2012 Team Recruiting Rankings

Landing the nation's top-ranked pro-style quarterback can certainly boost a recruiting class.

LSU vaulted from ninth to fourth in 247Sports' team recruiting rankings, climbing after locking up Columbus East (Ind.) five-star signal-caller Gunner Kiel over Notre Dame and Vanderbilt on Tuesday. Kiel decommitted from Indiana on Oct. 21 and seemed destined for South Bend before LSU swayed him during a visit to Baton Rouge for the Arkansas game.

The Tigers have had success with another Indiana quarterback in the past. Matt Mauck -- originally from Jasper, Ind. -- led LSU to BCS National Championship in 2003.

With Kiel's commitment, LSU comes in just behind Michigan, but could supplant the Wolverines by adding five-star safety Landon Collins. The Geismar, La., native would give Les Miles and Co. a top three class -- and perhaps the best in the nation.

Alabama, the other major contender for Collins, remains No. 1, with Texas and Oklahoma rounding out the top five. Heading into the New Year, here's how things stand.