NCAA Football

10 Biggest Winners from National Signing Day

Fresh Videos

By

10 Biggest Winners from National Signing Day

Mississippi State v Alabama
Getty Images

There was plenty of drama on National Signing Day, as a number of key recruits flipped commitments at the last minute. However, it wasn't a surprise that the Alabama Crimson Tide secured the top recruiting class in the country once again. There were still a few unsuspecting teams that emerged with strong classes to compete next season. Here are ten teams that were the biggest winners on National Signing Day.

10. Mississippi State

Capital One Orange Bowl - Mississippi State v Georgia Tech
Getty Images

10. Mississippi State

Capital One Orange Bowl - Mississippi State v Georgia Tech
Getty Images

The Bulldogs were able to capitalize on a strong season that ended in an Orange Bowl appearance by securing a top-20 recruiting class in 2015. The group is led by a pair of in-state recruits, S Jamal Peters (No. 40 overall) and ILB Leo Lewis (No. 60). Mississippi State also landed a number of junior college transfers that are expected to make an impact. With quarterback Dak Prescott returning, the Bulldogs will compete in the SEC West next year.

9. Penn State

New Era Pinstripe Bowl - Boston College v Penn State
Getty Images

9. Penn State

New Era Pinstripe Bowl - Boston College v Penn State
Getty Images

The Nittany Lions had a nice recruiting class under head coach James Franklin that is ranked 14th nationally. The group is highlighted by nine of the ESPN Top 300 players and 10 prospects from Pennsylvania or New Jersey. Penn State signed OT Sterling Jenkins, the top prospect in the home state and a huge get for the Nittany Lions. Franklin's group hopes to challenge Ohio State in the Big Ten next season.

8. Auburn

LSU v Auburn
Getty Images

8. Auburn

LSU v Auburn
Getty Images

The Auburn Tigers were one of the happiest teams on National Signing Day, as they landed the No. 1 overall prospect DE Byron Cowart. This led them to the No. 7 ranked recruiting class in 2015. Additionally, the Tigers secured commitments from five-star prospect Kerryon Johnson and a couple of four-star offensive lineman. Guz Malzahn should be excited about this group.

7. Texas

Iowa State v Texas
Getty Images

7. Texas

Iowa State v Texas
Getty Images

Charlie Strong's first class at Texas is a solid foundation to build upon for the future. Texas landed 13 of the ESPN Top 300 recruits, including LB Malik Jefferson (No. 31 overall) and top-20 RB Tristian Houston. It's only a matter of time before the Longhorns return to glory under Strong.

6. Clemson

Russell Athletic Bowl - Clemson v Oklahoma
Getty Images

6. Clemson

Russell Athletic Bowl - Clemson v Oklahoma
Getty Images

The Clemson Tigers usually land the best recruits in the country, and this year was no different for coach Dabo Swinney. Clemson signed the fourth ranked recruiting class in 2015, which is headlined by five-star tackle Mitch Hyatt (No. 18 overall). He fills a huge void on the offensive line. Clemson fans are anticipating that eventually this stockpile of talent will produce championships on the field.

5. Tennessee

TaxSlayer Bowl - Iowa v Tennessee
Getty Images

5. Tennessee

TaxSlayer Bowl - Iowa v Tennessee
Getty Images

The view from Rocky Top is starting to look pretty good nowadays, as coach Butch Jones has brought in a second consecutive top-5 recruiting class. Most of the highlights are on the defensive line, led by DT Kahlil McKenzie (No. 26 overall), Shy Tuttle (No. 39) and DE Kyle Phillips (No. 70). The Volunteers were a young team last season, yet they finished 7-6 and won a bowl game. Tennessee is a team on the rise next year.

4. Ohio State

National Championship - Oregon v Ohio State
Getty Images

4. Ohio State

National Championship - Oregon v Ohio State
Getty Images

Urban Meyer carried the momentum from a national title into National Signing Day, as his Buckeyes secured a top-10 recruiting class in 2015. The group features 12 players in the ESPN Top 300, including five-star QB Torrace Gibson (No. 13 overall) and five-star OLB Justin Hilliard (No. 17). Ohio State has assembled the most talented roster in the Big Ten for next season and looks ready to dominate the conference again.

3. USC

Notre Dame v USC
Getty Images

3. USC

Notre Dame v USC
Getty Images

The Trojans' first recruiting class post-sanctions is an impressive one. Coach Steve Sarkisian landed the third best class in the country, which includes a number of players that were ranked first at their position. National Signing Day was incredibly generous to the USC, as they landed top CB Iman Marshall and the number one ILB John Houston Jr. The rest of the Pac-12 better watch out for the Trojans next year.

2. Florida State

ACC Championship - Florida State v Georgia Tech
Getty Images

2. Florida State

ACC Championship - Florida State v Georgia Tech
Getty Images

The Seminoles held strong on National Signing Day and signed the second best recruiting class in 2015. Jimbo Fisher needed to find a replacement for Jameis Winston, and it appears he may have done so with Deondre Francis, the No. 42 overall recruit. He joins a loaded class that includes five-star DE Josh Sweat (No. 11), S Derwin James Jr. (No. 8) and WR George Campbell (No. 7). The Noles will be back to compete for the playoffs next season.

1. Alabama

Texas A&M v Alabama
Getty Images

1. Alabama

Texas A&M v Alabama
Getty Images

It comes as no surprise that Nick Saban secured the top ranked recruiting class for the fourth straight year. Alabama's class is loaded with talent and includes 19 prospects ranked in the ESPN Top 300. It's headlined by five-star CB Kendall Sheffield and five-star QB Blake Barnett. The list goes on and on for the Tide, who will continue to roll into the 2015 season.

Share Tweet
Trending Now on