National Signing Day 2024: Ranking Top 25 Recruiting Classes After NSD (2024)

Wednesday's 2024 National Signing Day is in the books, with the Georgia Bulldogs finishing with the nation's top-ranked class.

Since most classes are filled out during the Early Signing Period in December, the day wasn't filled with too much drama. But there were some big announcements, including Terry Bussey signing with Texas A&M, and the Aggies also landing 4-star receiver Ashton Bethel-Roman.

Now it's time to rank the top 25 classes. While these rankings differ slightly from 247Sports' Top 25 composite, the number of 4- and 5-star recruits and top-100 players in a given class were given extra weight.

Author's note: Number of 3-, 4-, and 5-star prospects are per 247Sports' team pages, which differs slightly from the ratings listed on the overall composite.

25. Kentucky

Class breakdown: Five 4-stars, 16 3-stars

What to know: Head coach Mark Stoops did a solid job recruiting Kentucky and Ohio this cycle, landing 4-star defensive lineman Jerod Smith, the top-ranked prospect out of Kentucky. Four-star edge-rusher Jacob Smith is the state's No. 2-ranked prospect, and 4-star Brian Robinson is Ohio's No. 2 overall prospect. Four-star cornerback Terhyon Nichols rounds out the blue-chip prospects.

Stoops' 2024 class doesn't have as many blue-chip prospects as some of Kentucky's classes in recent years. But finishing with a top-25 class is a good start in getting Kentucky back to being a contender in the SEC following a 7-6 season in 2023.

24. Wisconsin

Class breakdown: Eight 4-stars, 14 3-stars

What to know: Badgers head coach Luke Fickell signed Wisconsin's highest-ranked class in a few years. It's headlined by 4-stars like offensive tackle Kevin Heywood, tight end Grant Stec, linebacker Thomas Heiberger and defensive lineman Ernest Willor Jr. The Badgers' coaching staff also did a good job flipping tight end Rob Booker from UCLA.

In all, Wisconsin's class included 15 players ranked inside the top 50 for their respective position.

23. Texas Tech

Class breakdown: One 5-star, five 4-stars, 16 3-stars

What to know: The Red Raiders haven't had back-to-back classes ranked inside the top 30 since 2011 and '12 until this year. The class checks in first inside the Big 12 and is headlined by 5-star receiver Micah Hudson. Hudson, the No. 4-ranked receiver from 2024, caught 70 passes for 1,370 yards and 18 touchdowns as a senior last year, per MaxPreps. He can likely be an immediate impact player for Tech in 2024.

The class also includes five prospects ranked inside the top 50 prospects out of Texas, as well. The next step for head coach Joey McGuire is making the Red Raiders legitimate Big 12 contenders. With his last two recruiting classes, there's a great chance of doing so in 2024.

22. Ole Miss

Class breakdown: 6 4-stars, 16 3-stars

What to know: Although Ole Miss has the country's top-ranked transfer class for 2024, the recruiting class checks in 11th inside the SEC. It's loaded with 4-stars, including 4-star offensive lineman William Echols, defensive lineman Kamarion Franklin, receiver Deion Smith and defensive lineman Jeffery Rush.

Head coach Lane Kiffin could have benefitted from signing a running back this cycle to help replace outgoing transfer Quinshon Judkins, though LSU transfer Logan Diggs should play a big role. With Alabama's Nick Saban retiring last month, we'll see if this is finally the year Kiffin can lead Ole Miss to an SEC title game.

21. Missouri

Class breakdown: One 5-star, Six 4-stars, 14 3-stars

What to know: Head coach Eli Drinkwitz was looking to capitalize on an 11-2 season in 2023 on the recruiting trail. His 2024 class includes 5-star edge-rusher Williams Nwaneri, 4-star receiver Courtney Crutchfield and 4-star defensive lineman Jaylen Brown. Missouri's class came with little drama, with most of the verbal commits signing as expected in December and February.

The class checks in at ninth in the SEC overall. We'll see if Nwaneri can be an instant-impact player this fall.

20. Texas A&M

Class breakdown: One 5-star, seven 4-stars, eight three-stars

What to know: Texas A&M's class had a number of decommitments after the Aggies moved on from head coach Jimbo Fisher.

But new head coach Mike Elko did a good job holding onto some key commitments, including 5-star cornerback Terry Bussey, who signed with the Aggies on Wednesday despite a late push from LSU. TAMU also signed 4-star receiver Ashton Bethel-Roman on Wednesday.

He also kept 4-star offensive tackle Blake Ivy and 4-star offensive lineman Isendre Ahfua.

Elko also landed a handful of blue-chip recruits in December, including edge-rusher Solomon Williams, receiver Izaiah Williams and defensive lineman Dealyn Evans. Elko went 9-4 during his first season at Duke in 2022. We could see him bring a big year to TAMU as early as 2024 with this class.

19. South Carolina

Class breakdown: One 5-star, eight 4-stars, seven 3-stars

What to know: Gameco*cks head coach Shane Beamer has inked a second consecutive top-20 class. The last time that happened was in 2014 and '15 under then-head coach Steve Spurrier.

The biggest name in the class is 5-star edge-rusher Dylan Stewart, the No. 1 overall prospect from Washington, D.C. The class also impressively includes top-ranked South Carolina prospects like offensive tackle Josiah Thompson and offensive tackle Kam Pringle. Despite having recruiting success the last two seasons, South Carolina has failed to be a legitimate SEC contender. That's the next step for Beamer heading into 2024.

18. Nebraska

Class breakdown: One 5-star, four 4-stars, 25 3-stars

What to know: Head coach Matt Rhule pulled off a massive flip this cycle in successfully landing 5-star quarterback Dylan Raiola. Raiola, who was previously a longtime Georgia commit, is the son of former Cornhusker and NFL offensive lineman Dominic Raiola. The No. 2-ranked signal-caller will compete with rising junior Heinrich Haarberg, who made eight starts last season, and fellow signal-caller signee Daniel Kaelin for the starting job. Raiola is Nebraska's highest-rated recruit in school history.

Nebraska's 2024 class, which ranks sixth overall inside the Big Ten, also includes 4-star offensive tackle Grant Brix, 4-star athlete Roger Gradney and 4-star tight end Carter Nelson. Let's see if Rhule's impressive class can help lead Nebraska to a bowl bid for the first time since 2016.

17. USC

Class breakdown: 10 4-stars, 12 3-stars

What to know: Lincoln Riley's 2024 class was a bit lackluster, as the Trojans finished without a top-10 class for the first time since 2020. It's also behind the likes of Oregon, Ohio State, Penn State and Michigan in the Big Ten. With the transfer of 2023 signee Malachi Nelson to Boise State, the Trojans could have used a signal-caller in their 2024 class. Instead, the starting job will come down to Miller Moss and UNLV transfer Jayden Maiava.

The biggest names in the class include 4-stars like offensive lineman Jason Zandamela, edge-rusher Kameryn Fountain, receiver Xavier Jordan and cornerback Isaiah Rubin. We'll see if this USC team can be a contender as it moves to the Big Ten in 2024.

16. Penn State

Class breakdown: One 5-star, eight 4-stars, 16 3-stars

What to know: Penn State has a great 2024 class, ranked third overall in the Big Ten and inside the top 20 nationally. It includes 5-star tight end Luke Reynolds, 4-star offensive lineman Cooper Cousins, 4-star quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer and 4-star athlete Dejuan Lane.

Perhaps most impressive is that the Nittany Lions had just one decommitment during this entire recruiting cycle. James Franklin has consistently been a good recruiter in Happy Valley. It hasn't led to Big Ten title contention in recent years, but we'll see if this class can.

15. Michigan

Class breakdown: 13 4-stars, 13 3-stars

What to know: Thanks to Jim Harbaugh leaving Michigan for the Los Angeles Chargers after the early signing period in December, Michigan's class is in great shape. It checks in fourth inside the Big Ten and includes 4-stars such as offensive tackle Andrew Sprague, cornerback Jo'Ziah Edmond, quarterback Jadyn Davis and running back Jordan Marshall.

On Wednesday, new Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore didn't add any additional prospects, since the class was already wrapped up. But being able to keep the 2024 class intact as he begins his tenure as Michigan's new head coach puts him in great shape for 2024 and beyond. With signal-caller J.J. McCarthy leaving for the NFL, there's a chance we could see Davis under center as soon as this fall for the Wolverines.

14. Tennessee

Class breakdown: One 5-star, 10 four-stars, 10 3-stars

What to know: Tennessee's 2024 class was pretty much already settled before NSD arrived on Wednesday, featuring 12 early enrollees and nine prospects who had already signed their letters of intent.

The biggest names in the class include 5-star edge-rusher Jordan Ross, 4-star receivers Mike Matthews and Braylon Staley and 4-star offensive tackle Bennett Warren. As Tennessee is under investigation by the NCAA for alleged "major" recruiting violations, we'll see if this class remains intact next season and beyond.

13. Florida

Class breakdown: Two 5-stars, eight 4-stars, nine 3-stars

What to know: Florida's 2024 recruiting class lost a ton of momentum over the early signing period. Despite entering with a top-five class, the Gators ended up outside the top 10 by the end of December. Florida had notable blue-chip prospects flip, like defensive lineman Amaris Williams to Auburn, Xavier Filsaime to Texas and receiver Izaiah Williams to TAMU.

Still, Billy Napier was able to hold on to some key players in his 2024 class. The biggest name is quarterback DJ Lagway, who is the No. 1 signal-caller for 2024. Keeping defensive lineman LJ McCray and linebacker Myles Graham was big, too.

As Napier enters 2024, the Gators have one of the toughest schedules in the SEC. Following back-to-back losing seasons, we'll see if the Napier era—and his 2024 class—can remain in Gainesville past next season.

12. Clemson

Class breakdown: Two 5-stars, eight 4-stars, 12 3-stars

What to know: Wednesday didn't have too many surprises for Clemson fans, and head coach Dabo Swinney signed 22 prospects in December. The biggest names in his 2024 class include 5-star linebacker Sammy Brown, 5-star receiver TJ Moore, 4-star receiver Bryant Wesco and 4-star tight end Christian Bentancur.

The class checks in second overall inside the ACC for a second straight year behind Miami. Clemson will need its last two classes to pan out in a big way in 2024 and beyond. The Tigers have missed out on the College Football Playoff for three straight seasons and failed to make it to the ACC title game last year.

11. Florida State

Class breakdown: 10 4-stars, 12 3-stars

What to know: Florida State's 2024 class had all except one of its players either signed or early-enrolled before Wednesday. The final holdout was 4-star edge-rusher Amaree Williams, who committed to the Noles four days before NSD.

The class is headlined by 4-stars such as quarterback Luke Kromenhoek, cornerback Charles Lester III, cornerback Jamari Howard and offensive tackle Manasse Itete. With the likes of Jordan Travis, Trey Benson, Johnny Wilson and Jared Verse heading to the NFL, Mike Norvell needed a strong class to rebuild in Tallahassee. It looks like he did just that.

10. Notre Dame

Class breakdown: One 5-star, 10 4-stars, seven 3-stars

What to know: If Marcus Freeman wants to make Notre Dame a legitimate playoff contender in 2024, his latest recruiting class should help. The latest Fighting Irish class—which is entirely early-enrolled at South Bend—is headlined by 5-star defensive lineman Bryce Young. The class was set in stone back in December, so Wednesday was pretty quiet for the Irish.

It also includes 4-star linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, 4-star signal-caller CJ Carr, 4-star receiver Cam Williams and 4-star offensive tackle Guerby Lambert. Getting Notre Dame's class back in the top 10 nationally is solid after the Irish finished 12th with its 2023 class.

9. Auburn

Class breakdown: Two 5-stars, 9 4-stars, 10 3-stars

What to know: Hugh Freeze was hired to win SEC titles at Auburn. Following a disappointing 6-7 season in 2023, the Tigers' 2024 recruiting class should help make up for that.

Freeze was able to pull off some impressive flips during the early signing period, including flipping 5-star receiver Cam Coleman from Texas A&M and 5-star edge-rusher Amaris Williams from Florida. The class also features 4-star quarterback Walker White and 4-star athlete Demarcus Riddick. The overall haul was impressive and marks Auburn's best class since 2020. We'll see if Freeze can turn the class into wins in 2024 and beyond.

8. Oklahoma

Class breakdown: 2 5-stars, 12 4-stars, 11 3-stars

What to know: Oklahoma finished with a class inside the top 10 for a third straight year. It features a pair of 5-stars in edge-rusher Adepoju Adebawore and quarterback Jackson Arnold.

Brent Venables did an excellent job recruiting the state of Texas this cycle, signing top prospects from the state like 4-star receiver Jaquaize Pettaway, safety Peyton Bowen and linebacker Samuel Omosigho. The class should be a good foundation to turn the Sooners into a Big 12 contender this season and beyond.

7. LSU

Class breakdown: 1 5-star, 15 4-stars, 13 3-stars

What to know: LSU fell short of expectations of being an SEC contender last season. But the Tigers' 2024 recruiting class is in good shape, led by 5-star defensive lineman Dominick McKinley, who signed with the Tigers on Wednesday despite late pushes from Texas and Texas A&M.

6. Texas

Class breakdown: Two 5-stars, 9 4-stars, 11 3-stars

What to know: Texas' 2024 class fell a bit short of expectations, falling outside of the top five for the first time since 2021. But it's still a solid class, led by 5-stars like linebacker Colin Simmons and receiver Ryan Wingo. Steve Sarkisian was also able to flip 4-star safety Xavier Filsaime from Florida in December.

Texas' 2024 class was all either signed or enrolled prior to Wednesday, so NSD in Austin came with little drama.

Class breakdown: One 5-star, 14 4-stars, 12 3-stars

What to know: Miami hasn't had a top-five recruiting class since 247Sports began ranking each of the classes, which it started doing in 2010. Despite a disappointing last couple of seasons under head coach Mario Cristobal, it looks like he has things on the right track in Coral Gables, signing a top-five class for 2024.

The biggest name in the class is 5-star defensive lineman Justin Scott, who is the No. 1 ranked prospect out of Illinois and the third-ranked defensive lineman for 2024. Miami signed some other big-time defensive playmakers with this class, including 4-stars like edge-rushers Marquise Lightfoot and Booker Pickett Jr., and defensive linemen Armondo Blount and Artavius Jones.

Perhaps the biggest sign that Miami is on the right track with this latest class? The Hurricanes signed the most top 25 prospects from the state of Florida this cycle.

Class breakdown: One 5-star, 12 4-stars, eight 3-stars

What to know: Ohio State has lost to Michigan and missed out on the Big Ten title game the last three seasons. But with Ohio State's 2024 recruiting class, there's room for optimism surrounding head coach Ryan Day in Columbus.

OSU did a solid job of winning recruiting battles outside Ohio this cycle. In fact, two of the Buckeyes' top prospects from this class in 5-star receiver Jeremiah Smith and 4-star edge-rusher Eddrick Houston hail from Florida and Georgia, respectively. Smith, the top-ranked receiver for 2024, can likely play immediately for the Buckeyes this season.

The Buckeyes also landed 4-star signal-caller Air Noland, a top-10 Georgia prospect, and 4-star Texas running back James Peoples, who ranks inside the top 10 for his position.

"There were some pieces that we felt like we needed to get coming out of this," Day said in a December presser of his 2024 class. "Did we get everything? Did we get the whole wish list? No, but we got a lot of things covered and that's really good moving forward. Now on to the next phase of putting together this roster."

Ohio State was also able to impressively flip former Alabama signee and 5-star quarterback prospect Julian Sayin.

Overall, the Buckeyes signed eight prospects from Ohio, three from Texas and two apiece from Florida, Georgia and Indiana. With an additionally impressive transfer portal class in 2024 and key players such as receiver Emeka Egbuka, running back TreVeyon Henderson and cornerback Denzel Burke all returning, Ohio State looks in great shape.

Class breakdown: Two 5-stars, 16 4-stars, nine 3-stars

What to know: Oregon's 2024 recruiting class is shaping up to be the best in school history, thanks to head coach Dan Lanning's efforts this cycle. The biggest names in the class include 5-star edge-rusher Elijah Rushing and 5-star receiver Gatlin Bair, who committed to the Ducks over the weekend.

During the early signing period, Lanning was also able to flip a pair of 4-star receivers in Jeremiah McClellan and Ryan Pellum from Ohio State and USC, respectively.

"I just think it shows the staff and the program's work that they've put forward and then the vision for the program and where we're headed," Lanning said via 247Sports about what this class means to the program. "So obviously, the best way to enhance your team is to enhance your talent, and then it goes into developing that talent. So when we have that, we've got a great, great chance to be successful here."

The 2024 class also includes 4-star defensive linemen Aydin Breland and Jericho Johnson and 4-star cornerback Ify Obidegwu. Signing a historic recruiting class following back-to-back double-digit win seasons isn't too shabby for Lanning, who is entering his third year at the school. A playoff bid looks like the next big step for the Ducks to reach heading into next season.

Class breakdown: Five 5-stars, 14 4-stars, nine 3-stars

What to know: Nick Saban retiring from Alabama last month sent shock waves throughout college football. But the fact that new Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer has been able to hang on to the bulk of Alabama's 2024 class is massively impressive.

The biggest win for DeBoer is hanging on to 5-star receiver Ryan Williams, who signed his letter of intent with Alabama on Wednesday. The No. 3 receiver from 2024 decommitted from the Tide earlier last month before reaffirming his commitment on Jan. 24.

Alabama did lose 5-star signee Julian Sayin under center, but hanging on to 5-stars such as cornerbacks Jaylen Mbakwe and Zabien Brown, as well as safety Zavier Mincey were big.

"I think I tried to show them [recruits] a little bit of my vision," DeBoer told Kennington Smith III of The Athletic of his recruiting approach. "But I've also told them that I understand you can't buy into my vision until you truly know me, so just give me a chance. Give me a chance to show you a few of the things. I'm going to listen to you. I'm going to meet you where you're at right now and try to show them through some proof of things that have happened, whether it's Washington or (a previous stop)."

Hanging onto the bulk of Alabama's 2024 recruiting class is a great first step for DeBoer's new era in Tuscaloosa.

Class breakdown: Four 5-stars, 16 4-stars, eight three-stars

What to know: Georgia may have missed out on the College Football Playoff last season, but the Bulldogs aren't slowing down anytime soon. The Dawgs' 2024 class is ranked first nationally per the 247Sports Composite. It's headlined by 5-star prospects such as cornerback Ellis Robinson IV, linebackers Justin Williams and Chris Cole and safety KJ Bolden. All three guys are in the top three players for their positions, as well.

Head coach Kirby Smart cleaned up inside the state of Georgia, signing nine in-state prospects, while signing three each from Florida and Texas.

"You go find the players," Smart said via DawgNation of his approach recruiting inside the state of Georgia. "A lot of times it's their interest level in us. We don't target states and say we want to get one from this state or that state.

"I love getting kids from the state of Georgia. If I could sign every kid from the state of Georgia, I would love to do that. That would be great. That's not realistic. It's just not. Some years our state provides us speed, athleticism. Some years it supplies us size."

But there was a big loss for Georgia this cycle in the form of quarterback Dylan Raiola. The Bulldogs did sign 4-star quarterback Ryan Puglisi this cycle. But losing Raiola while Carson Beck has just one more season left in Athens doesn't put the quarterback position in as great a spot beyond 2024.