The 2023 class has been wrapped up for a couple of months but in honor of Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, we’re on to 2024.
At the top of the list of recruits in the next class is five-star quarterback Dylan Raiola, who decommitted from Ohio State on Dec. 17, 2022. The No. 1 overall recruit has an offer list that you would expect from a top-tier quarterback. The Georgia Bulldogs, Nebraska Cornhuskers, Oregon Ducks, and USC Trojans are all in hot pursuit.
He won’t be the only player of interest to observe over the next eight months as we get close to the early signing period in December. Behind Raiola, the No. 2 recruit of the class has already locked in his pledge with the Ohio State Buckeyes. Jeremiah Smith of Opa Locka, Florida, is one of two five-star wide receivers that want to join the Buckeyes and wide receivers coach Brian Hartline.
With the middle of April now upon us, College Sports Wire takes a look at the early top 10 classes on the recruiting trail.
Rankings courtesy of 247Sports as of Friday, Apr. 14.
1
Georgia Bulldogs
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Total Points: 243.42 (No. 1 in SEC)
- Total Commits: 12
- Five-Star Commits: 3
- Average Ranking: 94.6
Once again we have the Georgia Bulldogs at the top of the list. They are typically in the top two spots. This isn’t surprising after winning back-to-back national championships, not that they have trouble recruiting. They are led by five-star cornerback Ellis Robinson IV of the IMG Academy (Bradenton, FL).
For Bulldogs coverage: UGA Wire
2
Ohio State Buckeyes
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Total Points: 210.41 (No. 1 in the Big Ten)
- Total Commits: 10
- Five-Star Commits: 2
- Average Ranking: 94.20
The Buckeyes have been on fire on the recruiting trails as of late. They recently earned a commitment from four-star quarterback Air Noland, who was highly coveted by a number of programs. Their top recruit is five-star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith of Chaminade-Madonna Prep (Opa Locka, FL). Ohio State has commitments from the No. 1 and No. 5 overall wide receivers in the class.
For Ohio State coverage: Buckeyes Wire
3
Michigan Wolverines
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Total Points: 199.91 (No. 2 in the Big Ten)
- Total Commits: 11
- Five-Star Commits: 1
- Average Ranking: 91.48
Right on their rivals heels, the Michigan Wolverines check in at No. 3 in the middle part of April. Their class is lead by five-star quarterback Jadyn Davis of Providence Day School (Charlotte, NC). You can expect an absolute war on the trails between Ohio State and Michigan.
For Michigan coverage: Wolverines Wire
4
LSU Tigers
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Total Points: 194.76 (No. 2 in the SEC)
- Total Commits: 12
- Four-Star Commits: 8
- Average Ranking: 89.74
The LSU Tigers are the only team in the top five without a five-star commitment but they should before too long. Brian Kelly has shown the ability to bring talent to the Bayou. He was able to flip Harold Perkins Jr from Texas A&M, and he made an immediate impact for the defense. This class is led by Maurice Williams Jr, a four-star linebacker from Shadow Creek (Pearland, TX).
For Tigers coverage: LSU Wire
5
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
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Total Points: 174.38 (No. 1 Independent)
- Total Commits: 9
- Five-Star Commits: 1
- Average Ranking: 91.73
Marcus Freeman has been doing his job with bringing talented players to Notre Dame. It begins at the top with five-star wide receiver Cam Williams of Glenbard South (Glen Ellyn, IL) and four-star quarterback CJ Carr of Saline (Saline, MI). Can he bring the momentum to the football field in 2023?
For Notre Dame coverage: Fighting Irish Wire
6
Florida Gators
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Total Points: 161.32 (No. 3 in SEC)
- Total Commits: 7
- Five-Star Commits: 1
- Average Ranking: 94.60
The Florida Gators and Billy Napier haven’t had much success on the field, but that hasn’t been the problem on the recruiting trail this cycle. Despite the poor performance in the spring game, the team landed a five-star (four-star composite) safety on Thursday. The class is led by five-star quarterback DJ Lagway from Willis (Willis, TX).
For Florida coverage: Gators Wire
7
Florida State Seminoles
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Total Points: 158.84 (No. 1 in ACC)
- Total Commits: 9
- Four-Star Commits: 5
- Average Ranking: 158.84
Florida State made a surprise run in the ACC in 2022 and removed head coach Mike Norvell from the dreaded hot seat. This season will be a big for Norvell and the Noles. Kameron Davis, a four-star running back from Dougherty (Albany, GA) is the top commit so far.
8
Oregon Ducks
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Total Points: 157.03 (No. 1 in Pac-12)
- Total Commits: 8
- Four-Star Commits: 7
- Average Ranking: 91.47
After Mario Cristobal left for his alma mater, Dan Lanning took over the program and led the Ducks to a 10-3 record. They won a bowl game for the first time since 2019 Rose Bowl. This class is led by four-star wide receiver Jordan Anderson of Newport Harbor (Newport Beach, CA).
For Oregon coverage: Ducks Wire
9
Tennessee Volunteers
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Total Points: 156.10 (No. 4 in SEC)
- Total Commits: 8
- Four-Star Commits: 5
- Average Rankings: 91.24
The Tennessee Vols returned to prominence on the football field after not recording double-digit wins since 2007. They finished 11-2 with losses to Georgia and South Carolina. The class is led by four-star quarterback Jake Merklinger of Calvary Day School (Savannah, GA).
For Tennessee coverage: Vols Wire
10
Penn State Nittany Lions
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Total Points: 152.17 (No. 3 in Big Ten)
- Total Commits: 8
- Four-Star Commits: 5
- Average Ranking: 90.76
James Franklin is looking to build on their 2022 season where they ended with a Rose Bowl victory. The team is looking to continue the momentum off the field. The class is led by four-star athlete Quinton Martin of Belle Vernon (Belle Vernon, PA).
For Penn State coverage: Nittany Lions Wire
