As the 2023 college football recruiting cycle comes to a close, it’s time to take a look at the top programs and how they fared in recruiting. Recruiting is the lifeblood of any college football program, and the teams that consistently bring in the best talent are usually the ones that wind up competing for conference championships and national titles.
So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the top college football programs in the 2023 recruiting cycle.
1. Alabama Crimson Tide
It’s no surprise to see Alabama at the top of the recruiting rankings once again. The Crimson Tide brought in yet another loaded class, headlined by five-star quarterback Jacoby Mathews and five-star wide receiver Treyaun Webb. Alabama also landed five-star defensive tackle Walter Nolen, who chose the Tide over several other top programs.
2. Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State is another program that routinely finishes near the top of the recruiting rankings, and the 2023 cycle was no different. The Buckeyes landed five-star defensive tackle Enai White and five-star cornerback Jaheim Singletary, among others. Ohio State also managed to flip four-star quarterback Tad Hudson from Wisconsin late in the cycle.
3. Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia had an outstanding recruiting cycle, landing commitments from five-star running back Justice Haynes and five-star cornerback Malaki Starks. The Bulldogs also added several other highly rated prospects, including four-star defensive end Darris Smith and four-star cornerback Marcus Allen. Georgia’s class is arguably the best in the SEC.
4. Texas A&M Aggies
Texas A&M has been recruiting at a high level under head coach Jimbo Fisher, and that trend continued in the 2023 cycle. The Aggies landed commitments from five-star wide receiver Evan Stewart and five-star athlete Denver Harris, both of whom could make an immediate impact as freshmen. Texas A&M also added several highly rated offensive linemen to help protect quarterback Haynes King.
5. Clemson Tigers
Clemson had a somewhat down season in 2020, but the Tigers appear to be reloading with their 2023 class. Clemson landed commitments from five-star defensive end Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy and five-star receiver Johntay Cook II. The Tigers also added several other highly rated prospects on the defensive side of the ball.
Honorable Mentions: Notre Dame, LSU, Florida State, Michigan
Notre Dame had a solid recruiting cycle, landing commitments from four-star quarterback Steve Angeli and four-star running back Jadarian Price. LSU rebounded from a down season in 2020 with a strong class that includes five-star defensive tackle Shone Washington and four-star quarterback Walker Howard. Florida State added several highly rated recruits, including four-star receiver Ja’Kobi Albert and four-star cornerback Travis Hunter. Michigan had a solid class as well, with commitments from four-star defensive tackle Mason Graham and four-star running back Damari Alston.
Overall, it was a strong year for recruiting across the college football landscape. These programs should be in good shape moving forward, as they look to compete for conference championships and national titles in the years ahead.