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College football‘s 2023 recruiting cycle has come and gone, with Alabama signing the No. 1 class for the eighth time in the Nick Saban era.
The Crimson Tide locked up the No. 1-ranked prospect at four different positions, and while quarterback was not one of those, they might have brought in the most impressive group of quarterbacks this cycle.
Here, Tom VanHaaren, Tom Luginbill and Craig Haubert analyze the teams that stood out in the 2023 recruiting cycle, breaking down the schools that landed the highest-ranked prospect at each position, the schools that had the most impressive group at each position and a school with a sleeper haul.
Jump to a position:
QB | RB | WR | TE | OL
DE | DT | LB | CB | S
Quarterback
Team with the highest-ranked QB: USC (Malachi Nelson, No. 1 overall). Nelson is such a naturally fluid thrower of the football. He can change arm angles and make all the throws. At 6-foot-3, 185 pounds, he has tremendous physical upside to get bigger and stronger, which will only enhance his innate talents.
With the reigning Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams back in 2023, we expect Nelson to compete to be the backup, eventually play in four games and redshirt, which is the ideal situation for any quarterback regardless of how talented he is. — Luginbill
Team with the most impressive QB haul: Alabama. The Crimson Tide didn’t use the transfer portal for a quarterback to replace Bryce Young, so the coaching staff made sure they added two high school prospects in the 2023 class. Alabama is one of a few teams to add two quarterbacks and the only team with two ESPN 300 commits.
Eli Holstein is ranked No. 29 overall and the No. 5 pocket passer, while Dylan Lonergan is ranked No. 36 overall and the No. 6 pocket passer. In today’s recruiting landscape, it is very difficult to land two top-40 quarterbacks in the same cycle, but Nick Saban found a way to do it. — VanHaaren
Team with a sleeper group of QBs: UCLA. Crosstown rival USC may have landed the top-ranked QB, but UCLA made some noise of its own by signing five-star QB Dante Moore. While Moore grabs the headlines and is likely the one to take over the offense with Dorian Thompson-Robinson moving on, the Bruins land here as they also brought in Luke Duncan, a second freshman QB in this class. While the three-star doesn’t bring as much fanfare, he has a nice frame (6-6, 190) to develop and is a passer with good timing and accuracy that continued to improve during his high school career. Plus, he didn’t jump ship once Moore committed, so his competitive demeanor is also a plus.
Neither has to start right away, as the Bruins dipped into the transfer portal to bridge the transition from Thompson-Robinson by adding the experienced Collin Schlee from Kent State. Schlee is coming off a productive 2022 season and gained some big-game experience against top opponents like Oklahoma and Georgia. — Haubert
Running back
Team with the highest-ranked RB: Alabama (Richard Young, No. 22). Young brings power, balance and elusiveness to avoid tackles in the hole. He is quick to press the crease and get downhill. He’s a powerful back with jump-cut abilities to make people miss and avoid negative plays.
It’s possible he’ll find a role on special teams and rotate in with seniors Jase McClellan and Roydell Williams, as well as fellow true freshman Justice Haynes, the No. 2 running back in the 2023 class. Young has the talent to play right away but must prove he can pass protect and hold on to the football, two things that can keep any freshman back off the field. — Luginbill
Team with the most impressive RB haul: Alabama. Despite the departure of leading rusher Jahmyr Gibbs to the NFL, McClellan, the second-leading rusher (655 yards), returns. With him and Williams being seniors, the Crimson Tide needed to add more young talent to the room.
They were successful in signing the Nos. 1 and 2 running backs in the class. Young is a 5-11, 195-pound back out of Lehigh Acres, Florida, with speed, while Haynes is an elusive back at 5-10, 185 pounds. — VanHaaren
Team with a sleeper group of RBs: Utah. Coming off back-to-back conference titles, Utah is not looking to loosen its grip on the Pac-12 and is building a strong stable of running backs. Micah Bernard returns, as does 2022 high three-star RB Jaylon Glover. This cycle, the Utes added more talent at the position, going back into the state of Florida to steal another underrated skill player in Michael Mitchell. A runner with a nice blend of size, power and speed, he can create big plays and be a workhorse.
John Randle Jr. was a nice pull out of Kansas, as he had three straight 1,000-yard seasons in high school, and ESPN 300 athlete Dijon Stanley brings breakaway speed to the position. With these additions the Utes’ ground game will be able to challenge defenses with a diverse group of fresh backs who can eat up yards and score points. — Haubert
Wide receiver
Team with the highest-ranked WR: USC (Zachariah Branch, No. 7). Branch is ultimately the fastest player in the class (though Colorado running back Dylan Edwards may argue) and might already be the fastest player on USC’s roster. He is terrific in space and has huge upside as a route runner, whether he plays on the inside or outside.
He should become the Trojans’ feature returner and develop into a speedy threat in space rather quickly. Lincoln Riley’s scheme can get him isolated both downfield and in the screen game, where he’s capable of turning a 5-yard catch into an 80-yard gain. — Luginbill
Team with the most impressive WR haul: USC. Riley added the Biletnikoff Award winner in Jordan Addison via the transfer portal last year, so it shouldn’t be a surprise to see the Trojans have the best haul of receivers in his first full recruiting cycle.
He has two five-star recruits in Branch, an explosive playmaker, and Makai Lemon, the No. 2 wideout in the class who is also teammates with five-star quarterback commit Malachi Nelson. The staff also has three-star Ja’Kobi Lane committed, giving Riley some big-time options for the future at receiver. — VanHaaren
Team with a sleeper group of WRs: Nebraska. Nebraska does not conjure up thoughts of an explosive passing attack, but new head coach Matt Rhule looks to be putting in the players to change that. The Huskers signed a deep group of receivers with promise, led by ESPN 300 hometown prospect Malachi Coleman, who with an outstanding blend of size and speed could contribute at multiple spots but is poised to be a big-play threat at receiver.
One of Rhule’s first pickups was a sleeper out of Texas who held no other FBS offers but brings elite speed in Brice Turner. They also signed multiple three-star receivers who can help make that group more dynamic, including Demitrius Bell, who can create after the catch. — Haubert
Tight end
Team with the highest-ranked TE: N/A (Duce Robinson, No. 40). Robinson, a two-sport tight end who is still unsigned, is a unique prospect because he moves like a wide receiver but looks like a TE/H-back. At 6-6, 235 pounds, he can play all over the place. He’s a huge red zone and jump-ball weapon, and he has speed after the catch.
Texas, USC, Alabama, Oregon and Georgia were determined to be finalists in January, and each has a significant need at tight end. Texas, Georgia and Alabama have carved out a nice role for the tight end position in recent years. — Luginbill
Team with the most impressive TE haul: Arkansas. The Razorbacks have two ESPN 300 tight ends signed in the 2023 class, which was the most of any school this cycle. Luke Hasz is a 6-foot-3, 215-pound tight end ranked No. 2 at the position. He is ranked No. 83 overall in the ESPN 300 and is an important piece to this recruiting class, as well as the highest-ranked commit.
Shamar Easter is a 6-foot-5, 215-pound tight end, ranked No. 6 at the position. He is the second-highest ranked commit in the class. — VanHaaren
Team with a sleeper group of TEs: Penn State. The Nittany Lions also signed three at the position, led by Andrew Rappleyea, who at one point was committed to rival Michigan. The last time they went into Massachusetts to land a tight end, it worked out well with Pat Freiermuth. Rappleyea gives their passing attack a target with good hands and body control.
Four-star Mathias Barnwell can boost the Nittany Lions’ ground attack, as he is a big body with good feet and can be a strong blocker. In-state signee Joey Schlaffer might be the lowest rated of the group as a three-star but could develop into their most productive receiving target. Members of this group complement each other well and have the tools to be assets to the passing and run games. — Haubert
Offensive line
Team with the highest-ranked OL: Miami (Francis Mauigoa, No. 6). Mauigoa is a massive young prospect with positional versatility to play all three positions if needed. He’ll be given every opportunity to start at right tackle, as Miami has two seniors and a redshirt sophomore at guard and center.
We could also see him move to guard in the future; he’s strong, can bend and finish plays. Playing along the offensive line as a freshman is a challenge, but he appears up for the task. — Luginbill
Team with the most impressive OL haul: Alabama. The staff has an impressive class of four ESPN 300 offensive linemen signed, including a five-star, as well as another three-star to round out the class. Saban flipped Kadyn Proctor, the No. 2 offensive tackle, from in-state Iowa before the early signing period, and he should continue the strong offensive line play we’re used to seeing in Tuscaloosa.
Of the four ESPN 300 offensive linemen to sign with Alabama, none is shorter than 6-6 and none weighs less than 300 pounds. That size will be a difference-maker in the SEC. — VanHaaren
Team with a sleeper group of OLs: Texas Tech. The Red Raiders don’t have any four-star linemen, but there are some future all-conference players in the class. Coach Joey McGuire has elevated Texas Tech’s recruiting efforts, supplementing its top-25 class with high three-star prospects in Daniel Sill, Dylan Shaw and Kaden Carr, who each bring very good physical tools to develop.
Sill arguably brings the most upside and the potential to be the breakout star of this group. Texas Tech is known for its aerial attack, but games are won and lost in the trenches, and McGuire and his staff are bringing in players to strengthen that O-line. — Haubert
Defensive end
Team with the highest-ranked DE: Alabama (Keon Keeley, No. 12). Keeley brings length, fluid speed and upside to develop into a force off the edge once he adds weight and strength to his 6-5, 245-pound frame.
He has natural bend and closing speed as a pass-rusher. Depending on his development, we could envision Keeley being a designated pass-rusher early on, whether it’s at the strongside linebacker or the jack position behind Dallas Turner. — Luginbill
Team with the most impressive DE haul: Alabama. Both Georgia and Alabama signed three ESPN 300 defensive ends, but the Tide get the nod thanks to Keeley.
He’s joined by Yhonzae Pierre, the No. 8 end (No. 72 overall), and Hunter Osborne, ranked No. 28 at the position (No. 207). Georgia, meanwhile, signed the Nos. 2, 4 and 12 defensive ends, all ranked in the top 101 overall. — VanHaaren
Team with a sleeper group of DEs: Auburn. Hugh Freeze knows that strength in the defensive trenches matters in the SEC, and he quickly added talented players there upon his hiring. While several may be missing an ESPN 300 distinction, he still assembled very good talent at this position and raided several other classes to do so.
Keldric Faulk, a flip from Florida State, brings a 6-6, 245-pound frame with good length and can play on the edge and reduce inside as well. Darron Reed, who has a good first step, flipped from LSU and gives them another big body that can be versatile up front. Wilky Denaud has nice reach and active hands, while Brenton Williams has good quickness and agility. — Haubert
Defensive tackle
Team with the highest-ranked DT: Clemson (Peter Woods, No. 4). Woods is such a disruptive force on the inside with his blend of explosive first-step quickness, power and the ability to unlock and roll his hips when engaged.
He plays with aggression and flashes as a finisher. We wouldn’t be surprised if he becomes a starter, but early on, he’ll be in the rotation and see significant snaps. — Luginbill
Team with the most impressive DT haul: Alabama. Clemson may have had the Nos. 1 and 7 tackles in Woods and Vic Burley, but the Tide landed the Nos. 3, 4 and 19 tackles in the class.
James Smith, ranked No. 25 overall, leads the haul up front, followed by Jordan Renaud (No. 50) and Edric Hill (No. 281). Their overall defensive line haul features three top-50 prospects. — VanHaaren
Team with a sleeper group of DTs: USC. Of course the Trojans loaded up on offensive skill talent, but improving in the trenches is a must. On defense, they deserve a little more credit: They have a combination of recruits and transfers that can add depth.
Beyond Texas A&M transfer Anthony Lucas, who has impact ability, they signed four three-star tackles, including Samuel Greene, a late riser on the cusp of a four-star rating who is explosive enough to outperform his ranking. Deijon Laffitte possesses good initial burst and power. USC will score points, but if the Trojans can become disruptive up front defensively as well, they could really take the next step to becoming a national title threat. — Haubert
Linebacker
Team with the highest-ranked LB: Alabama (Jaquavious Russaw, No. 9). Russaw reminds us of former Alabama OLB Rashaan Evans both in skill and stature. Russaw can run, plain and simple, and he is evolving as a pass rusher.
Like Keeley, Russaw could see a role at the jack position, where he would compete with senior Chris Braswell and fellow freshman Yhonzae Pierre. — Luginbill
Team with the most impressive LB haul: Texas. We don’t want to sell Georgia’s class short, as the Dawgs have three ESPN 300 linebackers, including one five-star (Raylen Wilson), but the Longhorns have four ESPN 300 signees at the position, including five-star Anthony Hill, the top-ranked inside linebacker and No 16 prospect overall.
They also have Tausili Akana (No. 113 overall), Derion Gullette (No. 132) and S’Maje Burrell (No. 263), as well as three-star outside linebacker Liona Lefau out of Hawaii. — VanHaaren
Team with a sleeper group of LBs: Northwestern. Oklahoma and Tennessee received some consideration, though calling their classes sleepers would be a stretch, as they have two and three ranked linebackers, respectively. Northwestern, meanwhile, added some prospects who could develop into highly productive defenders.
Top signee Nigel Glover can be a well-rounded player, as he posted strong testing numbers on the camp circuit and displayed a competitive and aggressive style on film. Michael Kilbane is a versatile front-seven player with a nice frame to develop, and while Justin Cryer lacks some in ideal measurables (6-2, 235), he has good feet and can read and react well. — Haubert
Cornerback
Team with the highest-ranked CB: Colorado (Cormani McClain, No. 14). McClain’s talent level, measurables (6-2, 165) and skill set are as good as we’ve seen over the past 18 classes. The goal for Deion Sanders is to maximize his abilities and get him to play up to his potential.
McClain can change the game and could play in all three phases. What he lacks in experience, he makes up for in talent, especially compared to most of the other corners on Colorado’s current roster. He will have to develop mentally and focus to minimize the learning curve at the Power 5 level. — Luginbill
Team with the most impressive CB haul: Georgia. The Dawgs have recruited elite corners the past few years, signing eight ESPN 300 cornerbacks from 2020 to 2022. It was much of the same in the 2023 class, as Georgia signed four ESPN 300 corners, including the No. 4 corner in A.J. Harris, as well as Daniel Harris, Chris Peal and Justyn Rhett.
Colorado and Alabama each had a five-star corner in their class, but the sheer number of top-300 recruits puts Georgia over the top. — VanHaaren
Team with a sleeper group of CBs: Clemson. The defensive line headlines its class, but the secondary also benefited. Avieon Terrell is the only four-star, an instinctive, smooth and tough defender that could have been ranked inside the ESPN 300 if he possessed a little more natural size (5-11, 180).
Highly rated three-star Branden Strozier is an explosive player with coveted length, and Shelton Lewis possesses good quickness. The big men up front will get after the quarterback, and this group of corners have the coverage and playmaking skills to reap the rewards. — Haubert
Safety
Team with the highest-ranked S: Alabama (Caleb Downs, No. 11). He is a smart, aggressive and instinctive defender that, pound-for-pound, may be the best overall football player in the class. He can play both safety spots and could hold up in coverage in a pinch.
With the Tide losing Jordan Battle and Brian Branch, Downs may find himself side by side with Malachi Moore for significant snaps. However, the defensive backfield is deep, so he’ll have to prove his maturity early to break the lineup. — Luginbill
Team with the most impressive S haul: Alabama. The Tide’s class was filled with balance and top-tier talent. Downs is the nephew of former NFL Pro Bowl defensive back Dre Bly and the younger brother of former North Carolina wide receiver Josh Downs.
The staff also got ESPN 300 safety Tony Mitchell, the No. 7 safety and 94 overall prospect, from in-state. Landing two top-10 players at the same position adds a ton of talent and depth to the secondary. — VanHaaren
Team with a sleeper group of safeties: TCU. The Horned Frogs signed two excellent junior college cornerbacks and added a deep, talented group at safety. Randon Fontenette was a huge addition late in the process as a versatile performer that threw and ran for over 1,000 yards last season, and the Horned Frogs will use his playmaking skills in the secondary. Jamel Johnson can play either corner or safety, as he runs well and can be productive in run support.
Beyond those two four-stars, they added several other strong secondary prospects, namely Max Carroll and Jordan Lester. They surprised the college football world by reaching the national title game last season and are collecting defensive talent to contend for a playoff return. — Haubert