Many classes look quite different than they did at the conclusion of the 2022 recruiting cycle. Some of the schools with the top 2022 classes have done better at keeping as well as developing talent. The classes also have a mix of transfer contributors as well as impactful prep signings.
With a couple years of evaluation, success here can be defined as hitting on less than 50% of the class. In turn, that can lead to some classes making big leaps.
1. Michigan Wolverines
2022 rank: No. 8
Three-year record: 36-6
2022 College Football Playoff; 2023 national champions
Top signee: DE Derrick Moore, No. 20 overall
This Wolverines class boasted two playoff appearances and a national championship, propelling them from No. 8 to the No. 1 slot. Yes, those playoff appearances came during this class's freshman and sophomore seasons, but this group still contributed.
While injuries cut his junior season short, in-state corner Will Johnson, a top-five corner prospect, performed like a highly touted prospect over his first two seasons and notched seven interceptions during that span. Defensive line signees Derrick Moore, Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant accounted for 11.5 sacks during Michigan's title run. Moore, the top prospect in the class, will return to Ann Arbor. Johnson and former three-stars Graham and Grant are now projected first-round NFL draft picks.
Tight end Colston Loveland is another projected first-rounder from this class. Michigan pulled Loveland out of Idaho, and he started 17 games over his first two seasons. He was third on the team in receptions (45) in 2023 and had a 41-yard catch to kick off a key scoring drive during the fourth quarter of the CFP National Championship game. ESPN 300 wide receiver Tyler Morris and versatile athlete Alex Orji were productive contributors. Keon Sabb impacted Michigan's title run and has since transferred to Alabama.
2. Penn State Nittany Lions
2022 rank: No. 6
Three-year record: 34-8
2024 College Football Playoff
Top signee: WR Kaden Saunders, No. 32 overall
The Nittany Lions' 2022 class appeared strong enough to rank in the top 10 nationally at the time. Fast forward a few years and it looks even better. Penn State's class was among the most elite and productive classes of the cycle, yielding several starters and key contributors en route to 34 wins over the last three seasons and a College Football Playoff run in 2024.
Penn State signed a pair of notable quarterbacks. Top-five recruit Drew Allar became a two-year starter and ranks in the top 10 in school history in multiple categories. Beau Pribula developed into a quality backup and was one of the more coveted quarterbacks in the recent transfer portal cycle. The Nittany Lions also signed a pair of ESPN 300 running backs, Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, who paired wonderfully together. They combined for over 1,900 yards as freshmen, and each rushed for over 1,000 yards this season. Penn State also unearthed the current left side of its offensive line in No. 10 offensive tackle Drew Shelton and guard Olaivavega Ioane.
This class had impact defenders as well. Chop Robinson transferred in, becoming an All-Big Ten performer and then a 2024 first-round pick. Abdul Carter quickly exceeded his four-star ranking, finishing among team leaders in tackles (56) and tackles for loss (10.5) while leading the team in sacks (6.5) as a freshman. He has since become one of top edge defenders in college football, and he tallied 23.5 TFLs and 12 sacks this season. Carter will also be a first-round NFL draft selection.
3. Georgia Bulldogs
2022 rank: No. 3
Three-year record: 39-4
2022 national champions; 2024 College Football Playoff
Top signee: ATH Malaki Starks, No. 12 overall
This group was part of two SEC titles and a national championship. That title came in Year 1 for this class, but it still provided an impact. Top signee Malaki Starks started 14 games in 2022 and wasted no time introducing himself to college football. He notched a highlight-reel interception in the first quarter of their game against Oregon and finished as Georgia's leading tackler before becoming an All-American.
This class yielded several impact defensive performers, including ESPN 300 defensive lineman Mykel Williams, who also contributed during that title season and projects as a first-rounder in April. Linebacker Jalon Walker, like Williams and Starks, ranked within the top three at his position in 2022, won the Butkus Award this season as the nation's top linebacker. Corner Daylen Everette emerged as a two-year starter, and defensive lineman Christen Miller also became a starter. Defense defined this class then and still does, but Georgia's offense benefitted as well. Tight end Oscar Delp, three-star receiver Dillon Bell and backup quarterback Gunner Stockton all arrived in this class.
4. Boise State Broncos
2022 rank: No. 58
Three-year record: 30-12
2024 College Football Playoff
Top signee: LB Dishawn Misa, No. 244 overall
Excellent production from this class spurred the Broncos' stampede up the reranking. Like the rest of this class, running back Jeanty proved to be wildly underrated. He projected as a three-star Group of 5 prospect, where almost all of his offers came from. He posted solid measurables (5-foot-8½, 193 pounds) and testing numbers as a 2021 Under Armour camp participant in his home state of Texas, but nothing that indicated what was coming. Jeanty ran for over 1,800 yards as a high school senior, and an excellent evaluation and recruiting move paid big dividends for Boise State. He quickly contributed more than 2,000 yards over his first two seasons, developing into a Heisman Trophy runner-up and arguably the single most important player to his team in 2024.
Signing Jeanty headlines the Broncos' rise. However, this class included multiple players who were key to the team's 2024 playoff appearance. The transfer acquisition of former five-star quarterback Malachi Nelson made news last offseason, but it was 2022 three-star quarterback signee Maddux Madsen who ended up leading their offense. Several starters among their offensive line unit emerged from this class, most notably Kage Casey, a two-year starter at left tackle.
While top signee Dishawn Misa never broke out and has since left the program, three-star defensive linemen Braxton Fely and Jayden Virgin-Morgan were productive signings. Virgin-Morgan led the team in sacks, and Fely, who flashed in camp appearances with excellent explosiveness and good agility but lacked ideal size at 6-foot-1, 263 pounds in spring 2021, became a multiyear starter and had nine tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks this season.
Marty Smith sits down with Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty and discusses how his upbringing set him up for success on the football field.
5. Texas Longhorns
2022 rank: No. 5
Three-year record: 33-10
2023, 2024 College Football Playoff
Top signee: OL DJ Campbell, No. 10 overall
The Longhorns went a disappointing 8-5 in their first season, but Texas surged to 12 wins in Year 2, and the 2022 group helped lead the Longhorns to the playoff.
Quarterback Quinn Ewers was originally part of the 2022 class -- and at one point committed to Texas -- before reclassifying to the 2021 season and choosing Ohio State. Despite that brief detour, the Texas native quickly transferred home and started his entire time in Austin. Ewers guided Texas to two playoff appearances and leaves among its career wins leaders with 27.
Texas' offensive line helped propel this group to top-five status in 2022. The Longhorns signed four big men ranked in the ESPN 300. Three became starters: five-star DJ Campbell, top-five offensive tackle prospect Kelvin Banks Jr. and Cameron Williams. Campbell has been a two-year starter at right guard and Williams developed into a starter at right tackle this season. Banks fell a few spots shy of a fifth star in 2022 but wasted no time proving he was worthy of it. The No. 4 offensive tackle, Banks has started at left tackle since his freshman season for the Longhorns and won the Lombardi and Outland trophies this season. Players such as running back Jaydon Blue, edge Ethan Burke and defensive back Jaylon Guilbeau have also contributed to Texas' success.
6. LSU Tigers
2022 rank: No. 13
Three-year record: 29-11
Top signee: LB Harold Perkins Jr., No. 4 overall
This is an interesting class to gauge. An SEC championship appearance and two bowl wins is a success, but the class has not had an SEC title or made a playoff. Either way, Brian Kelly's first full class at LSU had talent and spawned multiple key starters.
An ACL injury cut Harold Perkins' junior season short, but he arrived as an immediate impact player. The standout two-way player appeared headed to Texas A&M until Kelly lured him to Baton Rouge late in the process. Perkins earned first team All-SEC honors as a freshman and led LSU in tackles for loss in each of his first two seasons.
Five-star OT Will Campbell displayed the tools to be a plug-and-play big man with his performance at the 2022 Under Armour All-America game and ultimately made 38 starts at left tackle for the Tigers. ESPN 300 offensive lineman Emery Jones also started immediately, as did tight end Mason Taylor, who quickly outplayed his three-star ranking. He finished third on the team in receptions as a freshman and sophomore, then set LSU's single-season record for catches by a tight end (55) in 2024
Some key transfers also arrived in this class. Players like defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo, wide receiver Kyren Lacy and running back Noah Cain were productive additions, but Jayden Daniels proved to be the most impactful. He led LSU to its only season with double-digit wins during that span and became its third Heisman winner.
7. Alabama Crimson Tide
2022 rank: No. 2
Three-year record: 32-8
2022, 2023 College Football Playoff
Top signee: OL Tyler Booker, No. 11 overall
This group was one of the final classes of Nick Saban's career. While it didn't quite match initial expectations, it delivered some quality talent, and members of this class helped deliver Saban one last SEC title and playoff appearance before his retirement.
Adding interior offensive linemen isn't always buzzworthy, but Tyler Booker lived up to his five-star ranking. He contributed as a freshman and became a two-year starter and All-America-level player. ESPN 300 wide receiver Isaiah Bond was a key target on the Crimson Tide's 2022 SEC title team before transferring, as was tight end Amari Niblack, who has since left the program. Kobe Prentice and Kendrick Law were notably 2023 contributors at receiver who stuck with the program before transferring this winter. Georgia transfer Jermaine Burton was another key part of that passing attack.
An early signing period addition, onetime Clemson commit and top five outside linebacker Jihaad Campbell became the next in a long line of elite defenders for Alabama during the Saban era. Campbell is now poised to be another first-round pick from that unit after staying in Tuscaloosa and making 119 tackles and five sacks this past season.
8. Iowa State Cyclones
2022 rank: No. 43
Three-year record: 22-17
Top signee: DT Hunter Deyo, No. 293 overall
This class provided the foundation for Iowa State's progression over the past three years and is an excellent example of what recruiting should look like. The Cyclones went 4-8 their first year with minimal impact from this class outside of high-three-star safety Jeremiah Cooper, who started multiple games. On special teams, punter Tyler Perkins quickly became a three-year starter.
Iowa State won seven games in Year 2 and three-star Rocco Becht took over at quarterback after redshirting and set several school freshman passing records. Junior college signee James Neal filled a need and stepped into a starting role at offensive tackle. On defense, linebackers Carson Willich and Will McLaughlin, as well as defensive lineman Ikenna Ezeogu, took on bigger roles.
In 2024, the Cyclones won 11 games for the first time in program history. While injuries stunted the progress of both promising young linebackers this season, Becht returned at quarterback and threw for 3,505 yards. Tight end Gabe Burkle emerged as a productive target. Jontez Williams joined Cooper as a starter in the secondary, and defensive lineman Domonique Orange contributed to ISU's defense. While some of the higher-profile names from this class have since moved on, Matt Campbell and staff did an excellent job of evaluating and getting production from the bulk of this group leading to one of the Cyclones' most successful seasons ever.
9. Arizona Wildcats
2022 rank: No. 25
Three-year record: 19-18
Top signee: WR Tetairoa McMillan, No. 145 overall
Jedd Fisch took over a hurting Wildcats program in the middle of three straight losing seasons that hadn't posted double-digit wins since 2014. Arizona then struggled to a 1-11 season in 2021. But with a full year to work on the recruiting trail, Fisch assembled a top-25 class that signaled positive change was coming. The rebuild allowed freshmen to play right away. Several did, including three-star linebacker Jacob Manu and top signee wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan. This class also included several key transfers, such as wide receiver Jacob Cowing (UTEP), who led the team in receptions, defensive end Hunter Echols (USC) and quarterback Jayden de Laura (Washington State), who assumed the starting role.
This class was a key catalyst behind Arizona's jump to 10 wins in 2023. McMillan built off a promising freshman campaign and had 1,402 receiving yards, emerging as one of the elite receivers in college football. de Laura returned and contributed, but three-star redshirt Noah Fifita emerged and won Pac-12 Freshman of the Year honors while leading the Wildcats to seven straight wins to end the year. Arizona's 2022 recruiting class produced multiple starters and contributors on that 10-win team, including ESPN 300 defensive back Ephesians Prysock and three-star defensive end Isaiah Ward.
Fisch left for Washington after that season and Arizona regressed to four wins in 2024. Several key players from this class followed him, including recent transfer Tacario Davis, who emerged and developed into one of the top corners in college football. While the impact from this class was a flash, it made a mark and leaves you wondering what would have happened if Fisch and some of those key players stayed in Tucson for another season.
10. Tennessee Volunteers
2022 rank: No. 22
Three-year record: 30-9
2024 College Football Playoff
Top signee: OT Addison Nichols, No. 112 overall
After years of struggles, Josh Heupel has returned Tennessee back to SEC and national relevance. His first full recruiting class in 2022 helped guide the Volunteers to the CFP this season. This group had minimal impact on Tennessee's 11-win season in 2022, but Squirrel White (who transferred to Florida State in early January) stepped in and caught 30 passes that season. Wide receiver Bru McCoy, a touted 2019 recruit, began to live up to his potential after transferring from USC and has proven an excellent transfer addition.
This class had a much bigger impact on the Vols' playoff run in 2024. White and McCoy became top targets, and the class also provided depth to their receiving room. High-three-star running back Dylan Sampson became a 1,000-yard rusher. James Pearce, another three-star, developed into one of the top pass rushers in the SEC and finished with 7.5 sacks. Tyre West, Joshua Josephs, Kalib Perry and Christian Harrison, as well as transfer Andre Turrentine, all contributed to the Vols' defensive success.
11. Ohio State Buckeyes
2022 rank: No. 4
Three-year record: 36-6
2022 College Football Playoff; 2024 national champions
Top signee: ATH Sonny Styles
Winning a national championship is the ultimate goal. Members of this class helped the Buckeyes achieve that against Notre Dame. Sonny Styles wasn't initially slated for this class, but the in-state athlete reclassified, contributed as a versatile freshman and developed into a starter at linebacker. Styles was among OSU's leading tacklers during the season.
In-state ESPN 300 offensive lineman Tegra Tshabola was the other key addition to this class. He developed into a two-year contributor who started every game this season at right guard. ESPN 300 offensive lineman Carson Hinzman provided versatility, working primarily at center but also mixing in at guard. Any national title team needs depth, especially in the trenches, and the Buckeyes added productive defensive line contributors Kenyatta Jackson Jr., Caden Curry and Hero Kanu.
12. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
2022 rank: No. 7
Three-year record: 33-9
2024 College Football Playoff
Top signee: LB Jaylen Sneed, No. 48 overall
Even though the Fighting Irish fell short of a national championship, this class positioned them to amass 24 wins over the past two seasons. Top prospect Jaylen Sneed developed into a starter this season and was among the team leaders with 51 tackles. Though he missed time this season with an injury, four-star corner Benjamin Morrison emerged as the top prospect from this class and quickly made an impact with six interceptions in 2022. He became a multiyear starter and team captain. Junior Tuihalamaka and Donovan Hinish combined for 7.5 sacks this season. On offense, Notre Dame developed a pair of starters on their offensive line and tight end Eli Raridon was a key contributor. ESPN 300 running back Jadarian Price added 746 yards on the ground this season.
13. Clemson Tigers
2022 rank: No. 14
Three-year record: 30-11
2024 College Football Playoff
Top signee: QB Cade Klubnik, No. 29 overall
This class didn't deliver on any playoff success, but it did help keep the Tigers near the top of the ACC with two conference titles and one playoff appearance. Their top signee, Cade Klubnik, emerged as a two-year starter, throwing for 3,639 yards and accounting for 43 touchdowns this season. He plans to return to Clemson in 2025. Wide receiver Antonio Williams was another ESPN 300 signee who took a big step forward in 2024 and was clearly their top target this past season. Blake Miller became a three-year starter at tackle and was one of two starters along the offensive line from this class. Defensively, this class supplied three-star Wade Woodaz, Clemson's leading tackler this season.
14. Ole Miss Rebels
2022 rank: No. 23
Three-year record: 29-10
Top signee: CB Davison Igbinosun, No. 128 overall
The transfer portal has changed the landscape of recruiting, and few have been more active using that avenue than Ole Miss. It has paid dividends. Consecutive double-digit win seasons were spurred by multiple transfers. Jaxson Dart, a 2021 ESPN 300 QB, was the most notable. He arrived after one season at USC and took over the offense. His passing numbers increased each year and he threw for 10,617 yards while with the Rebels. The versatile JJ Pegues (Auburn) also arrived in this cycle and was among team leaders this season in rushing touchdowns and tackles for loss.
High-three-star Quinshon Judkins was an excellent high school signing. Before he helped Ohio State capture a national title in 2024, he posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons with the Rebels. SMU transfer Ulysses Bentley IV first backed Judkins up and has since rushed for nearly 1,000 yards. Georgia Tech defensive end transfer Jared Ivey developed into a potential first-round pick. Top signee Davison Igbinosun contributed immediately in his brief, albeit productive, Ole Miss tenure before transferring to Ohio State a year later.
15. Oregon Ducks
2022 rank: No. 36
Three-year record: 35-6
2024 College Football Playoff
Top signee: OL Josh Conerly Jr., No. 31 overall
At the time, Oregon's class was pushed down the rankings amid a coaching transition from Mario Cristobal to Dan Lanning. Lanning did a good job in a short window. He delivered a class that contributed to over 30 wins, a Big Ten title and a playoff appearance. Top signee Josh Conerly Jr. met expectations as a two-year starter at left tackle. Tennessee native Jordan James led the Ducks in rushing this year (1,267 yards) and was an ESPN 300 signing in 2022. Their leading rusher in 2023, Bucky Irving, arrived as a transfer in this class as well out of Minnesota. Auburn transfer Bo Nix, who revitalized his career in Eugene, developed into a Heisman finalist and subsequent first-round pick.
16. Washington Huskies
2022 rank: NR
Three-year record: 31-10
2023 College Football Playoff
Top signee: TE Ryan Otton, No. 277 overall
Kalen DeBoer inherited a four-win program and a small recruiting class. That's a tough situation. While his time with the Huskies was short, he made the most of it, making key moves that helped Washington jump to 11 wins in 2022 and a national title appearance in 2023. Virginia transfer Wayne Taulapapa led the Huskies' ground game in 2022. On defense, linebacker Cam Bright arrived via Pittsburgh and was among their most productive defenders. Both moved on after that season. Another vital transfer, Indiana's Michael Penix Jr., did not. He threw for over 4,000 yards in 2022 and then did so again in 2023, along with 35 touchdowns, to become a Heisman finalist.
Washington also received a good percentage of production from its limited crop of eight prep signees. Two have since left the program -- and another is leaving -- but Tristan Dunn, Jay Green and Jayvon Parker all contributed on defense. Four-star offensive lineman Parker Brailsford became the starting center on Washington's playoff squad. It took a few years, but four-star Denzel Boston broke out for 63 catches and nine touchdowns in 2024. Under Armour All-American Grady Gross walked on and eventually earned a scholarship to become the Huskies' place-kicker.
17. Missouri Tigers
2022 rank: No. 11
Three-year record: 27-12
Top signee: WR Luther Burden, No. 5 overall
This class showed the potential to help move Missouri forward under Eli Drinkwitz. While it had some misses and players that didn't meet expectations, it ultimately produced back-to-back double-digit win seasons. Signing five-star receiver Luther Burden III was a statement at the time. He stayed with the program and was an impact presence with nearly 200 receptions and over 2,220 yards across three seasons. In-state three-star offensive lineman Armand Membou moved into a starting role as a freshman and became a consistent starter at right tackle over the past two seasons. They added several productive transfers including Cody Schrader, a little-known walk-on Division II transfer who produced big results. He rushed for 2,372 yards in two seasons, including 1,627 yards during the Tigers' 11-win 2023 season to become an All-American.
18. Tulane Green Wave
2022 rank: NR
Three-year record: 32-10
Top signee: WR Jalen Rogers
Tulane's signing class had a limited impact on its 12-win season in 2022, but it hit its peak to help the Green Wave rack up 20 wins over the past two seasons. ESPN 300 WR Lawrence Keys III, a 2018 recruit, returned home after signing with Notre Dame out of high school and made 30 catches for Tulane's 2022 American Conference title squad. He followed it up with 33 more catches in 2023. Three-star receiver signee Chris Brazzell II led the 11-win 2023 team in receptions. Makhi Hughes broke out for 1,378 rushing yards in 2023. He followed that up with a 1,400-yard season and 15 touchdowns this past fall. Hughes was one of the more sought-after running backs in the transfer portal before landing at Oregon. Tight end Alex Bauman transferred to Miami in early January, but not before leaving his mark. He caught 63 passes and scored 13 touchdowns over the past three seasons.
19. Iowa Hawkeyes
2022 rank: 47
Three-year record: 26-14
Top signee: S Xavier Nwankpa
With just two ESPN 300 signees, this was not an overly heralded class compared to many other Power 5 classes, but it was a talented group that produced and proved it was among the best in that 2022 cycle. This group has not had a losing season and played for the Big Ten title in 2023. Top signee Xavier Nwankpa, a key in-state addition, has carried his weight. He made an early impression with a pick-six in his first career start for the Hawkeyes in their bowl win over Kentucky his freshman year. He has been a starter since and could continue to make an impact after announcing he will return for his senior season. Iowa's other in-state ESPN 300 signee, Aaron Graves, has been a strong addition to its defensive line and developing into a productive starter. The Hawkeyes signed two high-three-star running backs in the class and both have produced though Kaleb Johnson has stood out. He made an immediate impact, leading the team in rushing as a freshman and again as a junior rushing for over 1,500 yards. Another highlight from the class was Addison Ostrenga who didn't have any other reported offers but has proven to be a good evaluation that has added value to their roster contributing each season he has been on campus.
20. USC Trojans
2022 rank: 51
Three-year record: 26-14
Top signee: CB Domani Jackson, No. 92 overall
The Trojans lured Riley away from Oklahoma and he found immediate success in his first season at USC on the field and the recruiting trail. USC went 11-3 in 2022, led by transfer signee Caleb Williams who followed his coach from OU and would win the Heisman Trophy after throwing for 4,537 yards and 42 touchdowns with another 10 touchdowns on the ground. Williams' favorite target that year was transfer WR Jordan Addison, who led the Trojans in receptions and yards after winning the Biletnikoff Award in 2021 as the nation's top receiver while playing at Pittsburgh. Addison declared for draft and went No. 23 overall to the Minnesota Vikings, while Williams played one more year for the Trojans, going 8-5 but being selected first overall by the Chicago Bears. On defense, Wyoming DE transfer Solomon Byrd tallied 18.5 tackles for a loss including 10 sacks in two seasons at USC, while linebacker Eric Gentry was a productive three-year linebacker after transferring from Arizona State.
While the 2022 class hit exceptionally well on transfers, the high school class saw a mass exodus before a significant impact. Five-star corner Domani Jackson, who would start as a sophomore, and safety Zion Branch, who was slowed by injury, were the big names on defense but never made significant impacts before hitting the portal. Running back Raleek Brown, the top-rated offensive player, showed flashes as an all-purpose back and returner as a true freshman, but his production declined as sophomore before transferring.
21. California Golden Bears
2022 rank: No. 64
Three-year record: 16-22
Top signee: OL Trent Ramsey
Cal hasn't won 10 games in a season since 2006. So while this class's record sits under .500, it's notable they have made back-to-back bowl appearances. Four-star running back Jaydn Ott was an impactful signing. Injuries slowed him 2024, but he led the team in rushing as a freshman and was one of the top backs in college football in 2023, rushing for over 1,315 yards with 11 touchdowns. He is now among the top 10 in school history in rushing touchdowns.
Three starters, two high school signees and one transfer, that helped open running lanes for Ott emerged from this class. In-state high-three-star Nate Burrell has contributed to their defensive line since arriving. Fernando Mendoza transferred to Indiana this winter but handled much of the action at quarterback over the past two seasons. In 2024, he became just the fifth quarterback in program history to throw for more than 3,000 yards in 2024.
22. Illinois Fighting Illini
2022 rank: 54
Three-year record: 23-15
Top signee: WR Shawn Miller
Bret Bielema's first full class helped rebuild a Fighting Illini program that hit the 10-win mark in 2024 for the first time since 2001. A pair of defensive signees out of Florida, linebacker Gabe Jacas and defensive back Xavier Scott have been key additions. Both have contributed since year one and developed into all-conference-caliber players. In-state defensive back signee Matthew Bailey also played as a freshman and developed into a starter. Coming over from conference rival Northwestern, defensive lineman TeRah Edwards has been a productive addition over the past three seasons. Syracuse transfer quarterback Tommy DeVito (Syracuse) helped jump-start the rebuild by stepping in during the 2022 season.
23. Washington State Cougars
2022 rank: 66
Three-year record: 20-18
Top signee: TE Andre Dollar
We would not have expected the Cougars to climb into the top 25 in 2022. Their new ranking is anchored by two key quarterback additions in the 2022 class via both the transfer portal and prep ranks. Cam Ward made the initial impact. He arrived from FCS program Incarnate Word and threw for over 6,500 yards in two seasons. His success made him a coveted target when he decided to transfer again. High-three-star signee John Mateer out of Texas stepped in following Ward's departure. A lightly recruited late add to their 2022 class, he flashed good physical tools and swagger, then helped lead the Cougars to eight wins while throwing for over 3,000 yards. His success has also made him a coveted transfer target as he leaves the program for Oklahoma. Defenders Daiyan Henley (linebacker) and Cam Lampkin (defensive back) were productive transfers as well. Tight end Andre Dollar and in-state running back Djouvensky Schlenbaker, who were prep signees, have never broken out but remained with the program and contributed.
24. Florida State Seminoles
2022 rank: No. 20
Three-year record: 25-14
Top signee: ATH Sam McCall, No. 55 overall
This Seminoles class is an excellent example of the highs and lows that come with recruiting success and missteps. In a way, this class played a pivotal role in their successes during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, as well as in their sharp decline in 2024.
Key transfer additions helped them to rip off 19 straight wins, including 13 straight in 2023. Defensive end transfer Jared Verse jumped up from FCS Albany and was one of the nation's top pass rushers while at Florida State for two seasons. Offensively, wide receiver Johnny Wilson (Arizona State) came in and became a top target in their passing game, and Trey Benson (Oregon) helped power the run game in that same span. Those and several other transfers played big roles in their success that led to 24 wins in two years.
There was a big regression in 2024, though, as those players moved on and many of the 2022 prep signees failed to step up and deliver. Their top offensive and defensive players, ATH/defensive back Sam McCall and quarterback AJ Duffy, are already on their third schools with minimal production over three years in college football. Several others have left the program as well. Only defensive back Azareye'h Thomas delivered among their ESPN 300 signees, while defensive lineman Daniel Lyons and linebacker Omar Graham Jr. became productive prep additions from this cycle.
25. Texas A&M Aggies
2022 rank: 1
Three-year record: 20-18
Top signee: DT Walter Nolen, No. 1 overall
The buzz around this class was immense at the conclusion of the 2022 cycle. With five five-star players, it was being discussed as one of the greatest ever. The drop from that high point has been steep, though. Many pieces from this class went on to good college careers, but the sum of the parts never equaled success for the Aggies. Many have left the program, and a coaching change occurred during this stretch.
Notable signees such as No. 1 defensive tackle Walter Nolen, top-five wide receiver Evan Stewart and ESPN 300 offensive lineman Kam Dewberry played as freshmen, but the Aggies stumbled out of the gate with this class going 5-7 in 2022. They climbed to seven wins in 2023. Players like safety Bryce Anderson finished among leading tacklers, Nolen notched four sacks and three-star offensive guard Mark Nabou Jr. started every game. After Jimbo Fisher was fired, many moved on at the end of the season, including Nolen, Stewart and defensive lineman LT Overton.
A&M reached eight wins in 2024 under the direction of new coach Mike Elko with players such as Anderson, former five-star defensive lineman Shemar Stewart and running back Le'Veon Moss staying with the program and contributing. Many more from this class have entered the portal. By the start of next season, over 60% of this historic class overall and 70% of the 24 ESPN 300 signees will have moved on from the program.