By Mike Lilly
It feels like it’s never too early to dissect talent acquisition in any recruiting cycle, even if most teams have less than 10 commitments. Let’s take a look at some teams standing out early on the recruiting trail.
10) Texas Tech
9 Commits
Two 4-Stars, Seven 3-Stars
Getting your quarterback early in the cycle is always important. Landing Lloyd Jones (#21 QB) was a massive in-state get for coach Joey McGuire and his staff to grab some early momentum in the cycle.
Limited JR Year film for the newest Texas Tech commit, Lloyd Jones III, but this highlight stands out from his sophomore season
Sophomore QBs in HS shouldn’t be making these type throws on the run https://t.co/Ct8wTacYFv pic.twitter.com/rEqWrDJn6r
— RC Maxfield (@RCMB323) November 4, 2023
9) Wisconsin
9 Commits
Two 4-Stars, Seven 3-Stars
There’s plenty to like about what Wisconsin is doing in this class on the defensive side of the ball, and coach Luke Fickell shows us again his Ohio ties are strong. Jaimier Scott (#14 CB) is a great early get on the trail for the Badgers and S Cody Haddad is one of the fastest-rising prospects in the Midwest.
Back to the crib 4/6 🏠! #BadgerNation #OnWisconsin #JumpAroundMadtown ❤️🤍🦡 @PatLambert13 @CoachJCooper pic.twitter.com/hf9fHDPBVb
— Jaimier “shiest” Scott (@JaimierScott) March 8, 2024
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8) Georgia
5 Commits
Two 5-Stars, Three 4-Stars
By the time we push into early signing day, no one would be shocked if coach Kirby Smart is touting the top class, but there are just not enough commits yet. Early commit Justus Terry (#2 DL) looks to be next up in the illustrious history of the Bulldogs defensive line.
“Adjustment, that’s all it takes”
We see you Justus Terry (@JustusTerry80). That’s tough 🔥 #Future50 @UANextFootball | #UANext pic.twitter.com/FF8zcUce45
— Billy Tucker (@TheUCReport) June 24, 2023
7) Oklahoma
9 Commits
Five 4-Stars, Four 3-Stars
The Sooners class has elite talent on the offensive side of the ball, and landing Elijah Thomas (#4 WR) is one of many early in-state commits. Coach Brent Venables has never lacked recruiting prowess and it’s safe to assume this class likely finishes in the top 10.
285!! form still needs work. pic.twitter.com/iTynV2FZmI
— Elijah “ET” Thomas (@EliThomas______) March 1, 2024
6) Penn State
11 Commits
Six 4-Stars, Five 3-Stars
Regional recruiting is always paramount for coach James Franklin and his staff, and the 2025 class is no different. A highlight in the class is the recent commitment of Alex Tatsch (#24 LB), a top-5 player in the state of Pennsylvania.
Congrats to Alex Tatsch from Greater Latrobe HS for committing to Penn St.@AlexTatsch5@GLCATATHLETICS @elitefootballac
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Instagram: https://t.co/T3wH9mxgY0 Facebook: https://t.co/J86flGgvaH Youtube: https://t.co/jProjs3d1S pic.twitter.com/faQ9btS2tR— Under Recruited Sport Show (@urasportsshow) February 16, 2024
5) Auburn
8 Commits
Six 4-Stars, Two 3-Stars
The number of commitments skew most recruiting rankings, but not this set. Landing the commitment of three talented in-state defensive linemen has this class off to a great start for coach Hugh Freeze. A name to watch that could make an early impact is Jakaleb Faulk (#9 EDGE), one of the mentioned in-state defensive linemen who could play linebacker in certain defensive sets.
4) Clemson
8 Commits
Nine 4-Stars, One 3-Star
The 2025 class is shaping up to be special for coach Dabo Swinney and his staff. The Tigers have secured commitments from some highly-rated offensive linemen and are in the running for David Sanders Jr. (#1 OT). Landing the commitment of Gideon Davidson (#3 RB) last summer is also proving to be helpful down the stretch as Clemson looks for more wins on the recruiting trail.
Caught a big one today on Lake Hartwell, but hope to land 2-3 even bigger ones in the near future. @DavidLSandersJr @MasonShort_ @J_petty77 @ClemsonFB @CoachMattLuke pic.twitter.com/ImieGuEoyj
— Gideon Davidson (@DavidsonGideon) March 12, 2024
3) Notre Dame
17 Commits
Ten 4-Stars, Seven 3-Stars
You have to like what the Irish are doing in the 2025 cycle, and Deuce Knight (#5 QB) has been a strong help in recruiting more talent to South Bend. A big class compared to others so far in 2025, I think coach Marcus Freeman is going to have a hard time staving off other programs for a handful of players in the class as we go down the stretch.
Got to make sure I get on the rim😂 pic.twitter.com/xrjmAYyMar
— Deuce Knight (@DeuceKnight) February 1, 2024
2) Ohio State
8 Commits
Two 5-Stars, Five 4-Stars, One 3-Star
The high-end talent in this class is definitely worth writing home about. Secondary coach Tim Walton has been a major key in securing three top-10 defensive backs, with the most notable being Devin Sanchez (#1 CB). Sanchez and his family have been a big part in recruiting momentum for the Buckeyes and it doesn’t look to be ending any time soon.
I will be in Ohio march 21-24!
BIA!! pic.twitter.com/I6s2XqvpLY
— Devin Sanchez (@Devin2416) March 6, 2024
1) LSU
10 Commits
Three 5-Stars, Seven 4-Stars
No other way to slice it, coach Brian Kelly and his staff are on fire. Getting their presumed future QB1 in Bryce Underwood (#1 QB) will continue to attract more talent to Baton Rouge and prime the Tigers to compete in the new-look SEC.
Placement…. pic.twitter.com/acxkAIcG8l
— Bryce Jay Underwood (@BryceUnderwoo16) August 28, 2023