Now that most of the nation’s recruits are committing to colleges, the top-five recruiting classes of 2020-2021 are beginning to emerge.
Without further ado, here’s a closer look at the nation’s top five football recruiting classes.
5. Florida Gators
Commits: 12 (seven four-star and five three-star)
The Gators are no stranger to having solid classes, but this may be one to remember. Florida has yet to land a five-star recruit, but that could obviously change as the recruiting cycle comes to a close.
The top player who has committed to the Gators is four-star recruit Tyreak Sapp, a defensive end from Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
Sapp is known for being a powerful pass rusher, drawing comparisons to Florida alum Bryan Cox Jr.
Sapp is not the only top prospect recently bagged by the Gators. Cornerback Clinton Burton Jr. and wide receiver Trevonte Rucker both decided to become Gators.
This is good news for Gator fans, who surely enjoy securing top talent. This trend is expected to continue even as the recruiting cycle comes to a close.
4. Clemson Tigers
Commits: 10 (one five-star and nine four-star)
As national champion runner-ups, one would expect a solid class, and the Tigers sure didn’t disappoint.
This year’s class has followed a recent flow of top recruiting classes thanks to the new $55 million facilities that were built back in 2017.
The Tigers are the first on this list to land a five-star recruit in Will Shipley, an all-purpose running back from Mathews, N.C.
Head coach Dabo Swinney has really turned this program around for the better, and for Tigers fans, there’s a lot to be excited about when it comes to the future of the team.
3. North Carolina Tar Heels
Commits: 14 (10 four-star and four three-star)
Now, this is big news. This year’s class will be remembered as one of the best recruiting classes in Tar Heels history. In the past, the Tar Heels have had average-at-best recruiting classes, generally only bringing in three-star recruits. This year has been different.
The hot streak started back in 2019 when four-star safety Ja’Qurious Conley committed to North Carolina as an incoming junior. A North Carolina high school product, Conley’s commitment preceded this year’s class, which will forever be known as the year of the in-state.
The Tar Heels seemed to snag every four-star recruit in the state, which is somewhat surprising considering North Carolina was once a hot recruiting state for schools such as Clemson and Georgia.
North Carolina fans should be thrilled with the recent success, and this could be a major kickstart to a team that has been nothing short of an average program.
2. Tennessee Volunteers
Commits: 18 (two five-star, four four-star, and 12 three-star)
The Vols in the past have had decent recruiting classes, but this class has been a breakthrough. Since head coach Jeremy Pruit was hired, the Vols have seen some ups and downs but this is a great sign for Tennessee enthusiasts.
The surge of top recruits committing to the Vols started when four-star wide-receiver Jordan Mosley committed back in the summer of 2019.
The real news, however, came in the month of April, when the Vols managed to land four four-stars and a three-star.
Head coach Jeremy Pruitt has done a phenomenal job recruiting the south which has people wondering if the Vols in the future could get back up to their championship-winning standard.
1. Ohio State Buckeyes
Commits: 17 (three five-star, 11 four-star, and three three-star)
It’s hard to remember a time when the Buckeyes were not at the top of the recruiting classes. When former head coach Urban Meyer resigned, questions arose regarding whether the Buckeyes’ recruiting classes would rise to their set standards. However, once again, Ohio State didn’t disappoint their beloved fans.
Led by an elite pass rusher in Jack Sawyer, a five-star local recruit from Pickerington, Ohio, the Buckeyes had a fantastic class again.
Ohio State has always seemed to dominate in-state recruiting, and this year is not an exception. However, Ohio State has yet to land a top-ranked quarterback, which could be problematic in the event that star quarterback Justin Fields suffers an injury.
In this class, the Buckeyes landed five-star running back TreVeyon Henderson, an explosive back who will try to extend the Buckeyes’ recent running back powerhouse. Taking over for recently-drafted running back J.K. Dobbins could be a tall order.
All in all, Buckeyes fans should be excited for the future of the program, and this class has the potential to help the Buckeyes take a title back to Columbus.
Rankings via 24/7 Sports.
