Mike Farrell Sports

College Football Recruiting, Opinion, and Analysis

The Top 25 Recruiting Classes Following the Early Signing Period

The Godfather of Recruiting, Mike Farrell, drops his rankings for the top 25 college football recruiting classes in following the early signing period. Did your favorite team make the cut?

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Okay, I’ve had a few days to process the Early Signing Period and evaluate all the classes put together. I don’t use some mathematical formula created to eliminate bias to determine my rankings.

I don’t care if you think I’m biased or not. This is my top 25 based on player talent, needs that were addressed, and overall roster improvement.

The Top 25

1. Alabama 

I won’t bore you with the hits as they have so many. Two legit QBs and every position is a home run down to recent surprises like OL Kadyn Proctor and DB Desmond Ricks. Okay maybe they could have used another linebacker but that’s nitpicking.

2. Georgia

To be this highly ranked without a QB in the class is very rare the way I evaluate it. The defensive side is beyond elite led by DEs Samuel M’Pemba and Damon Wilson. 

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3. Ohio State 

The Buckeyes didn’t finish as strong as hoped and struggled at DE in the end but this offensive class is epic, especially at WR with studs like Noah Rogers, Carnell Tate, and Brandon Inniss. 

4. Texas 

Everyone knows I’m not as high on QB Arch Manning as many others but he’s still a legit talent and the impact he had on this class was amazing. LB Anthony Hill leads a strong defensive class which will be much needed heading to the SEC soon.

 5. Oklahoma 

Led by QB Jackson Arnold the offense is solid but they really improved on defense with DB Peyton Bowen and others.

6. Miami 

Mario Cristobal’s first class is beyond elite despite five-star DB Cormani McClain delaying his signature. Cristobal especially nailed it in the trenches.

 7. LSU 

Brian Kelly knows how easy it can be to recruit at LSU and he took advantage of in-state advantages. But Kelly also did an excellent job spot-recruiting nationally at some of the areas he loaded up on at Notre Dame, such as landing four-star TE Mac Markway out of St. Louis, Missouri.

 8. Clemson 

Clemson always has a class outside the top five that seems exceptional and this year is no different. He killed it in Alabama and Georgia as usual, including stealing Christopher Vizzina from in-state schools like Alabama and Auburn. 

 9. Oregon 

Dan Lanning dominated down the stretch flipping QB Austin Novosad from Baylor and stealing DE Matayo Uiagalelei from USC and Ohio State. This is as good a class as I’ve seen at Oregon in ages. 

10. Notre Dame 

They lost a few key players down the stretch of course but this class addresses needs at WR and RB especially and QB Kenny Minchey is a solid steal late.

11. Tennessee 

QB Nico Iamaleava headlines a solid offensive class but I’m more excited about the defense led by DE Daevin Hobbs.

12. USC 

I have USC higher than most because my No. 1 player, QB Malachi Nelson, is a difference maker. The class isn’t as good on defense as I expected but this offense will continue to hum.

13. Florida 

This is a strong defensive class which is key and QB Jaden Rashada was a massive flip from Miami.

14. Texas A&M 

Despite a horrible season, the Aggies got stronger in the trenches with this class and that’s key. But QB is still an issue.

15. Penn State 

An elite class on the offensive line and tight end will keep them effective running the ball and in short yardage and the defensive backfield is deep. 

16. South Carolina 

A really strong defensive line class headlines one of the better classes I’ve seen for the Gamecocks.

17. Utah 

This is the best class I’ve seen Utah put together in my 25 years covering recruiting. That’s bad news for the rest of the PAC 12.

18. Florida State 

A smaller class gets dinged in math formulas but this class is quality over quantity and the offensive additions are nasty.

19. TCU 

The playoff season had an impact on recruiting and this is one of the best defensive classes in the country.

20. Auburn 

Hugh Freeze came in and stole players from Ohio State, Florida State, and elsewhere. He sent a message with his first class.

21. Michigan State 

In another small class that won’t get the love of math formulas, Mel Tucker nailed it on defense.

22. Michigan 

Wide receiver help is on the way for a class that isn’t ranked as high as expected but you can’t argue Jim Harbaugh’s evaluation skills.

23. Arkansas 

The balance of this class stands out to me as Sam Pittman didn’t miss anywhere.

24. Texas Tech 

Joey McGuire lands a ton of in-state talent as expected and will immediately improve his defense.

25. Mississippi State 

There aren’t a ton of stars in here but the middle of this class is loaded with future two deep standouts. 

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