Ranking Big Ten Programs by Recruiting Classes

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 4:36 p.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

Fansided, Jerran Anderson/FanSided via Saturday Blitz

National Signing Day has come and gone. As the dust settles, here's an in-depth look at teams ranked by their recruiting class.

The Big Ten had a good recruiting cycle in 2017. They finished with five teams ranked in the Top 25, according to 247 Sports. The Ohio State Buckeyes, Michigan Wolverines and Iowa Hawkeyes were the lone teams to acquire five-star talent, signing eight total.

Despite that, the Big Ten still managed to upgrade in terms of the types of players they are getting. A lot of teams added depth on the offensive line while others added depth in the receiving core. With a few coaching changes within the conference, some teams may be in for a few surprises this season.

In terms of breakdown, the Illinois Fighting Illini, Indiana Hoosiers, Minnesota Gophers and Purdue Boilermakers were the lone teams to not obtain a a four-star recruit, according to 247Sports. The Wolverines signed a conference-high 30 players to their recruiting class. Despite that, the Ohio State Buckeyes still managed to finish with five five-star recruits to edge out the Wolverines total of two. Coach Jim Harbaugh and Coach Urban Meyer did their fair share of work on the recruiting trail this year to fill voids at key positions.

With spring right around the corner, some recruits will soon have a chance to show what they can do, even if for a brief moment before the fall. Here's a look at the Big Ten programs ranked by recruiting classes.

Dec 3, 2016; Bowling Green, KY, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers head coach Jeff Brohm reacts at press conference after the CUSA championship game against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Western Kentucky won 58-44. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

14. Purdue Boilermakers

After starting the season 3-3, the Purdue Boilermakers fired head coach Darrell Hazzell. The Boilermakers were 9-33 in four seasons under Hazzell. They haven't been bowl eligible since the 2012 season.

Jeff Brohm will take over for Purdue and his first job was getting on the recruiting trail and filling team needs right away. The former Western Kentucky head coach comes to the Big Ten with a 30-10 record and two bowl wins under his belt. He was the Hilltoppers coach for three seasons.

Brohm still managed to nab 24 total signings on National Signing Day. They signed 21 three-star prospects and three two-star prospects, according to 247Sports.

The key recruits Brohm signed are from the junior college circuit. First up, wide receiver Isaac Zico out of Georgia Military College.

Zico is a 6-foot-1, 195-pound three-star JUCO prospect ranked 113th nationally, 12th by position and second in the state of Georgia, according to 247Sports. He brings the Boilermakers some much-needed help in the wide receiving core. With departure of senior wide receiver Deangelo Yancey (49 catches, 951 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns), there should be plenty of receptions to go around for Zico.

The other JUCO prospect is three-star cornerback TJ Jallow out of East Mississippi Community College. Jallow is a 6-foot-1, 205-pound prospect who ranks 56th nationally, seventh by his position and 20th in the state of Mississippi on the junior college circuit, according to 247Sports.

The Boilermakers leader in interceptions last season was Markus Bailey, a freshman linebacker on the team. Senior safety Leroy Clark, the team's second-leading tackler a season ago (82), is also gone as well. Jallow can give Purdue immediate help in the secondary. He had 24 tackles, an interception and a forced fumble last season for East Mississippi.

Dec 28, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Indiana Hoosiers head coach Tom Allen on the side line during the second quarter against the Utah Utes at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

13. Indiana Hoosiers

The Indiana Hoosiers are another team looking to go a different direction in the Big Ten Conference in 2017. Indiana adminstration fired head coach Kevin Wilson for alleged player mistreatment after six seasons as head coach. Wilson compiled a record of 26-47 in his tenure as head coach.

Head coach Tom Allen takes over after serving as the Hoosiers associate head coach and defensive coordinator since this past January. Allen takes over for a Hoosiers team that lost players Devine Redding and Marcus Oliver to the NFL Draft. With some top talent still returning, Allen picked up some extra depth on the recruiting trail. The Hoosiers return 17 of 22 starters from 2016.

The Hoosiers signed 23 total commits on National Signing Day. They signed 22 three-star prospects and a two-star prospect, according to 247Sports.

Allen's first key recruit is athlete Juwan Burgess. Burgess was originally committed to the USC Trojans, but he flipped his decision to the Indiana Hoosiers. He ranks 421st in the nation, 26th-best athlete and 54th ranked player in the state of Florida, according to 247Sports. At 6-foot-1, 185-pounds, Burgess gives the Hoosiers a big-body receiver for now and years to come.

The Hoosiers other key recruit is early enrollee Juan Harris out of Janesville, Wisconsin. Harris is a three-star defensive tackle weighing in at 6-foot-4 and 368 pounds. He ranks as the 874th overall player in the nation, 62nd-best defensive tackle and sixth best player in the state of Wisconsin, according to 247Sports.

Its worth noting Harris decommitted from Iowa three times and Indiana once before finally signing and enrolling early. Needless to say, getting Harris on campus is huge for the Hoosiers.

Dec 27, 2016; San Diego , CA, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers running back Shannon Brooks (23) runs the ball against the Washington State Cougars during the first half at Qualcomm Stadium. Minnesota won 17-12. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

12. Minnesota Golden Gophers

The Minnesota Golden Gophers had a bit of a shake up in the head coaching ranks. Head coach Tracy Claeys was dismissed as head coach after supporting the football team when they threatened to boycott games over the suspension over 10 players. Since then, he's been replaced by P.J. Fleck, former Western Michigan head coach.

Fleck led Western Michigan to a 13-1 in 2016 before departing for the Big Ten Conference. He beat two Big Ten teams on the road last season (Northwestern and Illinois). He'll get his own taste of the Big Ten West in 2017.

The 2017 recruiting class saw the flip of six Western Michigan commits to Minnesota. It bodes well for a team that went 9-4 last season and 5-4 in the conference a season ago. Culture change is on the way for Minnesota under Fleck.

The Golden Gophers signed 22 commits on National Signing Day, 25 three-stars and a two-star, according to 247Sports. One key recruit is three-star offensive tackle Blaise Andries. Andries is a 6-foot-5, 299-pound prospect ranks 371st nationally, 37th at his position and the first overall player out of Minnesota, according to 247Sports. With just three lineman on the roster for 2017, Andries has an opportunity to crack the starting rotation right away.

Another key recruit for Fleck and company is early enrollee Neil McLaurin. Dual-threat quarterback Neil McLaurin is a three-star junior college prospect who ranks 178th overall, seventh at his position and is the 51st-best player out of Mississippi, according to 247Sports. Minnesota could have a quarterback battle on their hands this spring. With just senior quarterback Connor Rhoda on the roster with on-field experience, McLaurin could win the starting spot by the fall.

Dec 28, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; Northwestern Wildcats offensive lineman J.B. Butler (59) celebrates with teammates after the Pinstripe Bowl against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Yankee Stadium. Northwestern won, 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

11. Northwestern Wildcats

The Northwestern Wildcats had a down year in the Big Ten in 2016, but depth is on the way via the recruiting trail. After going 10-3 in 2015, the Wildcats went 7-6 last season. They finished the season with a 31-24 win over Pittsburgh in the Pinstripe Bowl but lost three of their last five conference games.

The 2016 season wasn't the greatest for Northwestern but they still managed to make a bowl game. They will return quarterback Clayton Thorson but top targets like receivers Austin Carr and Andrew Scanlan graduated and are out of eligibility.

The Wildcats were a good defensive team but their offense wasn't the greatest. The offense managed to score just 26.0 points per game last season, 87th in the FBS. They are hoping their recruiting class of 19 signees from National Signing Day can help fill the void. They signed one four-star and 18 three-star prospects, according to 247Sports. Eight of them are on offense.

One key recruit is early enrollee Trey Pugh. Pugh is a three-star tight end who committed to the Wildcats over Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State. He ranks 660th nationally, 29th by position and is the 29th-best player out of the state of Ohio, according to 247Sports. At 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, Pugh already has the size for the position. Enrolling early gives him an opportunity to make his presence known this spring.

Another key recruit is four-star strongside defensive end Earnest Brown out of Denton, Texas. Brown ranks 217th nationally, sixth by position and 36th best out in the state, according to 247Sports. Brown bolsters a defensive line chock full of juniors. He adds depth and youth, which should create a significant amount of playing time for him in the process.

Nov 12, 2016; Madison, WI, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Lovie Smith during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 48-3. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

10. Illinois Fighting Illini

The Illinois Fighting Illini had a rough go of things in Lovie Smith's first-year as head coach. However, help is on the way on the recruiting trail. The Fighting Illini went 2-7 in the Big Ten Conference last season. They haven't won more than two games in conference since the 2014 season.

The offense scored 19.7 points per game last season, 122nd in the FBS, and the scoring defense surrendered 31.9 points per game. Not a good formula for success, but that's why teams can recruit new blood to establish their system.

Illinois signed 25 total players to their 2017 recruiting class. They signed 25 three-stars and a two-star prospect, according to 247Sports. 13 players are on offense and 12 are on defense. 10 players from the state of Illinois signed to this class.

One key recruit is Illinois native wide receiver Ricky Smalling. Small is a three-star prospect who ranks 357th nationally, 52nd by position and sixth overall player in the state, according to 247Sports. He caught 80 passes for 1,336 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns in his senior season.

Another recruit is inside linebacker Delshawn Phillips. Phillips is a three-star junior college prospect who ranks 31st in the nation, third by position and fourth in the state of Kansas, according to 247Sports. With middle linebacker Hardy Nickerson graduating, the Fighting Illini hope Phillips can fill that void. Phillips recorded 72 total tackles (45 solo, 27 assisted), seven sacks and forced fumble last season at Garden City Community College. He enrolled early in January.

Nov 26, 2016; College Park, MD, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Giovanni Rescigno (17) throws a pass against the Maryland Terrapins during the second quarter at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Patrick McDermott-USA TODAY Sports

9. Rutgers Scarlet Knights

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are another team undergoing growing pains under a new coaching staff. Chris Ash went 2-10 in his first season as a Big Ten head coach. He is the former co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach at Ohio State. The Scarlet Knights averaged more rushing yards (145.3) than passing yards (138.3) per game last season.

Rutgers went winless in conference play in 2016 but again, this is why team's recruit, to fill spots at varying weaknesses. For a team such as this one, this year's recruiting class is a testament to regaining the state of New Jersey back.

The Scarlet Knights signed a total of 26 players to this year's recruiting class. Three of them are four-star prospects, 21 are three-stars and one is a two-star prospect, according to 247Sports. 16 players are from the state of New Jersey in  this year's class.

One key recruit is offensive tackle Micah Clark, a New Jersey native. Clark is a four-star prospect who ranks 132nd nationally, 16th by position and is the second-best player in the state, according to 247Sports. At 6-foot-5 and 266 pounds, Clark is an early enrollee hoping to crack the rotation right away in the spring. Seeing as this team struggled in the passing game with its current roster, he very well could compete for a spot this spring.

Another key recruit is wide receiver Bo Melton, another New Jersey native. Melton is a four-star prospect ranked 245th nationally, 37th at his position and fifth overall player in the state, according to 247Sports. He caught 41 passes for 913 yards and 11 touchdowns and also rushed for 748 yards and 11 touchdowns in his senior season at Cedar Creek High School.

Jan 2, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Wisconsin Badgers tight end Gabe Lloyd (42) and the Badgers celebrate the win over the Western Michigan Broncos in the 2017 Cotton Bowl game at AT&T Stadium. The Badgers defeat the Broncos 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

8. Wisconsin Badgers

The Wisconsin Badgers just missed the Big Ten title but they still won the West division. They finished the season 11-3 and 7-2 in conference play. It was head coach Paul Chryst's third straight 10-win season.

Their defense was fourth in the FBS scoring defense, allowing just 15.6 points per game, but the offense was 67th in the FBS, scoring 28.4 points per game. Their three losses this season all came against ranked opponents and ironically, they were all Big Ten teams. In 2017, they look to replace a lot talent they'll lose to the NFL Draft.

The Badgers signed 18 total players to their recruiting class on National Signing Day. Two players are four-stars, 15 are three-stars and one is a two-star prospect, according to 247Sports. 11 players are on offense while just six are on defense.

One key recruit is early enrolle Andrew Van Ginkel out of Iowa Western Community College. Van Ginkel is a JUCO weakside defensive end prospect who ranks 25th overall, second at his position and first out of the state of Iowa, according to 247Sports. He was originally at South Dakota before transferring to the junior college circuit. He hopes to bring his ability to the Badgers' defense this spring.

Another key recruit is four-star prospect Danny Davis. Davis is one of three wide receiver recruits in this year's class. He ranks 219th in the nation, 31st by position and eighth overall player in the state of Ohio, according to 247Sports. Davis comes in battling for the Badgers' tallest receiver as a freshman. He'll look to crack the starting lineup this fall.

Jan 2, 2017; Tampa , FL, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz looks on against the Florida Gators during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

7. Iowa Hawkeyes

The Iowa Hawkeyes didn't fare too poorly in the Big Ten in 2016. They went 6-3 in conference play, but losses against Northwestern, Wisconsin and Penn State ruined any title hopes for them. They did finish the season 8-5 but a 30-3 loss to the Florida Gators in the Outback Bowl. The bowl loss marred wins over two ranked opponents to finish the year.

The Hawkeyes will need to replace senior quarterback C.J. Beathard and 1,000-yard rusher Leshun Daniels Jr. but that's what recruiting is for. They signed 22 total commits to their 2017 recruiting class. In total, there was one five-star, one four-star, 18 three-star prospects and two two-star prospects, according to 247Sports. With their five-star prospect, the Hawkeyes defense gets a little boost.

Five-star strongside defensive end A.J. Epenesa is a 6-foot-5, 260-pound prospect that stands out in this year's class. Epenesa ranks 29th in the nation, second by position and first out of the state of Illinois, according to 247Sports.  He recorded 59 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss and four sacks in his senior season at Edwardsville High School. He should push for a spot in the rotation on the Hawkeyes defense this fall.

Another key recruit Tristan Wirfs, one of two offensive tackle prospects in this recruiting class. Wirfs is four-star prospect out of Iowa rated 327th in the nation, 31st by position and second overall player in state, according to 247Sports. If he can catch on quickly, the 6-foot-5, 290-pound offensive tackle for push for a spot on the offensive line. They will have just six lineman on the roster for 2017.

Nov 26, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Mark Dantonio leads his team out of the tunnel prior to the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Michigan State 45-12. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports

6. Michigan State Spartans

The Michigan State Spartans went 3-9 in 2016, 1-9 in the Big Ten Conference. Their offense was decent, but the defense allowed 20 points or more in all but three games for the Spartans last season. Head coach Mark Dantonio had his worst season in his Michigan State coaching tenure.

The Spartans were in the middle of the pack in yards allowed and things could get a bit bumpy with a new quarterback next season. But, it helps last year's recruiting class will have a year experience under their belt for 2017. There are still a few players who could contribute right away in this year's class, however.

Michigan State had a decent National Signing Day. They signed 23v total players on February 1 with a few ready to make an instant impact. There were four four-stars, 18 three-stars and one two-star in this year's recruiting class, according to 247Sports.

The first key recruit is wide receiver Hunter Rison, out of Ann Arbor. Rison is a four-star product who ranks 316th in the nation, 45th by position and seventh-best player in the state, according to 247Sports. He is an early enrollee and the son of former NFL wide receiver Andre Rison. With a lot of senior targets from last year's offense gone, Rison has a shot for early playing time if he has a good spring.

Another key recruit is four-star outside linebacker Antjuan Simmons. Simmons ranks 325th in the nation, 16th by position and ninth-best player from the state of Michigan, according to 247Sports. He's another Ann Arbor native except on the defensive side of the ball. With just three outside linebackers on the roster, Simmons could push for early playing time this fall.

Dec 30, 2016; Nashville , TN, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers during warm ups prior to the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

5. Nebraska Cornhuskers

The Nebraska Cornhuskers started the 2016 season 7-0 before dropping four of their last six games. They lost 62-3 to the Ohio State Buckeyes and 40-10 to Iowa Hawkeyes, finishing 6-3 in the Big Ten Conference and 9-4 overall.

The Cornhuskers look towards 2017 having to replace starting quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. Their defense is still expected to compete but upgrading and getting better on the recruiting trail is always the goal. Running back Terrell Newby was lost to graduation as well, so look for Devine Ozigbo to share the load with a new starter.

Nebraska's 2017 recruiting class signed 20 total commits this go around. In total, there were five four-stars and 15 three-star prospects, according to 247Sports. They finished with a Top 25 recruiting class as the 23rd best team. With a number of early enrollees, spring could be a preview of what's to come for this team.

Their first key recruit is pro-style quarterback Tristan Gebbia. Gebbia is a four-star player out of Calabasas, California. He ranks 202nd in the nation, ninth by position and 22nd-best player in the state of California, according to 247Sports. The California native enrolled back in January looking to get a headstart on things. With just one other quarterback on the roster, the starting spot looks to be wide open.

Their other key recruit is wide receiver Tyjon Lindsey. Lindsey is a four-star prospect who was originally committed to the Ohio State Buckeyes. Since then, he's signed elsewhere in the Big Ten, choosing the Cornhuskers. Lindsey ranks 50th in the nation, seventh by position and is the first overall player out of the state of Nevada, according to 247Sports.

Sep 17, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Maryland Terrapins take the field led by Maryland Terrapins head coach DJ Durkin before the first quarter of a football game against the Central Florida Knights at Bright House Networks Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

4. Maryland Terrapins

The Maryland Terrapins fared considerably well on the recruiting trail considering their 2016 performance. Head coach D.J. Durkin is another familiar face in the Big Ten Conference. He was formerly the defensive coordinator at Michigan before becoming the Terrapins head coach.

Durkin went 6-7 in his first full season, 3-6 in the conference. The Terrapins started the season 1-0 in conference play but then won one of their next seven before finishing the regular season with a win over Rutgers. They did qualify for a bowl game, but they lost to the Boston Golden Eagles 36-30 in the Quick Lane Bowl.

Maryland's recruiting class surprised many and these recruits could continue to do so on the field next season. Their 2017 recruiting class signed 28 commits on National Signing Day, the second highest total in the Big Ten. In total, there were eight four-stars and 20 three-star prospects, according to 247Sports. Their 18th ranked recruiting class took a total of nine players from the state of Maryland.

Their first key recruit is four-star athlete Markquese Bell, a New Jersey native. Bell ranks 191st in the nation, seventh by position and the third-best player in the state of the New Jersey, according to 247Sports. The 6-foot-3, 194-pound prospect is expected to play safety in College Park. As an early enrollee, he'll get an early taste of the college game with spring football.

Another key recruit is Deon Jones, another early enrollee. Jones, a Maryland native, is a four-star cornerback who ranks 175th in the nation, 22nd by position and is the third-best player in the state of Maryland, according to 247Sports.  He is one of four cornerbacks in this year's recruiting class for the Terrapins. Look for him as a player to watch on defense this spring.

Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Trace McSorley (9) celebrates his touchdown against the USC Trojans with head coach James Franklin during the third quarter of the 2017 Rose Bowl game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

3. Penn State Nittany Lions

The Penn State Nittany Lions and head coach James Franklin success on the field has translated to success on the road recruiting. In 2016, the Nittany Lions won the Big Ten Championship, capping off an impressive nine-game winning streak following a rough 49-10 loss to Michigan.

Penn State went 8-1 in conference play, 11-3 overall, but they fell to the USC Trojans in the Rose Bowl 52-49. They led 49-35 entering the fourth quarter before surrendering 17 straight points. But still, it was their first 10-plus-win season since 2009.

The team returns quarterback Trace McSorley and running back Saquon Barkley, two potential Heisman candidates, in 2017. On top of that, this year's recruiting class serves as type of notice that the Nittany Lions are back.

The Nittany Lions' 2017 recruiting class has 21 total commits who signed on National Singing Day. 11 players are four-star prospects while 10 are three-star prospects, according to 247Sports. Their 15th ranked recruiting class is their highest ranked class for the second time in the past three seasons.

Their first key recruit is four-star offensive guard C.J. Thorpe. Thorpe ranks 87th in the nation, sixth by position and fourth in the state of Pennsylvania, according to 247Sports. He will be one of six offensive guards on the roster this fall. He could challenge for early playing time as the only player in his class.

The other key recruit is early enrollee cornerback Lamont Wade. Wade is a four-star cornerback out of Clairton, Pennsylvania. He ranks 46th in the nation, fifth by position and second in the state, according to 247Sports. With just six cornerbacks on the roster, Wade has a shot to make some noise this spring. Look for him to contribute early for Penn State.

Dec 30, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh catches passes prior to the game against the Florida State Seminoles at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

2. Michigan Wolverines

The Michigan Wolverines battled it out for Big Ten supremacy but they missed the College Football Playoff again. They finished the season 10-3 and 7-2 in the the conference but with losses against Iowa and Ohio State, there's still work to be done. With this year's recruiting class, however, the Wolverines show they are putting the work in.

The Wolverines started the season 9-0 before finishing the regular season with two of three losses. They lost their annual season finale with the Ohio State Buckeyes, their fifth straight loss but help is on the way on offense. Heisman finalist safety JaBrill Pepper was brilliant, but with his departure to the NFL Draft, more focus can be put on the offensive side of the ball.

Michigan's 2017 recruiting class features a conference-high 30 players. Two of them are five-stars, 19 are four-stars, eight are three-stars and one is a two-star, according to 247Sports. The Wolverines coaching staff acquired the most four-star recruits in the conference as well.

One key recruit is early enrollee Donovan Peoples-Jones. Peoples-Jones is a five-star wide receiver ranked 12th in the nation, first by position and first in the state of Michigan, according to 247Sports. The 6-foot-2, 193-pound receiver enrolls early in hopes of cracking the depth chart early. There will be competition for Peoples-Jones, but an early chance at spring ball gives him a shot at early playing time.

Another key recruit is wide receiver Tarik Black. Black is a four-star wide receiver who also enrolled at Ann Arbor early. He ranks 122nd in the nation, 17th by position and first in the state of Connecticut, according to 247Sports. He's a player who, at 6-foot-4 and 208 pounds, can make plays in space. Black and Peoples-Jones are two of five wide receivers in this year's recruiting class.

Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer talks with his coaching staff in the pressbox as the team huddles during a timeout in the second overtime at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won the game 30-27 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

1. Ohio State Buckeyes

The Ohio State Buckeyes had an interesting 2016 season. They finished Big Ten play at 8-1 on the season, but their tiebreaking loss to Penn State put them outside of the Big Ten Championship game. However, they still made the College Football Playoff.

In the Playoff Seminal, the Buckeyes were shutout for the first time in Urban Meyer's career 31-0 by the Clemson Tigers. Quarterback J.T. Barrett returns for his senior season and hopefully that comes with improvements all around. Running back Mike Weber returns for the Buckeyes offense as well, giving them two guaranteed weapons. However, in the passing game, there still remains a few questions. This year's recruiting class very well could solve that.

The Buckeyes had a good year on the recruiting trail despite their lackluster playoff performance. They signed 21 total commits on National Signing Day. In total, they signed five five-star recruits, 14 four-star recruits and two three-star recruits, according to 247Sports.

One key recruit is four-star wide receiver Jaylen Harris. Harris ranks 184th in the nation, 30th by position and fifth in the state of Ohio, according to 247Sports. He is a 6-foot-5, 210-pound receiver with size and speed. With a lack of downfield targets last season, Harris could be a key player in the rotation this fall.

Another key recruit is outside linebacker Baron Browning. Browning is a five-star prospect from the state of Texas who enrolled back in January. He ranks 11th in the nation, first by position and is the fourth-best player in the state, according to 247Sports. As one of four outside linebackers listed on the roster, there's a shot for Browning to crack the rotation in some fashion. He can also learn a lot from senior outside linebacker Raekwon McMillan.

More from Saturday Blitz

This article originally appeared on

share