Brett Duke/Associated Press

National Signing Day 2020: Ranking Top 25 Recruiting Classes After NSD

Brad Shepard

College football's national signing day isn't what it used to be, but plenty of prospects still made headlines Wednesday, and some of their decisions reverberated through the final rankings of recruiting classes.

Georgia held off Alabama and Clemson to pull off another top-rated class, while Ohio State and defending champion LSU also signed great groups. Miami, Texas, Texas A&M and Tennessee made late splashes on national signing day to shoot up the rankings, too.

Then there's the other side of the coin: USC signed its lowest-ranked class in recent memory with uncertainty surrounding head coach Clay Helton.

After analyzing rankings from across the major recruiting services, leaning heavily on the 247Sports Composite ratings, reading about players, watching film and analyzing each team's needs and the top-level recruits they signed, let's take a look at Bleacher Report's top 25 classes.

25-21: Georgia Tech, Kentucky, Stanford, Arizona State, Florida State

Stanford RB E.J. Smith Credit: 247Sports

25. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Class size: 24 (five 4-stars, 19 3-stars)

Biggest late signing period news: Securing the commitment of Dalton (Georgia) High School running back Jahmyr Gibbs despite Alabama, Ohio State, Georgia, LSU, Florida and others coming hard after him. 

Gibbs is a difference-maker who was electric in high school and became a fallback option for a lot of programs that realized he has elite potential. Instead of being wooed, he stuck with the program that believed in him as a running back from the jump.

Instant impact duo: Jeff Sims flipped from Florida State and provided head coach Geoff Collins with the quarterback that will usher in the Yellow Jackets program as he wants it, moving it from the triple-option years.

Then there is Gibbs, a can't-miss talent who will make the same type of impact as an ACC running back that Javian Hawkins did for Louisville in 2019.

24. Stanford Cardinal

Class size: 23 (six 4-stars, 15 3-stars)

Biggest late signing period news: Don't let James Pogorelc's 3-star rating fool you. Though he may be a bit of a project, the 6'7", 270-pounder has a projectable frame that can add 40-50 more pounds and turn him into an NFL offensive tackle.

Head coach David Shaw beat Michigan and Virginia for Pogorelc, who announced his decision in late January and signed with the Cardinal on Wednesday.

Instant impact duo: The Cardinal struck again in Atlanta by grabbing top-100 offensive tackle Myles Hinton, who could team with rising senior Walker Little to give Stanford two of the best tackles in the Pac-12. Look for him to battle for a starting spot right away.

4-star all-purpose back EJ Smith, the son of Emmitt Smith, decided to blaze his own path by choosing Stanford over Florida. He's a playmaker who can do a lot of different things with the ball in his hands.

23. Arizona State Sun Devils

Class size: 20 (eight 4-stars, 12 3-stars)

Biggest late signing period news: Arizona State added a pair of quality pieces to its offensive puzzle in 3-star tight end Jake Ray and 3-star quarterback Daylin McLemore. The latter is a bit of a project, but with Jayden Daniels entrenched as the starter, there's no reason to rush him.

Instant impact duo: 4-star running back Daniyel Ngata should be able to help fill some of the carries vacated by Eno Benjamin. With Herm Edwards retooling the playmakers around Daniels, look for Ngata to work his way into the rotation.

Speaking of huge impact guys, look no further than 6'6" receiver Johnny Wilson, who flipped to the Sun Devils from Oregon. He isn't an early enrollee, but he can stretch the field and will make a difference right away.

22. Kentucky Wildcats

Class size: 22 (six 4-stars, 16 3-stars)

Biggest late signing period news: Late Wednesday, head coach Mark Stoops got huge news when 4-star all-purpose back Michael Drennen II committed to Kentucky over more than 40 offers. He can come in and help fill the void vacated by Lynn Bowden Jr.

Instant impact duo: Justin Rogers is the jewel of a loaded defensive line class for the Wildcats. Head coach Mark Stoops did a terrific job recruiting across the D-line this year, which will pay dividends for the next few years.

Joel Williams was another recruiting victory for the Wildcats. Though some of the best programs in the Southeast slow-played him, the 6'1" defensive back is good enough to be a four-year starter in Lexington. 

21. Florida State Seminoles

Class size: 25 (eight 4-stars, 16 3-stars)

Biggest late signing period news: The 'Noles had a mixed bag Wednesday. Getting 3-star athlete DJ Lundy over Georgia and Virginia Tech was big, and they added 3-star athlete Sidney Williams as well. However, electric 4-star receiver Malachi Wideman flipped to Tennessee.

Instant impact duo: 4-star cornerback Demorie Tate is one of Mike Norvell's biggest recruiting victories in his first partial class in Tallahassee. The 6'1", 189-pounder is raw but talented and should start.

4-star quarterback Chubba Purdy is a winner who seems to have the "it" factor. His brother, Brock, made an impact as a freshman for Iowa State and is now one of the top signal-callers in the nation. Look for the younger brother to thrive under Norvell beginning in 2020.

20-16: Nebraska, Notre Dame, North Carolina, South Carolina, Washington

North Carolina DT Kedrick Bingley-Jones Credit: 247Sports

20. Nebraska Cornhuskers

Class size: 24 (nine 4-stars, 15 3-stars)

Biggest late signing period news: 3-star defensive end Tanoa Tagiai was the only remaining unsigned target on head coach Scott Frost's list heading into Wednesday. The Cornhuskers lost that battle when he elected to sign with Utah instead, closing the class with a thud.

Instant impact duo: 4-star offensive tackle Turner Corcoran is one of the nation's best players at his position. Though he is expected to be on the exterior before his career is over, he should start out at guard. If so, he may crack Nebraska's starting lineup in 2020.

4-star receiver Zavier Betts not only has excellent size at 6'2", but he also has some explosive skills with the ball in his hands and kicks it up a level in the open field. Sophomore wideout Wan'Dale Robinson appears poised for a breakout this year, but Betts should get plenty of touches, too.

19. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Class size: 17 (one 5-star, eight 4-stars, eight 3-stars)

Biggest late signing period news: The Irish added no late prospects, so their class fell down the rankings. However, it's still a strong group of players who could be difference-makers, especially on offense.

Instant impact duo: 5-star tight end Michael Mayer is the nation's most college-ready prospect at his position, and he could step right in and lead the Irish in receiving with Ian Book at quarterback in 2020.

4-star running back Chris Tyree is a jitterbug who is joining a crowded room at his position. He must add weight and strength, but he is the kind of difference-making player the offense needs and should get immediate touches. He gets the slight nod over 4-star receiver Jordan Johnson.

18. North Carolina Tar Heels

Class size: 25 (nine 4-stars, 16 3-stars)

Biggest late signing period news: Head coach Mack Brown had his entire class signed in December, which should help the Tar Heels get back on the college football map. The late news was no news.

Instant impact duo: 4-star defensive end Desmond Evans is one of the highest-rated prospects the Tar Heels have ever signed, and Brown will showcase him early off the edge. He is still a bit raw, but he's talented enough to do damage.

4-star defensive tackle Kedrick Bingley-Jones is an athletic interior lineman who may seem a bit undersized at 266 pounds, but he is an early enrollee who will add weight, get acclimated to the defense and perhaps be a true freshman starter. He's one of the most talented DTs in the entire class.

17. South Carolina Gamecocks

Class size: 24 (one 5-star, eight 4-stars, 15 3-stars)

Biggest late signing period news: Despite drama leading up to Wednesday, 5-star defensive lineman Jordan Burch signed with the Gamecocks, giving head coach Will Muschamp one of the best players in the country.

That's a major sigh of relief for the Gamecocks.

Instant impact duo: This is an easy pick for the Gamecocks. Burch is one of the top 10 players in the nation. He can play anywhere from defensive tackle to even stand-up pass-rusher, which should allow Muschamp to use him a number of different ways.

Although several runners are returning to South Carolina, MarShawn Lloyd is a difference-maker. At 5'9" and 211 pounds, he's already physical enough to be an every-down back in the rugged SEC. Look for him to be let loose right away.

16. Washington Huskies

Class size: 22 (one 5-star, nine 4-stars, 11 3-stars)

Biggest late signing period news: The Huskies secured their full class during the early session. That was impressive in its own rights for head coach Jimmy Lake, who took over for Chris Petersen following the 2019 season.

Instant impact duo: Sav'ell Smalls is a 5-star prospect who can play outside linebacker or defensive end but is likely a second-level defender in the Huskies' system. He will be integrated into at least the two-deep if not the starting lineup right away.

It's difficult to start as a true freshman on the offensive line, but 4-star center Myles Murao came from an elite high school program at Mater Dei (California). He is an early enrollee who will contend for the starting gig right away.

15-11: Penn State, Miami, Michigan, Oklahoma, Oregon

Blake Corum, Michigan's newest RB addition Credit: 247Sports

15. Penn State Nittany Lions

Class size: 27 (11 4-stars, 16 3-stars)

Biggest late signing period news: There was no news for Penn State in the late period, as head coach James Franklin signed a full class that included two Canadians, two JUCO players and a large, deep group of high schoolers in the early session.

Instant impact duo: 4-star outside linebacker Curtis Jacobs has the quick-twitch ability that is so difficult to teach. He could give the Nittany Lions another big-impact playmaker on the second level right away.

With the Nittany Lions in need of help in the passing game, 4-star receiver KeAndre Lambert is a good bet to get immediate reps. He's a home run hitter who can help stretch defenses and make plays all over the field.

14. Miami Hurricanes

Class size: 22 (10 4-stars, 12 3-stars)

Biggest late signing period news: The biggest news for the Canes in the late period had nothing to do with the 2020 class and everything to do with the transfer portal. Head coach Manny Diaz landed Houston transfer quarterback D'Eriq King and Temple pass-rusher Quincy Roche.

Still, getting 4-star safety Avantae Williams over Florida on Wednesday gave the 'Canes another elite piece to the puzzle who should get snaps right away.

Instant impact duo: 4-star offensive tackle Jalen Rivers is a 6'6", 331-pound complete package. He has the ability to be a three-year starter in Coral Gables before heading to the NFL. 

4-star running backs Don Chaney Jr. and Jaylan Knighton give the 'Canes a terrific 1-2 freshman punch. Chaney is the more college-ready of the duo and could be a 1,000-yard rusher right off the bat, especially with King running the show at quarterback.

13. Michigan Wolverines

Class size: 23 (14 4-stars, nine 3-stars)

Biggest late signing period news: There was no real news for the Michigan Wolverines after the early signing period. They already knew they were getting 4-star cornerback Darion Green-Warren, who announced he had signed with the Wolverines during the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

Instant impact duo: 4-star receiver A.J. Henning has the type of explosion Michigan has been lacking in recent years. With Donovan Peoples-Jones off to the NFL and Tarik Black transferring, the Wolverines have plenty of catches up for grabs, and Henning should be able to fill that void to some extent.

While Michigan has plenty of talent returning at running back, 4-star Blake Corum should get snaps right away. Much like Henning, he will add another dimension to the offense.

12. Oklahoma Sooners

Class size: 23 (14 4-stars, nine 3-stars)

Biggest late signing period news: Though 4-star edge-rusher Reggie Grimes didn't sign in the early period, he did Wednesday, rounding out the Sooners' class. Grimes gives head coach Lincoln Riley and defensive coordinator Alex Grinch a raw-but-moldable prospect who will help down the road.

Instant impact duo: Perrion Winfrey, the nation's top-ranked JUCO defensive tackle, should not only start from day one but also make a significant impact. It will be a disappointment if that doesn't happen.

4-star safety Bryson Washington's path to starting may be blocked, but he should get immediate reps in the two-deep and could be too talented to keep out of the lineup.

       

11. Oregon Ducks

Class size22 (three 5-stars, seven 4-stars, 12 3-stars)

Biggest late signing period news: Flipping offensive lineman Jayson Jones from Alabama was a major recruiting victory for head coach Mario Cristobal, who should have one of college football's top offensive lines in the nation in 2020 and needs to retool it for the future. Jones is a perfect fit to do that.

Instant impact duo: 5-star linebacker Justin Flowe, the No. 6 overall recruit in this year's class, is the headliner. He's going to get instant playing time, and Cristobal signed fellow 5-star 'backer Noah Sewell to give him perhaps the nation's best tandem in this year's class.

5-star cornerback Dontae Manning could also start in a deep, loaded secondary. He gets the slight nod over 4-star quarterback Jay Butterfield, but don't discount Butterfield's chances of beating Tyler Shough for the starting job.

10. Texas Longhorns

Hudson Card Credit: 247Sports

Class size: 18 (one 5-star, 13 4-stars, four 3-stars)

Biggest late signing period news

The Longhorns added to an already stellar class when 4-star defensive end Alfred Collins decided to stay home rather than go to Alabama or Oklahoma. He gives Texas yet another jewel in a small-but-loaded class.

Collins was the biggest pickup of the day for head coach Tom Herman, and he gives the team another much-needed option up front who can get after quarterbacks. His high upside is a reason why many of the top programs coveted his signature.

Getting 4-star receiver Kelvontay Dixon to come to Austin rather than head to Baylor and other programs was another victory for Texas on Wednesday, rounding out a strong class.

Instant impact duo

5-star Bijan Robinson is possibly the most complete running back in the 2020 recruiting class, and he will team with Jordan Whittington for a dynamic duo that will help the Longhorns return with a strong year.

Robinson can do everything, including catch passes out of the backfield, carry the ball every down and kick it up a gear when he gets to the second level. This was a major recruiting win for Texas.

4-star outside linebacker Prince Dorbah has elite edge-rushing ability, and Texas desperately needs that in its defense. New defensive coordinator Chris Ash will look for ways to utilize his speed and skill set right away.

9. Tennessee Volunteers

Malachi Wideman Credit: 247Sports

Class size: 23 (13 4-stars, nine 3-stars)

Biggest late signing period news

The biggest news of Tennessee's day and the late period was when the Vols put the full-court press on 4-star receiver Malachi Wideman, who originally committed to Florida State before flipping Wednesday. He's an unbelievable athlete who might try to play football and basketball in college.

The same is true for Tennessee's other big pickup Wednesday, 3-star tight end Damarcus Beckwith, who chose the Vols over Florida. The two-sport star filled the tight end need UT failed to address when 5-star athlete Darnell Washington chose Georgia in January. 

UT is still swinging in the race for 5-star running back Zachary Evans, whose recruitment saga will continue beyond signing day.

Instant impact duo

The two players the Volunteers stole from Florida State may have the greatest chance to impact their 2020 season.

With Tennessee desperately needing edge-rushers and Darrell Taylor off to the NFL, look for 4-star defensive end Morven Joseph to get immediate run for the Vols. The former Florida State commit is an explosive addition to the rotation.

Wideman is an explosive, big-bodied athlete who can help fill the void with the departures of senior receivers Marquez Callaway and Jauan Jennings.

4-star Harrison Bailey is an elite passer who could unseat Jarrett Guarantano as the Vols starting quarterback, but Guarantano figures to start at the beginning of the season.

8. Florida Gators

Jahari Rogers Credit: 247Sports

Class size: 25 (one 5-star, 17 4-stars, six 3-stars)

Biggest late signing period news

The Gators' biggest headlines from the late period had little to do with high school recruits and everything to do with the transfer portal. Former 5-star running back Lorenzo Lingard is coming from Miami, and former 5-star Penn State receiver Justin Shorter is going to Gainesville, too.

Lingard and Shorter are huge pickups for Dan Mullen's offense. He also signed 4-star receiver Xzavier Henderson and 3-star Leonard Manuel, both of whom have high ceilings.

Florida needed impact offensive players after landing a strong defensive group in the early period. Mullen has provided that.

Instant impact duo

5-star defensive tackle Gervon Dexter is one of the top recruits not just at his position, but in the country. The 6'6½", 286-pound bruiser is huge but plays with a low center of gravity and should be a line-collapser right away for the Gators. He is the best player in a deep, talented class.

The Gators have some vacancies along the offensive front, and 4-star offensive lineman Issiah Walker Jr. is an early enrollee who should have a chance to blossom in the spring. He and 4-star offensive tackle Joshua Braun are capable of being in the rotation right away.

7. Auburn Tigers

Tank Bigsby Credit: 247Sports

Class size: 26 (16 4-stars, 10 3-stars)

 

Biggest late signing period news

The strength of Auburn's 2019 squad was its defensive front seven, led by potential top-10 pick Derrick Brown. With Brown and others off to the NFL, the Tigers needed to solidify that group for defensive coordinator Kevin Steele, and they did exactly that.

4-star defensive tackle Jay Hardy signed with Auburn in mid-December, although he didn't make the news public until a month laterAuburn also added 4-star defensive end Deandre Butler, who is the top-ranked JUCO player at his position and a probable immediate starter. Getting 4-star tight end Brandon Frazier was massive, too.

 

Instant impact duo

Butler is the no-brainer here. The 6'5", 280-pound strong-side defensive end can play all over the defensive line for the Tigers. You don't sign a JUCO defensive lineman to stand on the sideline, and Butler should be a plug-and-play cog to help for the next two years.

The other no-doubt star is 4-star running back Tank Bigsby, who is perhaps the most underrated back in the class. He is a big-bodied runner with deceptive speed who will demand immediate carries. He'll be a force to be reckoned with and already has an SEC body.

6. Texas A&M Aggies

Haynes King Credit: 247Sports

Class size: 26 (two 5-stars, 13 4-stars, 11 3-stars)

Biggest late signing period news

The Aggies made a huge splash Wednesday by landing 4-star defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson, who chose to head to College Station rather than play for Alabama, LSU, Ole Miss and others.

That pledge caused ripple effects throughout the class, giving Georgia the recruiting title and ending Alabama's chances. None of that matters to the Aggies, who should be thrilled to be getting a potential instant-impact defender who can do a lot of things from the first level of the defense.

Instant impact duo

5-star safety Jaylon Jones is a big-time playmaker who should battle right away for a starting spot under defensive coordinator Mike Elko. He should thrive with the Aggies.

The Aggies' other 5-star prospect, receiver Demond Demas, is a can't-miss as well. The 6'3" pass-catcher has electrifying speed and is a high-caliber athlete. Quarterback Kellen Mond already has plenty of capable targets, but he doesn't have anybody with Demas' unique skill set. He will shine right away.

5. LSU Tigers

Elias Ricks Credit: 247Sports

Class size: 24 (three 5-stars, 14 4-stars, seven 3-stars)

Biggest late signing period news

Clyde Edwards-Helaire's decision to declare for the NFL opened up a spot in LSU's running back room, although the Tigers have several capable, young backs to fill that void.

Head coach Ed Orgeron went out and filled it by getting 4-star running back Kevontre Bradford, who can do it all with the ball in his hands. With his versatility catching balls out of the backfield, the top-150 prospect could help replace Edwards-Helaire.

Even with LSU's depth at the position, Bradford should battle for immediate carries. He is a very talented prospect and a major pickup late in the cycle.

Instant impact duo

5-star tight end Arik Gilbert was going to make a splash wherever he signed, but he's an especially welcome addition for the Tigers, who must find a way to replace the vacated production of receiver Justin Jefferson and tight end Thaddeus Moss.

Gilbert can play either spot and will likely line up at both positions. Look for him to have a big freshman year.

The other no-brainer is 5-star cornerback Elias Ricks, who will step in for the departed Kristian Fulton opposite Derek Stingley Jr. Plenty of other players could do this, too—LSU is DBU, after all—but watch out for Ricks in particular.

4. Ohio State Buckeyes

Jaxon Smith-Njigba Credit: 247Sports

Class size: 25 (three 5-stars, 14 4-stars, eight 3-stars)

Biggest late signing period news

There was little drama surrounding the Buckeyes, although they had to replace defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, who elected to become Boston College's new head coach in mid-December.

The one wavering pledge was 4-star athlete Cameron Martinez, who elected to look around. But the Buckeyes got good news when the 5'11", 183-pound prospect announced on Twitter on Jan. 28 that he would honor his commitment and sign with OSU, giving head coach Ryan Day 25 signees.

Instant impact duo

Guys like 4-star receiver Gee Scott Jr., 5-star receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and 4-star linebacker Cody Simon could break into the rotation early, but the best bets in the class are the two jewels of the group.

5-star receiver Julian Fleming can stretch the field, go up and get jump balls and is physical enough to lay wood to defensive backs. He will get on the field with Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson right away.

Though left tackle Thayer Munford has his spot locked up, 5-star tackle Paris Johnson Jr. could start on the right side and fortify the line. He will play a lot and likely earn a starting spot somewhere right away.

Several guys in this class could make the jump into the rotation on one of the nation's top teams, though. This group is excellent.

3. Alabama Crimson Tide

Jase McClellan Credit: 247Sports

Class size: 25 (four 5-stars, 17 4-stars, four 3-stars)

Biggest late signing period news

Keeping 4-star receiver Javon Baker and 4-star defensive tackle Jamil Burroughs in the fold was a big deal for head coach Nick Saban in an already loaded class, but the Tide struck out on some other big targets.

This class features an elite group of playmakers, especially on defense, and with 5-star quarterback Bryce Young leading the way. But Alabama missed on McKinnley Jackson, who went to Texas A&M, and late-rising 3-star cornerback Ennis Rakestraw signed with Missouri. The Tide also lost Jayson Jones to Oregon, which came on strong for the offensive lineman after he didn't sign with Alabama in the early period.

Either way, this is still another class that nearly every other program in the nation covets.

Instant impact duo

Young is a no-brainer here because of his elite skill set. The Crimson Tide knows what it has in incumbent quarterback Mac Jones, who is a viable SEC starter. But how do you keep a player with Young's talent off the field? That's going to be hard.

Whether he starts the first game or not, look for Young to play a lot in 2020.

The other spot where Alabama needs help is getting after the quarterback. With the middle of the linebacking corps looking strong with Dylan Moses and Joshua McMillon back, 5-star defensive end Will Anderson should get plenty of reps off the edge, either standing up or with his hand down. He's going to be a terror.

2. Clemson Tigers

D.J. Uiagalelei Credit: 247Sports

Class size: 23 (five 5-stars, 12 4-stars, six 3-stars)

Biggest late signing period news

You hear that? No. It's the sound of silence.

That's music to college coaches' ears these days, and Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney already had his allotment of 23 players sewn up in the early session, so he didn't need to go after any other 2020 prospects. That enabled him to turn up the heat on the '21 class, which has paid off in a big way.

The Tigers grabbed January commitments from the nation's top-ranked overall player, 5-star defensive end Korey Foreman, as well as quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei's former teammate in 4-star receiver Beaux Collins, 4-star strong-side defensive end Cade Denhoff and the nation's second-ranked tight end, Jake Briningstool.

That's making perfect use of your time.

Instant impact duo

With Uiagalelei having to patiently wait his turn behind Trevor Lawrence, several freshmen will make their presence known on the field before him.

There's a reason defensive tackle Bryan Bresee is the top-ranked overall player in the country. He will be a force on the inside of the line for defensive coordinator Brent Venables and will pair with Tyler Davis for a terrific DT duo.

With A.J. Terrell off to the NFL, Clemson has an open cornerback spot, and 4-star Fred Davis II is too good to keep off the field. The long, lean defensive back has next-level athleticism, which should help him emerge as a shutdown cover corner in 2020.

1. Georgia Bulldogs

Kelee Ringo Credit: 247Sports

Class size: 25 (four 5-stars, 15 4-stars, six 3-stars)

Biggest late signing period news

The Bulldogs knew about the pledges of 5-star tight end Darnell Washington and 5-star cornerback Kelee Ringo before everybody else did, as they got their scholarship paperwork in the early signing window.

From there, head coach Kirby Smart locked down 5-star offensive tackle Broderick Jones, who was committed to UGA but elected not to sign in the early window. The Dawgs then grabbed instate 4-star running back Daijun Edwards to replace Zachary Evans, who wanted out of his letter of intent.

They capped off a deep, talented class.

Instant impact duo

Ringo is an electric, big-bodied defensive back who can be a force at any position in the secondary. He could be a day one starter as a boundary cornerback because of his ability to bump receivers off the route early in the play.

The other immediate-impact guy in this class is likely Jones, who seems tailor-made to start right away for a UGA team with holes to fill along the offensive front with Andrew Thomas off to the NFL and Cade Mays transferring to Tennessee.

   

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