The battle for the No. 1-rated class was a slugfest during the early signing period, but since then Texas A&M has strengthened its grip a bit on that top spot. The Aggies have continued to bolster an already talented defensive class with the additions of top-five CB Denver Harris and five-star LB Harold Perkins. A big in-state pickup, Perkins is a defender with excellent range that can be a factor in coverage and as a pass-rusher. While long favored to join the Aggies' class, Perkins is not yet signed and remains a recruitment to watch as he may still take other visits over the final month.
The Buckeyes have kicked off the new year with a pair of ESPN 300 pickups in the trenches in DE Omari Abor and OL Carson Hinzman and as a result have pushed forward a spot in the rankings to No. 4. Oklahoma's class has been a bit turbulent during this cycle, especially after the departure of Lincoln Riley to USC, but new head coach Brent Venables has gotten this class back into the top 10. The Sooners were able to add a second ESPN 300 RB in Jovantae Barnes, a tough runner with good quickness and speed.
It was a tough season for Arizona, but head coach Jedd Fisch is assembling a class that could improve their fortunes on the field. Flipping Oregon commit Tetairoa McMillan was a big pickup, as the multisport high school athlete is a tall, lengthy target who can contribute early on.
1. Texas A&M Aggies
ESPN 300 commits: 21 | Previous ranking: 1
SEC rank: 1 of 14
Top offensive commit: WR Evan Stewart (No. 12)
Top defensive commit: DT Walter Nolen (No. 1)
Not only are the Aggies in contention for a fourth straight top-10 class, they're in position to sign their first No. 1 overall class in the ESPN 300 era. Their first key pickup was Malick Sylla, an in-state defensive end with a good first step and nice upside. They have since added a pair of DLs with impact ability in five-stars Nolen and Gabe Brownlow-Dindy. Nolen is an explosive and powerful competitor, and Brownlow-Dindy is an agile and versatile big man. Adding those two to a talented D-line group from the 2021 cycle, led by five-star Shemar Turner, can give Texas A&M one of the most formidable defensive fronts in college football. The Aggies also added a high school teammate of Sylla's in ESPN 300 defender Bobby Taylor, a lengthy and quick-footed cornerback. They added five-star LB Harold Perkins during the Under Armour All-America game and he gives them a versatile defender with still a lot of upside. Top-three safety Bryce Anderson was a big win over Texas on the recruiting trail and gives them a versatile, speedy defensive back. They have their quarterback in Conner Weigman, a powerful thrower with good accuracy, and added one of the top playmakers in the class in the speedy five-star WR Stewart.