be a strong addition to their secondary, as has ESPN 300 safety Antonio Johnson, who is among the SEC's top tacklers. Speedster Devon Achane is one of the conference's top playmakers and led the Aggies in touchdowns last season scoring as a runner, as a receiver and in the return game. Moose Muhammad III has started to come on at receiver in recent weeks. Three-star Isaiah Raikes has contributed to their defensive line with ESPN 300 signee Fadil Diggs developing into a starter.

9. Cincinnati Bearcats

2020 class ranking: 49 | Top commit: QB Evan Prater (No. 296)

Cincinnati is the biggest riser, as this class has won a lot of games since arriving on campus and played a role in helping the Bearcats make the CFP last season. Arguably the top pick up from this class was the signee who received the least fanfare, as low three-star OL Jake Renfro immediately developed into a starter. Though he had minimal FBS offers, he proved his ranking was too low and is a fine example of Cincinnati's ability to identify underrated talent, as Renfro was a key player on last year's 13-1 team and earned first-team all-conference honors. Though he suffered an injury this season, fellow 2020 signee Gavin Gerhardt has stepped into his place. Four-star WR Jadon Thompson has contributed, but in-state three-star Tyler Scott has been a key target, finishing among the team's leaders in receiving TDs last season. Only ESPN 300 signee Evan Prater has not cracked the starting lineup yet but remains in a backup role at QB.

10. Utah Utes

2020 class ranking: 30 | Top commit: CB Clark Phillips III (No. 90)

Time has allowed this class to jump up 20 spots and helped deliver the program's first Pac-12 title last season. Momentum continues, as the Utes are now ranked within the AP top 15. Top signee CB Clark Phillips III has performed like it. He's a three-year starter and among the top defensive backs in the conference. The defensive line has benefited from this class, starting with in-state ESPN 300 DL Van Fillinger, who has been a two-year starter and a top pass-rusher for the Utes. Three-star Connor O'Toole signed as a tight end but has transitioned into a productive backup to Fillinger on defense. Aliki Vimahi also arrived with this class and is a starter for Utah on the D-line. It signed only three projected WRs in the class but has received production from two, with Caine Savage playing in the secondary and Money Parks contributing at WR.