Recruiting is an essential component of college football. The success of a program often depends on its ability to bring in top talent year after year. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the best football programs in recruiting.
1. Alabama Crimson Tide
Nick Saban has built a football powerhouse in Tuscaloosa, and recruiting has been a major factor in that success. The Crimson Tide have had the No. 1 class in the nation eight times under Saban, including the last four years in a row. Alabama consistently brings in five-star prospects and develops them into NFL draft picks.
2. Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State has been a top-10 recruiting program for the past decade, and they show no signs of slowing down. The Buckeyes have landed the No. 2 class in the nation in each of the last two recruiting cycles, and their ability to dominate the Midwest has been a key to their success.
3. Georgia Bulldogs
Kirby Smart has followed in Nick Saban’s footsteps, bringing Georgia to the forefront of recruiting. The Bulldogs have had a top-three recruiting class in each of the past three years, including the No. 1 class in 2018. Georgia has been able to keep top Georgia talent in state and pull in top prospects from around the country.
4. Clemson Tigers
Clemson has become a national recruiting power under Dabo Swinney. The Tigers have landed top-10 recruiting classes in each of the past five years, including the No. 1 class in 2020. Clemson’s ability to develop talent and consistently compete for championships has made them an attractive destination for top prospects.
5. LSU Tigers
LSU has been one of the most consistent programs in recruiting in the past decade. The Tigers have had a top-10 recruiting class for each of the past nine years, including the No. 1 class in 2019. LSU’s success on the field and in the NFL draft has made them a top destination for recruits.
Honorable Mention – Texas Longhorns
Texas has all the resources to be a top recruiting program, and under Tom Herman, they’re starting to live up to their potential. The Longhorns have landed top-three recruiting classes in each of the past two years, and their ability to recruit in-state has been a key to their success.
In conclusion, recruiting is a crucial aspect of college football, and these five programs have consistently shown their prowess in attracting top talent. While there are many other programs that have also enjoyed success in recruiting, these five have set themselves apart in recent years.