The release of the first College Football Playoff rankings has several fan bases excited for the home stretch of the 2022 season, but all programs are also keeping an eye on the future. As the December early signing period quickly approaches, key commitments and an increase in decommitments are generating movement in the class rankings, including inside the top 10.
Miami hasn't signed a top-five class in well over a decade, but first-year head coach Mario Cristobal has the Hurricanes in contention to do so. With a class already anchored by No. 1 OT Francis Mauigoa, they were able to add top-rated CB Cormani McClain, making Miami one of only three programs with multiple five-star commits. The impactful in-state verbal gives them a lengthy, smooth and confident corner with good speed and quickness to lock receivers down; he can be physical in his play as well.
Florida lost out on McClain but is still assembling a strong defensive back class after adding high three-star safety Bryce Thornton and ESPN 300 top-10 CB Dijon Johnson. Helping the Gators rise in the rankings, they also flipped top-five OG Roderick Kearney from Florida State. A powerful and tenacious blocker, Kearney has the tools to be a multiyear starter for the Gators.
As Nebraska battles another potential losing season and navigates a coaching transition, the Cornhuskers got a positive boost on the recruiting trail. Interim head coach Mickey Joseph was able to keep local ESPN 300 ATH Malachi Coleman at home despite the coaching uncertainty. Coleman possesses an outstanding blend of size (6-foot-5, 200 pounds) and speed that could allow him to develop into a disruptive EDGE defender or big-play receiving target. Whether Nebraska can build off that commitment remains to be seen, but for now, it gives the Huskers enough to move inside the top 40.
Big commitments have spurred changes in the class rankings, but several top uncommitted prospects are poised to further shake things up over the final months. Four five-stars remain undeclared, including CB Desmond Ricks, who recently reclassified from 2024 to the 2023 class. Now the No. 2-ranked corner, Ricks is a fluid defender with elite length who is considering programs such as Alabama, Florida and LSU. His commitment is an example of one that can still impact the class rankings.
1. Alabama Crimson Tide
ESPN 300 commits: 18 | Previous ranking: 1 
SEC rank: 1 of 14
Top offensive commit: RB Richard Young (No. 19)
Top defensive commit: S Caleb Downs (No. 12)
The Crimson Tide are positioning themselves to contend once again for one of the best classes in the nation. They landed some impressive talent to their secondary with in-state pickup Tony Mitchell, who has a nice blend of length, fluidity and speed, as well as Jahlil Hurley, an agile and smooth corner with good length. Downs is the No. 1 safety who can provide a physical presence with his aggressive, hard-hitting style of play. Yhonzae Pierre might not be among the most touted names in this class, but he is a very strong in-state pickup, as he is a quick, flexible defender who can develop into a disruptive edge defender. They landed the top two RB prospects in the nation in Young, an explosive and versatile back out of Florida, and Justice Haynes, who rushed for over 2,000 yards as a junior, out of Georgia. This could very well be Bryce Young's last season in Tuscaloosa, and to prepare, the Tide landed two ESPN 300 QBs. Eli Holstein, a one-time Texas A&M commit, is an accurate passer with good arm strength and mobility for his size (6-foot-4, 225 pounds). Dylan Lonergan, who is also a very talented baseball prospect, is a poised and promising QB as well.
2. Georgia Bulldogs
ESPN 300 commits: 16 | Previous ranking: 2
SEC rank: 2 of 14
Top offensive commit: OT Monroe Freeling (No. 91)
Top defensive commit: S Joenel Aguero (No. 23)
The defending national champions are contenders to sign a seventh straight top-three class. Located in a talent-rich state, the Bulldogs are doing well at home with commitments thus far from a few of the top prospects in Georgia, including OT Bo Hughley. They pulled WR Raymond Cottrell, a 6-foot-3, 205-pound prospect with quick, strong hands, out of Florida. During their title run, the Bulldogs got great production from freshman tight end Brock Bowers, and they are now adding more young talent to that position with commitments from ESPN 300 TEs Pearce Spurlin and Lawson Luckie. Their championship defense was popular during the NFL draft, with five members selected in the first round, and the Dawgs are now working to restock that unit with talent. They've done a really nice job doing so in the secondary with multiple commitments from ESPN 300 DBs. At CB they've added A.J. Harris, Justyn Rhett, Chris Peal and Daniel Harris, and they landed one of the top safety prospects in Aguero, an aggressive player with good speed.
3. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
ESPN 300 commits: 16 | Previous ranking: 3
Independent rank: 1
Top offensive commit: WR Braylon James (No. 60)
Top defensive commit: S Peyton Bowen (No. 14)
The Fighting Irish, who have inked two consecutive top-10 classes, are contending for their highest-ranked class in a decade. New coach Marcus Freeman has his fingerprints all over this class with multiple key additions on the defensive side of the ball. LB Drayk Bowen was a big in-state pickup as the top-rated player in Indiana. The Irish have two ESPN 300 defensive back commits in the tough, versatile and speedy Bowen, out of Texas, and Adon Shuler from New Jersey. There is also some promising offensive talent on board, led by ESPN 300 WR James, a lengthy vertical threat who posted a laser 4.47-second 40-yard dash this spring on the camp circuit. Dylan Edwards, a big riser on the camp circuit who is one of fastest players in this class, can be a versatile and explosive offensive weapon at running back or in the slot.
4. Oklahoma Sooners
ESPN 300 commits: 13 | Previous ranking: 4
Big 12 rank: 1 of 10
Top offensive commit: QB Jackson Arnold (No. 8)
Top defensive commit: ATH Jacobe Johnson (No. 46)
The Sooners took a hit when five-star QB Malachi Nelson decommitted and followed Lincoln Riley to USC. New coach Brent Venables and his staff rebounded, though, in landing Arnold, a five-star QB who has a smooth, compact delivery as well as good pocket mobility. They also have a few promising targets in the passing game on board in ESPN 300 WR Keyon Brown, who has a good blend of height and speed, and Jaquaize Pettaway, who could be an immediate contributor with great hands and sharp route-running abilities. One of the top in-state prospects, Erik McCarty, is staying close to home and is a versatile player who could contribute on either side of the ball for the Sooners. Johnson, the top-ranked player in the state, brings tremendous versatility and projects to the secondary. The Sooners have multiple ESPN 300 defenders on the front seven, including Derrick LeBlanc and Adepoju Adebawore, a promising addition. Known by his nickname PJ, Adebawore tested extremely well this spring at the Kansas City Elite Underclassmen camp, and with further development, his blend of speed, agility and initial quickness can allow him to be a well-rounded and highly productive defender.
5. Texas Longhorns
ESPN 300 commits: 11 | Previous ranking: 5
Big 12 rank: 2 of 10
Top offensive commit: QB Arch Manning (No. 2)
Top defensive commit: CB Malik Muhammad (No. 49)
Steve Sarkisian secured a huge win for Texas' recruiting, beating Georgia and Alabama for the highly touted five-star Manning. The talented QB is a polished player at the position with good arm strength and competitive toughness -- all of which would be expected from a Manning -- but he will also bring good mobility to keep plays alive and be able to pick up yards with his legs. Manning was a key out-of-state pickup, but Texas also landed some top in-state prospects, namely ESPN 300 WR Johntay Cook II, a quick, smooth pass-catcher who came on board soon after Manning's commitment. Ryan Niblett can be a nice target for Manning as well, as he can be a big-play threat with his outstanding speed. The Longhorns also added some promising defensive talent, led by quick-footed top-10 CB Muhammad, Derek Williams -- a safety with good length and range -- and DB Jamel Johnson. Along the defensive line, ESPN 300 prospect Dylan Spencer gives the Longhorns an explosive player with a good motor in the trenches.
6. Miami Hurricanes
ESPN 300 commits: 10 | Previous ranking: 8 
ACC rank: 1 of 14
Top offensive commit: OT Francis Mauigoa (No. 5)
Top defensive commit: CB Cormani McClain (No. 4)
Mario Cristobal returned to his alma mater and is assembling a top-10 class in his first full cycle. Recruiting wins close to home will be key, but one of his initial big additions came from out West in Jaden Rashada, a California QB with a smooth release and good arm strength. Cristobal also returned to his old stomping grounds of the Pacific Northwest to land ESPN 300 TE Riley Williams. Playing his senior season at IMG Academy, Williams could become a big-play target for Rashada, as he is a lengthy TE with a nice catch radius and the ability to win contested matchups. They also pulled five-star Mauigoa -- a powerful and explosive big man who still has room to grow as a player and develop into a dominating presence in the trenches -- out of IMG Academy. A statement pickup on defense for the Hurricanes was five-star CB McClain, a lengthy, smooth and physical defender with impact ability. Jayden Wayne was a nice defensive addition as a rangy edge player who will only improve as he fills out and gets stronger. Closer to home, the Hurricanes added a versatile talent in ATH Robert Stafford, who projects to the secondary. Offensively, Robby Washington and Nathaniel Joseph are undersized, but both are quick playmakers who can be dangerous, especially when they get in space.
7. Ohio State Buckeyes
ESPN 300 commits: 13 | Previous ranking: 6 
Big Ten rank: 1 of 14
Top offensive commit: WR Brandon Inniss (No. 30)
Top defensive commit: DE Jason Moore (No. 53)
A staple near the top of the recruiting rankings, the Buckeyes are recruiting at a high level once again. The Buckeyes made a statement at wide receiver, picking up three ESPN 300 WRs in as many days in Inniss, Noah Rogers and Carnell Tate. Tate and Rogers are nice-sized targets at roughly 6-foot-2, and Inniss is explosive with good hands. ESPN 300 offensive linemen Luke Montgomery and Joshua Padilla, along with high three-star Austin Siereveld, were key in-state keeps in the trenches. The Buckeyes pulled strong secondary talent with prospects like Calvin Simpson-Hunt, a speedster who has clocked a sub-11 100-meter, and Cedrick Hawkins, who can be an excellent player with his great feet and physical style of play. Moore is a lengthy edge defender out of the same high school, DeMatha Catholic in Maryland, as former Buckeyes standout Chase Young.
8. LSU Tigers
ESPN 300 commits: 13 | Previous ranking: 7
SEC rank: 3 of 14
Top offensive commit: WR Shelton Sampson Jr. (No. 41)
Top defensive commit: DE Da'Shawn Womack (No. 47)
A key for Brian Kelly will be keeping the Tigers an in-state recruiting power. They secured the No. 1 wideout in Louisiana in Sampson as well as the top two in-state RBs, Kaleb Jackson and Trey Holly; and while ESPN 300 QB Rickie Collins was initially headed elsewhere, they ended up keeping the one-time Purdue commit at home. Out of state, they pulled from Texas ESPN 300 DB Ryan Yaites, a defender with good length and tremendous quickness who projects to safety but can also play CB. They also added talent to their secondary out of California in Daylen Austin, who possesses excellent feet and isn't afraid to mix it up and be physical. They also pulled from the wealth of talent at Saint Frances in Baltimore, landing Womack, a DL with good initial quickness and mobility who plays with a strong motor. On offense, WR Jalen Brown was a big get out of Florida, as he is a fluid and quick prospect with promising upside.
9. Florida Gators
ESPN 300 commits: 15 | Previous ranking: 10
SEC rank: 4 of 14
Top Offensive Commit: WR Aidan Mizell (No. 90)
Top Defensive Commit: DT Kelby Collins (No. 67)
Billy Napier has taken advantage of in-state talent with several Sunshine State pickups, assembling a strong secondary from that pool. The Gators have added several ESPN 300 DBs, including CBs Dijon Johnson, Ja'Keem Jackson and CB Sharif Denson, who has good feet and brings a tough, scrappy demeanor. Aaron Gates, who stayed on even after committing to the previous staff, projects to defensive back and can be a versatile player with his quickness and ball skills. Eugene Wilson III, listed as an athlete, projects to WR and is a player who tests very well, which will translate to his play on the field. Adding more potential firepower to their passing attack is Mizell, a lengthy target with big-play speed. Knijeah Harris is a nice addition to the trenches, as he has been a multiyear starter at IMG Academy and should come in ready to compete for playing time. They also flipped ESPN 300 OG Roderick Kearney, a powerful and flexible big man who could work his way into the two-deep quickly, from Florida State. It is hard to win the SEC without being strong along the defensive front, and Collins leads a talented group of defensive linemen.
10. Clemson Tigers
ESPN 300 commits: 8 | Previous ranking: 9
ACC rank: 2 of 14
Top offensive commit: QB Christopher Vizzina (No. 38)
Top defensive commit: DT Peter Woods (No. 9)
Trevor Lawrence set a high bar, and replacing him is not easy, but the Tigers continue to add talented options under center. They signed the No. 2 overall quarterback in the 2022 cycle in Cade Klubnik and now landed ESPN 300 signal-caller Vizzina, a strong-armed, accurate and poised passer. Four-star WR Noble Johnson is a nice-sized target who is capable of creating problems with good explosiveness and the ability to break tackles after the catch. In the trenches, the Tigers have secured some very good talent. Offensively, Harris Sewell was a great pickup out of Texas. He is a flexible big man with good mobility who is also a physical finisher and should develop into a strong asset to the Tigers' ground attack. The Tigers have recruited very well along the defensive line under Dabo Swinney. Woods was a huge get out of Alabama powerhouse program Thompson. One of the most explosive and disruptive DLs in the class, he reminds us of current Clemson standout DL Tyler Davis. David Ojiegbe is a powerful player who can be tough versus the run, and Vic Burley was a big win on the recruiting trail, as he is a multisport athlete in high school with good explosiveness and upside. At linebacker, Jamal Anderson is a rangy defender who can be a sideline-to-sideline presence.
11. Oregon Ducks
ESPN 300 commits: 11 | Previous ranking: 13
Pac-12 rank: 1 of 12
Top offensive commit: QB Dante Moore (No. 3)
Top defensive commit: DT A'Mauri Washington (No. 171)
New head coach Dan Lanning led Georgia's championship defense last year but now focuses on trying to build a similar unit with the Ducks. He is assembling a talented group for the secondary led by Caleb Presley, a rangy corner who can be a playmaker in coverage and doesn't hesitate to support the run. CB Cole Martin was another good pickup, as he possesses good feet and upside, and CB Kodi Decambra loves to compete and should quickly contribute to the special teams unit. They also landed a nice addition in ESPN 300 DT Washington, a big, powerful and explosive lineman out of Arizona. Despite his strong defensive background, Lanning's first full class at Oregon is defined by promising offensive talent. A huge win was QB Moore, as the five-star recruit has a quick release and good feet and displays good accuracy. The Ducks also have landed some big targets for their passing attack in the 6-foot-3 Ashton Cozart, who is long and fast and posted a laser-timed 4.45 40 at the Dallas Under Armour camp, and Jurrion Dickey, who had an MVP performance at the UC Report Elite camp in Oakland, California, this spring.
12. USC Trojans
ESPN 300 commits: 5 | Previous ranking: 12
Pac-12 rank: 2 of 12
Top offensive commit: QB Malachi Nelson (No. 1)
Top defensive commit: LB Tackett Curtis (No. 123)
Lincoln Riley is adding players who could create an explosive offensive unit for the Trojans. Two key in-state pickups who were planning to join Riley at Oklahoma flipped to their hometown school when Riley made the change. Nelson, the top-rated prospect in the nation, is a passer with a smooth release and the ability to make tough throws on the move. Five-star WR Makai Lemon, his high school teammate, has good hands and quickness. WR Zachariah Branch, out of Las Vegas, is one the fastest players in this class and can be an electrifying playmaker with the ball in his hands. The Trojans also added some defensive talent, led by Curtis, a tough and physical player with good range. Strengthening play in the trenches is key, and the Trojans added two D-line commitments, led by Samuel Greene, an explosive DT with active hands out of powerhouse program St. Frances in Maryland.
13. Penn State Nittany Lions
ESPN 300 commits: 8 | Previous ranking: 11
Big Ten rank: 2 of 14
Top offensive commit: OG J'ven Williams (No. 56)
Top defensive commit: S Elliot Washington (No. 52)
The Nittany Lions spent most of the 2022 cycle near the top of the class rankings, and early in the 2023 cycle, they're back battling for a top-10 finish. They are doing a nice job in the offensive trenches with several talented OL pickups led by Williams, the top-rated player in the state and a mobile and physical blocker. They continue to find success in the Washington, D.C., area with multiple commits out of Virginia, including Alex Birchmeier, a flexible and aggressive blocker. TE Andrew Rappleyea was a nice flip from Michigan, as he is a productive receiving target with good hands and body control. Another key flip, but on defense, was safety Washington, as the one-time Alabama verbal has good range, can change directions well and is a physical presence in the back end.
14. Tennessee Volunteers
ESPN 300 commits: 6 | Previous ranking: 14
SEC rank: 5 of 14
Top offensive commit: QB Nicholaus Iamaleava (No. 32)
Top defensive commit: DE Chandavian Bradley (No. 59)
The Volunteers were able to score a big, early win on the recruiting trail with the commitment of ESPN 300 QB Iamaleava. Among the top QBs in the country, he is a talented passer who also moves well. WR Cameron Seldon could develop into a favorite target, as he is a thickly built and powerful runner with strong hands. The top-rated player in the state, Caleb Herring, an edge defender who can be a sideline-to-sideline presence, was another key addition for this rebuilding program. Bradley also is a big addition to the Vols' defensive class, as he is a lengthy edge player with physical upside who possesses excellent first-step quickness and good body control to develop into a disruptive pass-rusher. ESPN 300 CB Jordan Matthews was a nice win over Texas on the recruiting trail and gives Tennessee a lengthy, agile cover corner.
15. South Carolina Gamecocks
ESPN 300 commits: 7 | Previous ranking: 15
SEC rank: 6 of 14
Top offensive commit: OT Markee Anderson (No. 134)
Top defensive commit: DE Desmond Umeozulu (No. 114)
South Carolina assembled one of the top bounce-back classes for the 2022 cycle, and it is competing for a top-20 finish in 2023. The offensive line has added some big players with multiple four-star commits on board, namely Markee Anderson, who is the top in-state OL prospect, and Tosin Babalade, an aggressive and powerful blocker with good balance. Kelton Henderson is a versatile player who projects to be used as a big-play weapon on offense with his speed and ability to create after the catch. Dontavius Braswell was a nice pickup at RB, as he displays good vision, burst and the physicality to generate yards after contact. Defensively, Grayson Howard is an active linebacker who has recorded back-to-back seasons of at least 100 tackles heading into his senior year. ESPN 300 DT Xzavier McLeod was a key in-state keep, as he's a big man with good explosiveness, and Umeozulu, a lengthy edge defender with nice upside, was a big get out of Maryland.
16. Texas A&M Aggies
ESPN 300 commits: 7 | Previous ranking: 16
SEC rank: 7 of 14
Top offensive commit: OT Chase Bisontis (No. 61)
Top defensive commit: DT David Hicks (No. 15)
The Aggies signed the top class for 2022, anchored by an outstanding haul along the defensive line. In 2023, they have added more impact ability to that unit in top-five DT Hicks. A big win over future SEC foe Oklahoma, Hicks has tested well in a camp setting with that translating to his play on the field. He can be a versatile player along their defensive front with the tools to be a disruptive force, as he is powerful and explosive and accentuates that with great acceleration. They also brought five-star LB Anthony Hill into the defensive mix. A fluid but physical defender with excellent range, he possesses the tools to be a big-play three-down talent. In the secondary, they added some top talent in Jayvon Thomas, who's aggressive and fast, and Dalton Brooks, who rushed for over 2,000 yards as a junior and could contribute at RB but also projects to defensive back. The Aggies brought Bravion Rogers back into the mix after a brief decommitment, and the projected CB adds more speed and versatility to their roster. They made some additions to the offensive line, raiding the Northeast for big pickups in Bisontis out of New Jersey and Naquill Betrand out of Philadelphia. Colton Thomasson is a strong in-state pickup to develop on the O-line, as well.
17. Arkansas Razorbacks
ESPN 300 commits: 6 | Previous ranking: 17
SEC rank: 8 of 14
Top offensive commit: TE Luke Hasz (No. 87)
Top defensive commit: CB Jaylon Braxton (No. 216)
The Razorbacks are stacking up talent at tight end with three four-star commits. Hasz comes out of a winning program in Oklahoma and, as a receiving target, runs good routes and has sure hands. Shamar Easter was a home-state keep and is a lengthy target with a big catch radius and good hands. Jaden Hamm runs well and can be an aggressive blocker. LB Carson Dean is a name to watch in this class, as he is an active presence with good range and agility and could develop into a highly productive player in the mold of Arkansas LB Bumper Pool. Braxton is an explosive player who can quickly change direction and be a productive player in the secondary, as well as on special teams.
18. Texas Tech Red Raiders
ESPN 300 commits: 3 | Previous ranking: 18
Big 12 rank: 3 of 10
Top offensive commit: QB Jake Strong (four stars)
Top defensive commit: S Brenden Jordan (No. 223)
New coach Joey McGuire has been known as a strong recruiter and brings a high-energy style to the Red Raiders. Now with a full cycle to work, this is a team to watch in recruiting. The foundation of the class is built on in-state talent, including quarterback Strong, a passer who has continued to improve throughout his high school career and has good arm strength and accuracy. To help protect Strong, the Red Raiders added several high three-star OLs to develop in Daniel Sill, Dylan Shaw and Kaden Carr. On defense, Jordan can be a sound tackler in the secondary, and edge defender Isaiah Crawford is a lengthy prospect with nice upside.
19. Louisville Cardinals
ESPN 300 commits: 7 | Previous ranking: 21
ACC rank: 3 of 14
Top offensive commit: RB Rueben Owens II (No. 42)
Top defensive commit: CB Aaron Williams (No. 163)
The Cardinals' 2022 class took a bit to come together, as they finished near the bottom of the ACC, but they are faring much better in 2023. QB Pierce Clarkson is a passer with a strong arm and background at the position, as he's the son of longtime quarterbacks coach Steve Clarkson. Receiver Jahlil McClain should have good synergy with Clarkson, as the two are high school teammates at St. John Bosco in California. DeAndre Moore Jr. was another big-time pull out of California, as the top-10 WR is a speedy and sudden playmaker with the tools to quickly become a dangerous offensive weapon. DE Adonijah Green is a pickup with a high ceiling for development. He is a lean but lengthy player with good initial quickness and was among the top performers at a loaded Under Armour camp in Atlanta this spring.
20. North Carolina Tar Heels
ESPN 300 commits: 5 | Previous ranking: 23
ACC rank: 4 of 14
Top offensive commit: QB Tad Hudson (No. 146)
Top defensive commit: DE Rico Walker (No. 128)
A key to UNC's top-10 class in the 2022 cycle was in-state talent. For 2023, the Tar Heels are again doing well close to home. Hudson is the top-rated QB in the state and gives them a passer with a strong arm and the ability to make tough throws. Jaybron Harvey and Walker are two of the top defensive prospects in the state staying at home. Harvey is a defender with the tools to develop into a disruptive edge rusher, while ESPN 300 DE Walker is a versatile big body with experience at linebacker. After landing the top prospect in Virginia last cycle, they found success there again with multiple quality commits, including Joel Starlings, a big, strong ESPN 300 DT who can help stuff the run, and high three-star LB Kaveion Keys.
21. Baylor Bears
ESPN 300 commits: 2 | Previous ranking: 19
Big 12 rank: 4 of 10
Top offensive commit: OT Isaiah Robinson (No. 266)
Top defensive commit: DE Trey Wilson (four stars)
QB Austin Novosad is a smooth passer with good arm talent. Micah Gifford can be a productive receiving target, as he possesses good quickness and has shown he can make the tough play in contested matchups. The Bears have not ventured out of state much, but they pulled a talented TE out of Arizona in Max Klopfenstein, who possesses good hands and will work well as a blocker. Over the summer, they added several OL commits, led by Robinson, a big man just scratching the surface of his potential whose frame will greatly benefit from time in their strength program. Defensively, Wilson is a defender with good explosiveness and active hands.
22. Florida State Seminoles
ESPN 300 commits: 7 | Previous ranking: 20
ACC rank: 5 of 14
Top offensive commit: WR Hykeem Williams (No. 24)
Top defensive commit: LB Blake Nichelson (No. 196)
The Seminoles have made some strong additions to their defensive line in Keldric Faulk, who possesses good initial quickness and range; Keith Sampson, who can be a stout presence; and Lamont Green Jr., a lengthy defender who runs well and has good upside. Nichelson was a big get out of California, as he can be a versatile LB. He backed up his strong testing numbers on the camp circuit with his on-field production. Under Armour All-American Lucas Simmons might need a little developmental time, but he is an excellent OL pickup and has a high ceiling. In-state four-star RB Samuel Singleton is a decisive, downhill runner. On the heels of a hot start on the field, the Seminoles landed their biggest commitment of the 2023 recruiting cycle in WR Williams, a lengthy burner who can be a big-play option.
23. Stanford Cardinal
ESPN 300 commits: 5 | Previous ranking: 26
Pac-12 rank: 3 of 12
Top offensive commit: TE Walker Lyons (No. 118)
Top defensive commit: DE Hunter Clegg (No. 155)
Stanford signed the No. 1 class in the conference (No. 12 overall) for 2022, and it is building a nice foundation this cycle, especially on offense. WR Ahmari Borden is a lengthy target with very good quickness and will work to be an aggressive blocker, as well. Tiger Bachmeier is a competitive prospect who can be a reliable target. The Cardinal have built a reputation for developing tight ends, and they landed one of the top prospects at that position in Lyons. RB L.J. Martin is a runner with a sturdy build and a nice blend of toughness and quickness. Defensively, Clegg is an explosive defender with good flexibility and agility.
24. Ole Miss Rebels
ESPN 300 commits: 6 | Previous ranking: 28
SEC rank: 9 of 14
Top offensive commit: WR Ayden Williams (No. 102)
Top defensive commit: ATH Suntarine Perkins (No. 48)
The Rebels landed the top two players in state, led by Perkins, who projects to linebacker and can be an explosive defender who still brings high upside. DE Neeo Avery is another defensive prospect who runs well and possesses a high ceiling for development. Williams is the No. 2-ranked prospect in Mississippi and could be a quick contributor once arriving. He is a tall, lengthy target who is a polished route runner and has the size to break tackles and produce after the catch. Marcel Reed is an ESPN 300 QB with nice tools to develop, as he not only shows good arm strength with accuracy but can run and create when needed.
25. Cincinnati Bearcats
ESPN 300 commits: 1 | Previous ranking: 24
Group of 5 rank: 1
Top offensive commit: RB Manny Covey (three stars)
Top defensive commit: S Daeh McCullough (No. 298)
The Bearcats are showing they are ready for a move to the Big 12 with their play on the field and their ability to recruit among the better classes in the country. ESPN 300 defender McCullough is a DB with nice size and quick feet who can be a physical presence. Four-star LB Trevor Carter was a big in-state win, and interior OL Evan Tengesdahl was another strong, home-state pickup, as he took home positional MVP honors this spring at the Under Armour camp in Ohio. Khamari Anderson can be a productive target in the passing game, as he is a smooth runner with good hands. High three-star RB Covey can be a versatile player, as he possesses great ball skills and can be a productive receiving target out of the backfield.
26. TCU Horned Frogs
ESPN 300 commits: 2 | Previous ranking: 29
Big 12 rank: 5 of 10
Top offensive commit: WR Cordale Russell (No. 277)
Top defensive commit: DE Avion Carter (No. 192)
It has been many years since TCU has gone into a recruiting cycle with a new head coach, but Sonny Dykes and his staff are showing they can keep the Horned Frogs recruiting at a high level. Not surprisingly, they are taking advantage of the rich pool of in-state talent, namely DL Carter. He is a defender with a good initial burst, he can be stout versus the run and disruptive as pass-rusher and he plays with good effort. They have several potential receiving weapons on board, led by the 6-foot-2 Russell and four-star Jordyn Bailey, who has good speed and can be a vertical weapon.
27. Michigan State Spartans
ESPN 300 commits: 5 | Previous ranking: 22
Big Ten rank: 3 of 14
Top offensive commit: OT Stanton Ramil (No. 104)
Top defensive commit: DE Bai Jobe (No. 106)
The Spartans are working to notch a second straight top-20 class. Offensive guards might not get fan bases fired up, but Johnathan Slack is a very good in-state pickup, as he is a blocker with good feet and excellent functional strength. Ramil, who possesses good length and flexibility, was a big pickup out of one of the top high schools in Alabama, Thompson High. The Spartans went into rival Big Ten country to land DE Andrew Depaepe out of Iowa, a player with good strength and a motor. They landed top-three ILB Jordan Hall out of IMG, a powerful defender who closes well and should come in and quickly contribute to their defense. Another key addition to their front seven is Jobe, a defender with nice length and mobility who brings a high ceiling for development. They went into Texas to land a powerful thrower at QB in Bo Edmundson.
28. Michigan Wolverines
ESPN 300 commits: 5 | Previous ranking: 27
Big Ten rank: 4 of 14
Top offensive commit: RB Cole Cabana (No. 116)
Top defensive commit: DE Enow Etta (No. 119)
Early on, the Wolverines secured a commitment from one of the top in-state prospects in Cabana, a slashing runner who can also be a productive receiving target out of the backfield. In-state WR Semaj Morgan has a compact build and a strong lower body to break tackles. DE Collins Acheampong is an intriguing prospect, as he is still raw but is long and agile with tremendous upside. ESPN 300 DL Etta, out of Texas, will be another factor along the line of scrimmage with his length and strong redirection skills.
29. Washington Huskies
ESPN 300 commits: 2 | Previous ranking: 30
Pac-12 rank: 4 of 12
Top offensive commit: ATH Rashid Williams (No. 221)
Top defensive commit: S Curley Reed (No. 271)
Coach Kalen DeBoer's first full class at Washington took a little time to come together, but he and the Huskies gained some strong momentum at the start of summer. Along the offensive line, four-star Elishah Jackett was a nice pickup out of California. Closer to home, No. 2 center Landen Hatchett is an underrated interior OL who could anchor that unit for multiple seasons. Williams brings playmaking ability, as he is a wiry, flexible target with nice hands and good speed. Onetime Texas A&M commit Anthony James is a nice pull out of Texas, as he possesses good initial quickness and agility. The Huskies went a long way to land one of the top safeties in the country in Reed, who hails from Louisiana. They should find him a worthy out-of-state addition, as he possesses good range and physical playing style; he could quickly be a valuable contributor on special teams.
30. Iowa Hawkeyes
ESPN 300 commits: 1 | Previous ranking: 31
Big Ten rank: 5 of 14
Top offensive commit: OT Kadyn Proctor (No. 10)
Top defensive commit: LB Ben Kueter (four stars)
Not surprisingly, the Hawkeyes' class is not very flashy, but it has a very solid foundation. QB Marco Lainez III is a consistent, smooth and accurate passer who looks like a nice fit for Iowa's offense. Known for its eye for and developing offensive linemen, Iowa landed top-10 center Leighton Jones. Proctor is one of the most important in-state gets for any program in this cycle. Big, strong and agile, he has the tools to be a quick contributor and one of Iowa's next All-American-caliber OLs. Defensively, Chase Brackney displays good power to collapse the pocket and set the edge vs. the run. Kueter is another key in-state keep, as the state wrestling champ brings a physical and tenacious style of play to the LB position.
31. Northwestern Wildcats
ESPN 300 commits: 1 | Previous ranking: 25
Big Ten rank: 6 of 14
Top offensive commit: OG Dylan Senda (three stars)
Top defensive commit: OLB Nigel Glover (four stars)
May kicked off a fruitful run on the recruiting trail for the Wildcats as they landed multiple commitments, including four-star defensive talent. Their run in May bolstered an already good group of OL commits, as Jordan Knox and Alex Doost came on board and joined top-25 OG prospects Senda and Anthony Birsa. They scored one of the top in-state prospects in Damon Walters, who can be an aggressive, big-hitting safety. A talented LB addition out of Ohio is Nigel Glover, who is a physical player with good agility and can be productive against the run and pass. DL Dylan Roberts might not be a highly touted name, but he has the tools to be a productive presence in the trenches with good explosiveness, strength and an active style of play.
32. West Virginia Mountaineers
ESPN 300 commits: 1 | Previous ranking: 35
Big 12 rank: 6 of 10
Top offensive commit: ATH Rodney Gallagher (No. 176)
Top defensive commit: LB Josiah Trotter (four stars)
Neal Brown landed a potential anchor for his defense over the coming season in LB Josiah Trotter. In the mold of his All-Pro father Jeremiah, Trotter can be a tough, productive presence between the tackles. Justin Benton gives the Mountaineers a big man with a nice initial burst and excellent strength; he can be a very good, productive contributor to their DL unit. Offensively, they added a talented three-star RB in Jahiem White, who displays good vision and the ability to produce after contact. ESPN 300 ATH Gallagher, who is also a talented basketball player, projects to WR. He displays natural playmaking ability with good quickness, ball skills and a high ceiling for development with a focus on the position.
33. Utah Utes
ESPN 300 commits: 2 | Previous ranking: 37
Pac-12 rank: 5 of 12
Top offensive commit: RB Michael Mitchell (No. 258)
Top defensive commit: CB C.J. Blocker (three stars)
The defending Pac-12 champs are parlaying their on-field success to some nice wins on the recruiting trail. Two dynamic offensive pickups out of California are Carlos Wilson and Dijon Stanley. Stanley is a speedster and can be a versatile weapon at RB, while Wilson, who projects to WR, can be productive as he is sudden with good ball skills. The Utes have had success in Florida with signings such as Tyler Huntley and Zack Moss. They returned there to land ESPN 300 RB Mitchell, who brings a nice blend of size, speed and strength.
34. Kentucky Wildcats
ESPN 300 commits: 2 | Previous ranking: 32
SEC rank: 10 of 14
Top offensive commit: WR Shamar Porter (No. 246)
Top defensive commit: CB Avery Stuart (No. 234)
The Wildcats finished in the top 25 last year, and they are working to do so again. They addressed WR in the previous class and continue to add talent to that unit with Porter, a lengthy and sudden target, as well as four-star Anthony Brown, a diminutive but quick player. They have two of the top five in-state players, led by OT Malachi Wood, a 6-foot-8 lineman with a big frame to develop. In the secondary, four-stars Stuart and Jaremiah Anglin Jr. are very nice additions, as they're prospects with good length and agility.
35. Boston College Eagles
ESPN 300 commits: 1 | Previous ranking: 33
ACC rank: 6 of 14
Top offensive commit: ATH Nate Johnson (No. 268)
Top defensive commit: CB Shawn Battle (three stars)
Johnson was an outstanding get for the Eagles, as he is one of the fastest players in this class. While he could line up on either side of the ball, he projects as a big-play offensive target. Jacobe Robinson is a nice player to develop at QB, as he has a quick release with good arm strength and can be elusive as a runner. They were able to keep RB Datrell Jones, a top-10 prospect in Massachusetts, at home. They went out of state to land RB Durell Robinson, a decisive runner with good vision who adds more talent to the position. An intriguing player in the class to keep an eye on is three-star ATH Reed Harris out of Montana. A high school QB, his blend of size (6-foot-4, 205 pounds), speed and agility could be utilized well at WR or TE.
36. Pittsburgh Panthers
ESPN 300 commits: 1 | Previous ranking: 36
ACC rank: 7 of 14
Top offensive commit: QB Kenny Minchey (No. 182)
Top defensive commit: CB Brice Pollock (three stars)
Pitt had a quarterback selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft, and looking toward the future, the Panthers landed one of the class' top QBs in Minchey. He is a true dual threat who possesses a strong arm, runs well and also throws nicely on the move. They also have added several talented receiving targets in Lamar Seymore, Zion Fowler and in-state WR Kenny Johnson. They pulled out of Baltimore's talent-rich St. Frances Academy DT Isaiah Neal, who should be an excellent fit with his playing style. Pollock also seems like an ideal fit for the Panthers' defense, as he is a speedy and physical corner.
37. Mississippi State Bulldogs
ESPN 300 commits: 1 | Previous ranking: 40
SEC rank: 11 of 14
Top offensive commit: QB Chris Parson (No. 189)
Top defensive commit: DE Joseph Head (three stars)
Once again, the Bulldogs' class lacks many headline-grabbing pickups but is solid from top to bottom. Parson gives them a strong-armed passer who throws a nice deep ball to develop at QB. They have done well close to home with multiple in-state commits, including Ty Jones, a big RB with strong lower body who can run through arm tackles. They strengthened their offense by landing several good OL prospects in high three-star OTs Joe Crocker, Zay Alexander and Malik Ellis, a blocker who can bend and move well and flashes a lot of promise if he can add needed weight.
38. Iowa State Cyclones
ESPN 300 commits: 1 | Previous ranking: 38
Big 12 rank: 7 of 10
Top offensive commit: QB J.J. Kohl (No. 92)
Top defensive commit: ATH Jamison Patton (three stars)
A big win for the Cyclones was keeping Kohl at home, as he is a passer with one of the strongest arms in the class and is mobile enough to generate second-chance opportunities and make throws on the move. Michael Parkes could develop into a favorite target, as he is an explosive player with good hands and runs excellent routes. Another nice addition to their receiving corps is Beni Ngoyi, a target with good quickness and body control. They pulled three-star OL Brandon Henderson out of the successful East St. Louis High School program. An MVP performer at the Elite Underclassmen camp in Kansas City, Missouri, this spring, he gives them an aggressive big man with good physical tools to develop. In-state ATH Patton projects to the secondary for the Cyclones.
39. Nebraska Cornhuskers
ESPN 300 commits: 1 | Previous ranking: unranked
Big Ten rank: 7 of 14
Top offensive commit: ATH Malachi Coleman (No. 158)
Top defensive commit: DT Riley Van Poppel (four stars)
The Cornhuskers are in a transition period as they move on from the unsuccessful Scott Frost era. Despite on-field struggles, they have managed to hold onto, as well as add some, promising talent. Van Poppel is a key commit who has stayed on board, as he is a DL who blends good technique with a relentless effort and should be able to quickly work his way into the rotation. Four-star Omarion Miller is a rangy target who can win for contested balls. The first commitment following the dismissal of Frost was a vital one, as interim coach Mickey Joseph kept ESPN 300 ATH Coleman at home. A versatile player with an elite blend of size (6-5, 200) and speed, he could develop as a disruptive EDGE defender or be a big-play receiving target. The talent pool in-state is limited, so keeping high three-star OLs Gunnar Gottula and Sam Sledge at home is also important.
40. Kansas State Wildcats
ESPN 300 commits: 1 | Previous ranking: unranked
Big 12 rank: 8 of 10
Top offensive commit: QB Avery Johnson (No. 79)
Top defensive commit: ATH Donovan McIntosh (three stars)
Having had great success at FCS power North Dakota State, head coach Chris Klieman is now cultivating success on the field and the recruiting trail at Kansas State. The Wildcats stayed in-state for their biggest commitment in Johnson, a QB with a strong arm and the mobility to improvise and extend plays. Andre Davis was another key in-state keep, as he is a 6-3, 200-pound target in the passing game. DE Jordan Allen is an underrated pickup, as he possesses good first-step quickness and bend; he should only improve as he continues to physically develop. McIntosh projects to the secondary, where he can use his quickness, length and ball skills at corner.
Dropped out: Duke (34), Arizona (39)
Scorecard | 2022 class rankings | 2021 class rankings | 2020 class rankings