College football prospects and coaches are finally reunited as the recruiting dead period, which had stretched out for over a year, was finally lifted at the start of June.
As a result, this month is poised to be an active one, with official visits and camps once again allowed. In turn, the rankings could quickly and more frequently be shaken up.
At this time, Ohio State continues to lead the pack, but narrowly with Georgia and LSU right on the Buckeyes’ heels, and that race for the top class is shaping up to be a tightly contested and potentially volatile one.
Rutgers, which has not had a class finish higher than 47th in the last five cycles, heads into this busy month with a top-10 class. Doing a better job of keeping in-state talent at home will be a key for head coach Greg Schiano, and he recently scored a big win within the state’s borders by landing ESPN 300 OT Jacob Allen, the No. 3-ranked prospect in New Jersey.
Alabama, which signed the top-rated class for 2021, sits outside the top 10 with a class that lacks quantity but is strong in quality. Alabama, which signed the top-rated class for 2021, sits just outside the top 10 with a class that lacks quantity but is strong in quality. In addition to Ty Simpson, the No. 2-ranked QB, the Crimson Tide have also landed verbals from Emmanuel Henderson and Le’veon Moss, the Nos. 1- and No. 3- ranked running backs, respectively.
Kentucky had a huge spring on the recruiting trail and rocketed into the top 25. Mark Stoops and his staff secured some big wins close to home, landing top-10 OT Kiyaunta Goodwin out of Indiana and versatile ESPN 300 twin brothers Keaten and Destin Wade out of Tennessee and an in-state pickup in four-star athlete Treyveon Longmire.
Missouri was another class on the rise thanks to key additions close to home, led by the state’s top-rated player, ESPN 300 DT Marquis Gracial.
ESPN 300 commits: 8 | Previous ranking: 1 
Big Ten rank: 1 of 14
Top offensive commit: QB Quinn Ewers (No. 1)
Top defensive commit: CB Jaheim Singletary (No. 34)
The Buckeyes have not signed a No. 1 overall class in the ESPN 300 era, but they have come close with three No. 2-ranked classes over the previous five cycles, and they are indicating they will be in the mix at the top once again. Leading the class is Ewers, the top-rated prospect in the ESPN 300 who decommitted from Texas in October 2020 and committed to the Buckeyes in November. A poised player with a quick, smooth release and the arm strength to make all the throws, he headlines an already deep and talented class that includes WR Caleb Burton, a fellow Texan, who is ranked No. 73 overall. Defense is well represented with a handful of ESPN 300 commits projected to that side of the ball, including a pair of top-15 cornerbacks in Singletary and Jyaire Brown.
ESPN 300 commits: 10 | Previous ranking: 2
SEC rank: 1 of 14
Top offensive commit: QB Gunner Stockton (No. 96)
Top defensive commit: ATH Deyon Bouie (No. 26)
Georgia has strung together five straight top-three classes and looks ready to extend that streak to six. Its early success is built on in-state talent — the Bulldogs have commitments from six of the state’s top-10 prospects, including Stockton, a strong-armed passer who was once a South Carolina verbal and will join 2021 four-star QB Brock Vandagriff in Athens. The class’ foundation is currently on defense. Along the defensive line, Georgia has commitments from two of the top-five DT prospects in the country, Bear Alexander and Tyre West. Bouie could play on either side of the ball but projects to defense. He and fellow in-state projected defensive back prospects Malaki Starks and Marquis Groves-Killebrew give Georgia three ESPN 300 commitments in the secondary.
ESPN 300 commits: 10 | Previous ranking: 3
SEC rank: 2 of 14
Top offensive commit: QB Walker Howard (No. 28)
Top defensive commit: S Jacoby Mathews (No. 56)
Despite struggling during the 2020 season, LSU has been able to maintain a strong presence on the recruiting trail. After signing the No. 6-ranked class in 2021, the Tigers are off to one of the strongest starts for 2022. Always tough to beat on their home turf, they have commitments from several key in-state prospects, led by Howard and top-10 OT Will Campbell. A lot of eyes will be on New Orleans area high school Isidore Newman, as it’s home to coveted uncommitted 2023 QB Arch Manning, but in the more immediate future, the Tigers have had success at that school for 2022, landing teammates OT Bo Bordelon, an aggressive and flexible big man whose father was an All-SEC offensive lineman at LSU, and WR A.J. Johnson, one of Manning’s big-play targets. Building off their tradition of fielding excellent defensive backs, LSU already holds commitments from the No. 3 safety Mathews and three four-star cornerbacks, including the lengthy and instinctive JaDarian Rhym.
ESPN 300 commits: 8 | Previous ranking: 4
Independent rank: 1
Top offensive commit: QB Steven Angeli (No. 129)
Top defensive commit: DE Tyson Ford (No. 153)
The Fighting Irish are making an early push for back-to-back top-10 classes. Having fielded one of the top offensive line units during the 2020 season, they’re working to keep that unit a strength with a pair of ESPN 300 offensive tackle commits in No. 1-rated center Joey Tanona from in state and Ty Chan. Angeli, a talented QB prospect who has continued to develop and improve his mechanics, possesses good arm strength and a quick delivery. Running back Jadarian Price not only possesses good speed, but is also a tough runner who can produce after contact. The four-star Ford, a defensive lineman with a nice initial burst as well good agility, leads several commitments projected to the front seven.
ESPN 300 commits: 7 | Previous ranking: 5
Big Ten rank: 2 of 14
Top offensive commit: QB Drew Allar (No. 37)
Top defensive commit: S Mehki Flowers (No. 169)
The Nittany Lions’ 2021 class never reached higher than No. 15 and ultimately finished outside the top 25, but they are showing signs of a stronger year on the recruiting trail for 2022. They have had early success in-state with commitments from five of the top 10 players in Pennsylvania, led by Drew Shelton, who will play his senior year at IMG Academy in Florida, and Talley, an explosive defender with a good motor. They have two quarterbacks in the class, led by No. 3 QB-PP Allar, a strong-armed passer with good feet, and Beau Pribula, who possesses some traits in the mold of former Penn State QB Trace McSorley. Head coach James Franklin is on his way to assembling one of the most talented groups of pass catchers in this class, which includes ESPN 300 WR Kaden Saunders, a good route runner who can create yards after the catch with his suddenness.
ESPN 300 commits: 5 | Previous ranking: 8 
Big 12 rank: 1 of 10
Top offensive commit: WR Jordan Hudson (No. 12)
Top defensive commit: LB Kobie McKinzie (No. 110)
Lincoln Riley may need to figure out a way to incorporate a second football into his offensive attack with the depth of playmakers he is amassing. The Sooners signed one of the best wide receiver classes in the 2021 cycle, and several more top offensive weapons are on board for 2022. The class includes three ESPN 300 top-five wide receivers: the five-star Hudson, in-state prospect Talyn Shettron and Luther Burden, a fast and smooth target out of Illinois. Adding to the offensive firepower is top-three RB Raleek Brown, a sudden and speedy scatback-type who can be dangerous in space.
ESPN 300 commits: 5 | Previous ranking: 6 
SEC rank: 3 of 14
Top offensive commit: QB Conner Weigman (No. 51)
Top defensive commit: DE Malick Sylla (No. 47)
The Aggies finished the 2021 cycle strong and are carrying that momentum into the 2022 class. All their commitments have come in the new year, and kicking off that run was Sylla, an in-state defensive end with a good first step and nice upside. Adding him to a talented D-line group from the 2021 cycle, led by five-star Shemar Turner, can give Texas A&M a formidable defensive front. The Aggies also added Sylla’s high school teammate in ESPN 300 defender Bobby Taylor, a lengthy and quick-footed cornerback. They have their quarterback in Weigman, a powerful thrower with good accuracy.
ESPN 300 commits: 4 | Previous ranking: 7
ACC rank: 1 of 14
Top offensive commit: QB A.J. Duffy (No. 33)
Top defensive commit: CB Travis Hunter (No. 4)
The Seminoles have had struggles at quarterback in recent years, but Mike Norvell has secured his passer for the 2022 cycle in Duffy. A coach’s kid who will arrive in Tallahassee from IMG Academy, he will bring good accuracy but strong instincts, and should come in ready to compete for playing time immediately. The Seminoles also have landed one of the top defensive prospects in this class in Hunter, who possesses an excellent blend of speed, quickness, length and toughness. The addition of No. 1 athlete Sam McCall, who is an explosive player that can be a sideline-to-sideline presence, can give the Seminoles two big-time playmakers in their secondary.
ESPN 300 commits: 3 | Previous ranking: 10
Big Ten rank: 3 of 14
Top offensive commit: OT Jacob Allen (No. 152)
Top defensive commit: LB Anthony Johnson (No. 98)
Rutgers brought back head coach Greg Schiano to try and elevate the program again after years of struggles on the field and in recruiting. Early on, Schiano is signaling he can deliver again and has Rutgers off to one of the best starts in the country. Keeping top talent close to home will be a key, and an early indication he is up for that fight was landing ESPN 300 OT Jacob Allen, the No. 3-ranked player in New Jersey. So far, he has also landed several other solid in-state commitments, notably from three-star DE Kenny Fletcher. The Scarlet Knights went into neighboring Pennsylvania to get Johnson, the No. 2-ranked ILB, and returned to Florida, where Schiano had a lot of success during his first stint, to land a commitment from four-star WR Amarion Brown. QB Gavin Wimsatt was a big pickup for the Scarlet Knights, as he brings nice upside and possesses a smooth delivery with the ability to throw for power.
ESPN 300 commits: 6 | Previous ranking: 9
Big 12 rank: 2 of 10
Top offensive commit: RB Jaydon Blue (No. 82)
Top defensive commit: S Bryan Allen Jr. (No. 77)
After guiding one of the most high-powered attacks in college football as offensive coordinator at Alabama, Steve Sarkisian is now assembling his first full class as head coach at Texas. Offense defines this group early on. The Longhorns went to California for their quarterback, Maalik Murphy, a prospect with limited high school game experience thus far but someone who possesses some impressive physical traits, including a big arm. The class also features some big-play offensive targets from in-state: top-15 wide receiver Armani Winfield and Blue, the No. 5 running back who is an explosive runner with good ball skills. Defense is not being overlooked either, and the Longhorns added one of the top defensive back prospects in the state in Allen, a top-five safety who is fluid with good instincts.
ESPN 300 commits: 5 | Previous ranking: 12
SEC rank: 5 of 14
Top offensive commit: RB Emmanuel Henderson (No. 16)
Top defensive commit: LB Robert Woodyard (No. 126)
Alabama didn’t enter the top 25 until late May a year ago before ascending up the rankings and finishing with the No. 1 class for 2021. This time around, the Tide start off a little stronger with a group that lacks quantity but is strong in quality. Among the early handful of commits is No. 1 RB Henderson, an explosive runner with good vision. Alabama added more big-play firepower to its backfield in No. 3-ranked RB Le’veon Moss, an instinctive and sudden runner. The Crimson Tide have also landed the top-rated QB-DT Ty Simpson. The son of a college coach, he possesses a compact and smooth delivery. Woodyard, a top-10 in-state prospect, is a strong pickup on defense.
ESPN 300 commits: 5 | Previous ranking: 11
Pac-12 rank: 1 of 12
Top offensive commit: QB Tanner Bailey (No. 99)
Top defensive commit: S Landon Hullaby (No. 241)
The Ducks appear to be in contention for a fourth straight top-rated Pac-12 class. They have had success close to home with commitments from the state’s top-two ranked prospects, ESPN 300 S Trejon Williams and ESPN 300 OLB Emar’rion Winston. They went into Texas to add more talent to their secondary with Hullaby, the No. 17-ranked safety. They landed their quarterback in Bailey, a promising prospect who is a poised and accurate passer with a quick release.
ESPN 300 commits: 3 | Previous ranking: N/A
SEC rank: 4 of 14
Top offensive commit: OT Kiyaunta Goodwin (No. 76)
Top defensive commit: LB Keaten Wade (No. 189)
The Wildcats have scored some big victories and had a strong spring on the recruiting trail. They went into bordering Indiana to land top-10 OT Goodwin, a big, strong prospect with good flexibility and balance. Four-star twin brothers Keaten and Destin Wade were big additions out of neighboring Tennessee with Keaten a rangy linebacker and Destin a versatile player that could contribute at multiple roles, including competing for the QB spot. Kentucky has also had some success within its own state with commitments from in-state four-star athlete Treyveon Longmire and high three-star OG Grant Bingham.
ESPN 300 commits: 3 | Previous ranking: 19
SEC rank: 6 of 14
Top offensive commit: QB Sam Horn (No. 160)
Top defensive commit: DT Marquis Gracial (No. 57)
The Tigers have won several key battles inside the state lines with verbals from five of the state’s top 15 prospects, including the top-rated player in Gracial, a big man that has the tools to be an SEC-quality impact type player in the defensive trenches. ESPN 300 ATH Ja’Marion Wayne and four-star safety Isaac Thompson were also big in-state pickups. The staff did an excellent job of establishing a strong relationship early on with Horn, an accurate passer from Georgia; the ball can jump off his hands.
ESPN 300 commits: 3 | Previous ranking: 17
Pac-12 rank: 2 of 12
Top offensive commit: TE Keyan Burnett (No. 199)
Top defensive commit: CB Domani Jackson (No. 5)
Clay Helton has the Trojans ascending again on the recruiting trail with several ESPN 300 commits. The secondary has greatly benefited from early commitments with the five-star Jackson and top-20 CB Fabian Ross on board. Burnett is an aggressive and agile prospect that be a versatile and well-rounded player for them. The quarterback in the class is three-star Devin Brown, a passer with good anticipation and touch. The Trojans’ staff connections continue to recruit the Lone Star State, this time reeling in three-star ILB Ty Kana from powerhouse program Katy High.
ESPN 300 commits: 2 | Previous ranking: 18
Big Ten rank: 4 of 14
Top offensive commit: WR Tyler Morris (No. 135)
Top defensive commit: CB William Johnson (No. 18)
The Wolverines signed the No. 2 class in the Big Ten for the 2021 cycle, and they remain near the top of the conference early on this time around. The secondary has benefited with two strong pickups in Johnson and four-star Kody Jones. The rangy and heady Johnson is a key commitment, as he is not only among the top three cornerback prospects in the class, but is also the top-rated player in the state of Michigan. Jones, who possesses excellent quickness, is listed as an athlete but projects to cornerback. TE Marlin Klein is a commit to keep an eye on. Originally from Germany but now playing his high school football in Georgia, he is a 6-foot-6, 220-pound prospect with promising upside and the tools to grow into a versatile and physical offensive weapon.
ESPN 300 commits: 2 | Previous ranking: 21
SEC rank: 7 of 14
Top offensive commit: OT Andrew Chamblee (No. 229)
Top defensive commit: S Myles Rowser (No. 293)
Owning the state is a must at Arkansas, and Sam Pittman and staff are on the right track in 2022 with Chamblee and three-stars TE Dax Courtney, RB James Jointer and LB Kaden Henley, all on the verbal list and ranked among the state’s top 10. Rowser was a key grab out of state, as was three-star Peach State athlete Rashod Dubinion, who projects as a multi-purpose weapon on offense.
ESPN 300 commits: 1 | Previous ranking: 14
ACC rank: 2 of 14
Top offensive commit: QB Peter Delaportas (No. 232)
Top defensive commit: DT Kwan Williams (four stars)
The Eagles have put together an impressive class of offensive players early on. Delaportas leads a class that includes in-state high three-star WR Joseph Griffin Jr. and a pair of three-star tight ends in Matt Ragan and Jeremiah Franklin. Three-star Ishmael Zamor is another in-state verbal. On defense, Williams and three-star CB Jamal Hood out of Maryland are future starters.
ESPN 300 commits: 1 | Previous ranking: 13
Big 12 rank: 3 of 10
Top offensive commit: QB Garret Rangel (No. 277)
Top defensive commit: LB Gabe Brown (three stars)
The Cowboys signed the No. 3 class in the Big 12 for 2021 and find themselves in the same position to start 2022. Their class is led by a talented signal caller in Rangel, who is a player that displays good instincts and timing. His live arm can be a nice fit in Mike Gundy’s offense. Several other offensive weapons are among their commits, including a trio of four-star running backs in Ollie Gordon, the diminutive but lighting quick Braylin Presley and C.J. Brown, who has the tools to be a productive all-purpose back.
ESPN 300 commits: 0 | Previous ranking: 25
SEC rank: 9 of 14
Top offensive commit: QB Braedyn Locke (four stars)
Top defensive commit: DT Jacarius Clayton (three stars)
The Bulldogs are loading up on the defensive side of the ball early on this cycle. A handful of three-stars in the fold are Clayton, safeties Wesley Miller, Kylon Griffin and Jourdan Thomas, and in-state OLB Khalid Moore. High three-star athlete Trent Singleton is a physical player with quick feet and could contribute on either side of the ball, but projects to the secondary for Mississippi State. While defense is the foundation of this class, the offense has added some talented additions as well, including Dakota Jordan, a highly ranked three-star receiver from in state. After signing a four-star QB out of Texas for 2021, Mike Leach has returned to the Lone Star state to find his QB for 2022 in Locke, a prospect that comes across as tough player with a quick release and strong arm.
ESPN 300 commits: 2 | Previous ranking: 20
SEC rank: 8 of 14
Top offensive commit: OT Tony Livingston (No. 114)
Top defensive commit: CB Julian Humphrey (No. 274)
Dan Mullen and staff have quality out of the gate in the 2022 cycle, headlined by ESPN 300 Lone Star State signal caller Nick Evers, who won positional MVP at the Dallas Under Armour camp this spring. They also pulled Humphrey, a smooth cornerback with good size, out of Texas. Livingston, who is converting from tight end, has a high ceiling for development at offensive tackle. Four-star commits TE C.J. Hawkins and DE Francois Nolton are strong in-state additions.
ESPN 300 commits: 3 | Previous ranking: N/A
Pac-12 rank: 3 of 14
Top offensive commit: TE Jack Pedersen (No. 157)
Top defensive commit: LB Jalen Woods (three stars)
The Bruins have done a good job thus far at elevating its impact on the recruiting trail this cycle. Head coach Chip Kelly has added several offensive weapons, including a pair of ESPN 300 tight ends in Pedersen and Carsen Ryan. Out of IMG Academy, Pedersen is a big body that can be an effective blocker and also has good agility and hands to be a productive receiving target as well. Ryan possesses good body control, feet and ball skills. UCLA also has a pair of in-state WRs on board in Clint Stephens, who is ranked in the top 30 nationally, and three-star A.J. Jones.
ESPN 300 commits: 1 | Previous ranking: 15
Big 12 rank: 4 of 10
Top offensive commit: TE Kaian Roberts-Day (No. 242)
Top defensive commit: DE Carmello Jones (three stars)
The Bears won’t have issues fielding really good tight ends in the future with a class headlined by ESPN 300 Roberts-Day, who could also project to defensive end, four-star TE Cody Mladenka and versatile three-star TE Kelsey Johnson. Defensive line is a key position of need in the 2022 cycle for Dave Aranda and staff, and the Bears have two strong pickups for that unit in three-star ends Jones and Kyler Jordan, who has a good first step, possesses excellent power and could emerge as a sleeper from this group.
ESPN 300 commits: 0 | Previous ranking: 16
Group of 5 rank: 1
Top offensive commit: WR Quincy Burroughs (three stars)
Top defensive commit: DT Derrick Shepard (four stars)
The Bearcats are making the most of a terrific season on the field with a fast start in the 2022 cycle. They have several strong additions to their defensive front led by Shepard, three-star Sunshine State DT Segree Graham and in-state three-star DEs Cecil Doggette Jr. and Tyler Gillison. Burroughs and three-star running back Stephan Byrd are the headliners on offense. Three-star in-state OT Ethan Green has an ideal frame to develop.
ESPN 300 commits: 1 | Previous ranking: 24
Big Ten rank: 5 of 14
Top offensive commit: QB Preston Howard (No. 284)
Top defensive commit: LB Nyair Graham (three stars)
On the heels of signing a top-20 class, Mike Locksley continues to make noise on the recruiting trail with Maryland’s 2022 class off to a strong start. This class is headlined by Howard, a player with a live arm, good feet and exciting upside. A second quarterback in the fold is Peach State three-star A.J. Swann. The Garden State is key for the Terrapins, and early wins in the cycle are three-stars Amari Clark and Graham. In-state three-star OLB Kellan Wyatt was a needed victory.
Dropped out: Clemson (22), North Carolina (23)
Scorecard | 2021 class rankings | 2020 class rankings