As we brace for the phase of the college football offseason between spring and fall camps where nothing of consequence typically happens, it’s a good time for programs all across the country to start shifting the majority of their focus to the recruiting class of 2023. Early signing day is a little over five months away at the time of this writing. Now is usually when the top prospects begin issuing verbal commitments, and that they’ve done.
There’s a wealth of ways to build a program in the age of the transfer portal and NIL. But, high school talent will always take center stage for the majority of schools. Let’s take a look at the top five classes right now using 247Sports’ composite rankings, and some of the commits that make up the classes. As a bit of a warning, it is still early, and recruits flip commitments all the time. Consider this more a snapshot at the halfway point.
Top 5 College Football 2023 Recruiting Classes
5. Penn State Nittany Lions
Key Commits: Alex Birchmaier (5* IOL, Ashburn, VA), J’Ven Williams (4* OT, Reading, PA), Tomarrion Williams (4* DL, Phenix City, AL)
This could prove a pivotal class for the Nittany Lions if they’re to keep pace in the ever expanding Big Ten with the new landscape of college football. James Franklin’s teams, dating all the way back to his time at Vanderbilt, have always been strong in the trenches and this class reflects that. Alex Birchmaier is the #1 ranked interior lineman in the country. J’Ven Williams is also a top 10 offensive tackle. Overall the Nittany Lions have ten four-stars currently committed to the program, and they currently have the second best class in the conference.
After a rocky 2021 on the college football field, a 6th ranked class in 2022, and potentially another top ten class in 2023, Penn State may just turn the corner and join the elite programs in their conference.
4. Clemson Tigers
Key Commits: Christopher Vizzina (5* QB, Birmingham, AL), Vic Burley (4* DL, Warner Robins, GA), Harris Sewell (4* IOL, Odessa, TX)
It was a tumultuous college football season in 2021 to say the least for Dabo Swinney and company. After a 10th ranked class in 2022, they seem well set up to bounce back this season, both on the field and on the recruiting trail. They currently sit fourth in the 2023 class. Sewell ranks as the second best interior lineman in the country behind Penn State’s Birchmaier, Vizzina is the sixth ranked quarterback, and Burley also ranks fourth at his position. If the Tigers are to reclaim the ACC as their own, this class along with the 2022 class will go a long way towards that goal.
3. Texas Longhorns
Key Commits: Arch Manning (5* QB, New Orleans, LA), Johntay Cook II (5* WR, DeSoto, TX), Derek Williams (5* S, New Iberia, LA)
Welcome to Austin, where recruits show up in bunches! Arch Manning is obviously the most notable, given both his family pedigree and his number one overall ranking. But don’t sleep on Johntay Cook and Derek Williams either, with Cook being the sixth best receiver, and Williams the third best safety. Texas has had no problems bringing in high profile recruits over the last five years or so, but if they’re to truly reach the vaunted “Texas is Back” in college football, they need to coach these players as best as possible. Head coach Steve Sarkisian should have no issues with coaching up Manning and Cook. Longhorn fans will just have to hope his staff can do the same with everyone else.
2. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Key Commits: Keon Keeley (5* EDGE, Tampa, FL), Peyton Bowen (4* S, Denton, TX), Charles Jagusah (4* OT, Rock Island, IL)
Marcus Freeman was left in quite the pickle headed into bowl season as he was named interim, and then full-time head coach following Brian Kelly’s sudden departure for the bayous of LSU. He’s responded with one of the best Notre Dame recruiting classes in recent memory. It seemed under Kelly that the Fighting Irish were slipping out of the national picture for recruits, but at least so far Freeman has proved that assumption wrong, collecting commitments from Keeley, the best edge prospect, Bowen, the fourth ranked safety, and Jagusah, the fifth ranked tackle among others. With conference re-alignment picking up, it’ll be interesting to see if the Fighting Irish maintain independence in football, or join the ACC where their other programs play. Nonetheless, Notre Dame is sure to remain a national contender for years to come if this recruiting pace keeps up.
1. Ohio State Buckeyes
Key Commits: Brandon Inniss (5* WR, Ft. Lauderdale, FL), Carnell Tate (5* WR, Bradenton, FL), Luke Montgomery (4* OT, Findlay, OH)
After losing multiple receivers to the draft, it was on receivers coach Brian Hartline to replenish his position group for the future, and boy has he done it so far. He’s got Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Marvin Harrison Jr. to lead the line this year. With Inniss and Tate, the number two and three receivers respectively, he may be perfectly set up to continue success for years to come, and likely land himself a good job offer elsewhere if he wants.
Montgomery also helps shore up the line, which had its own departures, along with a massive eleven other four stars to go with him. Ohio State has been a contender year in and year out for the best part of 25 years at this point, and they seem well on course to make it 30 at the very least.
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