College Football's Top Recruiting Classes

Which college football programs are set to bring in the most talent ahead of the 2020 season?

Author:
John Garcia, Jr.
Updated:
Dec 18, 2019
Original:
Dec 16, 2019

Clemson is the defending College Football Playoff Champion and it is in position to secure the top recruiting class in the cycle to follow.

After holding onto the bevy of SI All-American prospects headed to play for Dabo Swinney and company, even adding a flip commitment/signing from Virginia defensive back Malcolm Greene along the way, the Tigers exit the Early Signing Period atop the rankings.

Sports Illustrated looks at the current high school seniors, the bulk of whom officially ended their recruitment by signing Wednesday, based on which college has already accepted their signature and/or verbal commitment. From zeroing in on top talent on a national scale to simply filling needs and everything in between, here are the best of the best.

1. Clemson (23 commitments)

No matter how it's sliced, the Tigers are bringing in the most sheer star-power in the class of 2020. It's filling big needs in looking at a two-year depth chart (quarterback, running back, defensive line, offensive line) with elite seniors across the country. Quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei, the 6-foot-5 dual-threat and popular pick to one day replace Lawrence at the helm, overshadows difference makers along the defensive front. Demonte Capehart and Bryan Bresee are both SI All-Americans and future Tigers with a strong case for top defensive tackle nationally while Atlanta-area star Myles Murphy is in the conversation for the top defensive end in the class. Scary thing here is that this class will soon get much better even after adding SI All-Amercan linebacker Trenton Simpson on Saturday.

2. Alabama (25)

The Crimson Tide is likely addressing one of the biggest needs in the entire country in replacing Tagovailoa. SI All-American quarterback Bryce Young is arguably the top offensive prospect in the country and he has led the way for perhaps the top prep team in America—Mater Dei Academy—without much resistance in an always-tough Trinity league in California. He'll have the chance to make an early impact much like Tagovailoa did, a note that pairs well with other priority position players Nick Saban is set to bring in, including perhaps the nation's top linebacker class with pledges from another SI All-American in Demouy Kennedy along with Drew Sanders, Quandarrious Robinson and Jackson Bratton. Each has pass-rusher potential, a trait the top Alabama defenses of the last decade shared. Combine the 'backers with new-age edge rushers Will Anderson and Chris Braswell and the youth in Saban's front seven seems like it will again be a story in 2020.

3. LSU (23)

We'd expect an LSU recruiting class to be loaded defensively and the senior group Ed Orgeron & Co. has corralled looks the part, led by IMG Academy cornerback and Si All-American Elias Ricks. But the play-makers the Tigers have on board on the other side of the football, particularly among pass-catchers, makes this class perhaps the most unique LSU haul in the last decade. In addition to pulling a complete shocker for the most coveted tight end in the class and Arik Gilbert (SIAA), an explosive and versatile group of wide receivers is headed to Baton Rouge as well. Rakim Jarrett and Kayshon Boutte offer slot ability and explosiveness while Jermaine Burton and Koy Moore offer a bit more size and outside game. The Tigers have the chance to move up this list most among the elites with at least four All-American level prospects very interested in the hottest program of 2019.

4. Ohio State (24)

Even if today were signing day, the Buckeyes could be pretty pleased with the two dozen prospects it has on board. The group includes what are likely the top two prospects in Ohio, offensive lineman Paris Johnson (SIAA) and defensive tackle Darrion Henry. But the centerpiece, in terms of star power, is the only pass-catcher group that rivals—and perhaps surpasses—the LSU haul. Julian Fleming and Jaxon Smith-Njigba are SI All-Americans while either between the two and Gee Scott would be class headliners if they were on another program's list, but they're all future Buckeyes. Throw in electric slot/all-purpose type Mookie Cooper as well as 6-foot-5 tight end Joe Royer for more proof the OSU skill position talent isn't soon going anywhere. Adding a running back late in the cycle will be ideal for Ryan Day's staff.

5. Georgia (15)

The SEC East power doesn't have the volume those ahead of it do when it comes to commitments, but the quality remains. In a not-so-shocking development, Georgia is recruiting very well up front in particular. We've focused on elite potential position units and the Bulldog offensive line group is just that. The top pair of tackles in the state, and country for that matter in Tate Ratledge (SIAA) and Broderick Jones, are each headed to Athens. The out of state group is among the best, and biggest, in the region with Sedrick Van Pran (Louisiana), Chad Lindberg (Texas) and Devin Willock (New Jersey) each among the most coveted in their state. Elite running back pledge Kendall Milton (California) pairs well with that group. The future of the Bulldog D-line is in good shape, too, led by two-way talent Jalen Carter of Apopka, Fla. The Sunshine State is again good to the program and its reigning Mr. Football, quarterback Carson Beck, is on board as well.

2019 SI All-American Offensive Team:

QB Bryce Young, Alabama (Why Young? Highlights)

RB Demarckus Bowman, Clemson (Why Bowman? Highlights)

RB Jahmyr Gibbs, Georgia Tech (Why Gibbs? Highlights)

WR Julian Fleming, Ohio State (Why Fleming? Highlights)

WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State (Why Smith-Njigba? Highlights)

WR Malachi Wideman, FSU (Why Wideman? Highlights)

TE Arik Gilbert, LSU (Why Gilbert? Highlights)

OL Paris Johnson, Ohio State (Why Johnson? Highlights)

OL Tate Ratledge, UGA (Why Ratledge? Highlights)

OL Javion Cohen, Alabama (Why Cohen? Highlights)

OL Issiah Walker, Florida (Why Walker? Highlights)