Biggest need for every top 25 recruiting class: Positions and prospects to target (2024)

Although the 2023 college football season is about to begin, recruiting never stops. Even the top programs in the ESPN class rankings have holes to fill.

The early signing period is nearly four months away, and 38 ESPN 300 prospects remain uncommitted. Closing strong at positions of need is a necessity for teams looking to maximize their roster depth, especially as most College Football Playoff contenders continue to build their rosters through high school recruiting despite the prominence of the transfer portal.

Here are the biggest needs and potential high school targets for each of the top 25 classes:

coverage:
Top 40 recruiting classes for 2024
College football's 50 best newcomers
Miller's preseason 2024 NFL mock draft

1. Georgia Bulldogs

ESPN 300 commits: 19

Biggest remaining need: DL

Georgia has signed seven consecutive top-three classes, won back-to-back College Football Playoff national championships and currently has the top-rated class in the nation. So, the word "need" is used loosely. However, games are won and lost up front, and teams can never have enough depth across the defensive line. The Bulldogs lost out on five-star prospect Williams Nwaneri, who decided to stay home and commit to the Missouri Tigers, but they have other targets in sight that will only strengthen their top class, including ESPN 300 DL L.J. McCray and top-five DT Aydin Breland.

2. Ohio State Buckeyes

ESPN 300 commits: 14

Biggest remaining need: DL

Led by five-star Jeremiah Smith, the Buckeyes continued to reload at WR with multiple ESPN 300 commits. Now, they shift their attention to DL/edge additions as they aim to finish among the top three classes in the country. They just took a big step to address this need with the commitment of ESPN 300 No. 32 Eddrick Houston. He gives them a stout and powerful presence on the edge and could quickly come in and work his way into the two-deep. With him on board, it gives the Buckeyes seven of the nation's top 50 prospects. Even with this recent recruiting win, Ohio State could still further add to this unit with DE Ernest Willor and edge Booker Pickett Jr., among other names to watch over the final months.

3. Florida Gators

ESPN 300 commits: 12

Biggest remaining need: QB

Coach Billy Napier has the Gators recruiting at a high level with a class that fills multiple needs. They scored big by landing five-star QB D.J. Lagway, a competitive, strong-armed passer with good mobility. However, Florida is acutely aware of how quickly things can change at quarterback, underscoring the need for additional depth. The Gators lost Anthony Richardson to the NFL, dismissed Jalen Kitna and saw 2023 ESPN 300 QB Jaden Rashada get out of his letter of intent and enroll at Arizona State. They responded by adding Graham Mertz in the transfer portal and signed promising three-star QB Max Brown, along with a pair of walk-ons. But if the addition of Mertz goes as planned, he'll likely leave after the season. Adding another quality addition to the quarterback room in 2024 could be beneficial.

4. Oregon Ducks

ESPN 300 commits: 13

Biggest remaining need: ILB

Coach Dan Lanning wasted no time making his presence felt on the recruiting trail. The Ducks signed the top class in the Pac-12 in 2023 and are on pace to do so again. While their 2024 class is rich in talent, it could use a boost in the middle of the defense at DT and ILB. Jestin Jacobs was a nice addition via the transfer portal, and Oregon has a commitment from ESPN 300 LB Kamar Mothudi. The real gem could be LB Brayden Platt, the No. 3 prospect in the region. He's a thickly built and powerful player that brings a physical presence and runs well. Platt, a standout track and field athlete, posted a 4.64 40-yard dash at a Nike All-22 event. Oregon is currently locked in a recruiting battle with Oklahoma for Platt, who is expected to make a decision in September. Adding the coveted linebacker would be an exclamation point on that spot for the Ducks.

5. Alabama Crimson Tide

ESPN 300 commits: 12

Biggest remaining need: RB

Alabama can clearly navigate the recruiting trail well without leaving many glaring needs, having signed eight No. 1 classes under coach Nick Saban. One area to watch as the Tide put together another highly ranked class is running back. It's not necessarily a pressing need -- Alabama signed the top two RBs in the nation last cycle -- but with returning leading rushers Jase McClellan and Roydell Williams entering their senior seasons, another quality addition to that position wouldn't be surprising. If they don't, look for the Crimson Tide to add multiple ESPN 300 RBs during the 2025 cycle, where they already have a verbal commitment from versatile ESPN junior 300 RB/slot Anthony Rogers.

6. Florida State Seminoles

ESPN 300 commits: 9

Biggest remaining need: DT

Few coaches have done as consistently well for one program as Florida State associate head coach/defensive tackles coach Odell Haggins. He's a figure to watch for the Seminoles over the fall stretch as defensive tackle remains an area that FSU could potentially address. Florida State has a commitment from Jamorie Flagg, an explosive player with upside, but he's a bit of a tweener and could need further development. He is the only interior DL in the class, but Florida State is in the hunt to add more. High three-star D'Nas White, ESPN 300 DL L.J. McCray and top-10 DT prospect Artavius Jones, who Florida would need to flip from rival Miami, are among the names to watch.

7. Michigan Wolverines

ESPN 300 commits: 12

Biggest remaining need: DL

The Wolverines head into the fall with a top-10 class, so DL is more of a potential need. They landed commitments from two excellent DLs, twins Jerod Smith and Jacob Smith, but the recruitment trail is rocky, and their recruitment remains something to watch. The brothers recently transferred from Cheshire Academy in Connecticut to Corbin High School in Kentucky. With that, in-state momentum from the Kentucky Wildcats is picking up. Both brothers are disruptive edge rushers, but if the Wolverines lose them, that's a hit to Michigan's defensive line group. If this turns out to be just recruiting buzz and the Smiths sign with the Wolverines, this "need" flips back to being a job well done.

8. Penn State Nittany Lions

ESPN 300 commits: 12

Biggest remaining need: DL/Edge

This area has not gone unaddressed but remains one to watch as the Nittany Lions work to close out this class. They added several DLs, including ESPN 300 big men T.A. Cunningham and Liam Andrews, but both could end up on the offensive line, where they could ultimately have more impactful careers. Even if they stick on the defensive line, edge remains a target. Two names to watch for Penn State are four-star Jaylen Harvey and ESPN 300 DL Nigel Smith.

9. LSU Tigers

ESPN 300 commits: 12

Biggest remaining need: DL

The Tigers' core defensive line contributors are mainly upperclassmen with some potential NFL draft departures. While their class currently sits among the best in the SEC, it could be bolstered by some additions to the defensive trenches. LSU is always tough to beat for in-state players and has already landed commitments from eight of Louisiana's top 10 prospects. The state's top player, DT Dominick McKinley, is a vital remaining target. He's a big-framed defender that moves well and would make an ideal replacement for Maason Smith when he moves on. ESPN 300 DE Danny Okoye is another name to watch in this area.

10. Tennessee Volunteers

ESPN 300 commits: 11

Biggest remaining need: TE

The Volunteers landed a commitment from Jordan Ross this week, eliminating a need on the defensive line. He is a lengthy edge player who posted excellent testing numbers this offseason at the Atlanta Under Armour combine, including a laser-timed 4.68 40-yard dash. With Ross on board, the need shifts to TE over the final months. The Volunteers have a versatile ATH commitment in Jonathan Echols, who is expected to play TE but could also add quality depth on their defense. High three-star Roger Saleapaga would be tough to get out of Utah, but Tennessee is in the mix. He's lean but can develop into a productive receiving target with his quick hands and excellent body control.

11. Clemson Tigers

ESPN 300 commits: 10

Biggest remaining need: RB

Clemson signed a pair of ESPN 300 RBs in Will Shipley and Phil Mafah during the 2021 cycle. Both became productive contributors, especially Shipley, who ran for 1,182 yards and was among the team leaders in receptions (38) in 2022. Both players have eligibility remaining, but the Tigers have yet to sign running backs with similar impact potential since. They do have versatile high three-star RB David Eziomume on board in this cycle, with an eye likely toward reloading with a bigger splash here in the 2025 cycle. They already do have a commitment from one of the top backs in the 2025 class in ESPN junior 300 RB Gideon Davidson.

12. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

ESPN 300 commits: 8

Biggest remaining need: OL

The Fighting Irish have done a good job of addressing needs at spots like LB and OL, but their work might not be done in the trenches. Notre Dame already has several OLs on board, but with OTs Joe Alt and Blake Fisher nearing the end of their tenures, adding another talented OL to develop would be a nice addition at this stage. Notre Dame looks to be in the thick of the race for ESPN 300 top-five OT Guerby Lambert.

13.

ESPN 300 commits: 8

Biggest remaining need: DL

ESPN 300 top-25 prospect Terry Bussey is arguably the key remaining target, and his addition would bolster an already strong WR class which includes five-star Cam Coleman. From a position standpoint, DL is the area with the most to gain. A&M signed a big DL haul in 2022 and added five-star David Hicks last cycle, but with two DLs committed for 2024, some additions could still come at this spot. Zina Umeozulu, Dominick McKinley and Aydin Breland are all ESPN 300 DLs that could further strengthen this unit and help make the Aggies one of the deeper and stronger units in the nation.

14. Miami Hurricanes

ESPN 300 commits: 7

Biggest remaining need: DL

The Hurricanes could lose Leonard Taylor III after this season, and Purdue transfer Branson Deen is a temporary solution. Adding more talent and depth to the defensive line will be a goal down the stretch. They do have ESPN 300 DT Artavius Jones on board but might have to battle to keep him with Florida State still in the hunt. Remaining DLs like Aydin Breland, who has taken an official visit, and L.J. McCray are top targets that the Hurricanes could look to add.

15. Oklahoma Sooners

ESPN 300 commits: 7

Biggest remaining need: DL

The Sooners must improve their defense and get stronger in the trenches as they prepare to move to the SEC. They began to address those changes last cycle with several signings led by elite edge prospect Adepoju Adebawore, multiple three-stars and transfer portal additions. But 2023 ESPN 300 signee Derrick Leblanc has already transferred from the program, and Oklahoma's current unit is heavy on upperclassmen. Five-star DL David Stone is expected to decide soon, and the Sooners are in a good position for the Oklahoma native, who plays at IMG. Stone is an explosive and agile big man that could immediately contribute. ESPN 300 DE Nigel Smith could be another key addition and is expected to decide in early September. LSU would love to keep Dominick McKinley at home, but the Sooners are contenders here as well, as they look to address this need in a potentially big way.

16. Texas Longhorns

ESPN 300 commits: 7

Biggest remaining need: DB

The Longhorns currently sit outside the top 15 but are poised to rise with key pieces in several spots. Ryan Wingo, the No. 26 player in the ESPN 300, would bolster an already strong WR group that includes Freddie Dubose and Parker Livingstone. The bigger is on the other side. The Longhorns have several CBs in their class. Kobe Black is the No. 19 prospect in the ESPN 300 and would provide excellent depth at a premium position. He's an in-state prospect who the Longhorns had on campus a few times this summer and has excellent length and outstanding quickness, running a 4.15 shuttle at the Under Armour Dallas camp this spring.

17. USC Trojans

ESPN 300 commits: 9

Biggest remaining need: DL

Defensive line is a recurring theme on this list because it's so vital to remain deep and strong at the position. That point applies to USC as much as any program on the list. The Trojans did an excellent job landing perimeter talent, and the only knock on their top-10 2023 class was defensive line depth. The impending move to the Big Ten only heightens that need. USC worked the transfer portal to address this need and went east in the 2024 class to land ESPN 300 DL Kameryn Fountain and high three-star Deyvid Palepale. There doesn't appear to be any "sure things" heading into the fall, but USC certainly has opportunities to add to this unit with prospects like in-state ESPN 300 DL Jericho Johnson and edge defender Jaylen Harvey out of Maryland, who the Trojans hosted on a visit.

18. Auburn Tigers

ESPN 300 commits: 6

Biggest remaining need: OL

Coach Hugh Freeze quickly hit on the offensive line after his hire, flipping players like No. 3 center Connor Lew from Miami and adding high three-star OT Clay Wedin. While the Tigers are rising in the class rankings after another big summer this year, they currently have no offensive linemen committed and could again use an infusion of talent. That could change in the coming weeks, though, with the anticipated commitment of ESPN 300 interior OL DeAndre Carter. He's an aggressive, mauling 300-pounder with good flexibility out of California powerhouse Mater Dei. Carter could quickly insert himself into Auburn's two-deep.

19. Stanford Cardinal

ESPN 300 commits: 5

Biggest remaining need: TE

After finishing last cycle with the No. 39 class and only one ESPN 300 commit, the Cardinal have climbed the rankings this cycle with a big class and several more top prospects on board. Stanford has cultivated a rich history at tight end and returns one of the better players in the nation in Ben Yurosek, but he's a senior and likely NFL draft prospect. Sam Roush, a 2022 ESPN 300 TE, was clearly Stanford's key target at the position and is a candidate to step into that role, but after not signing a TE last cycle and only one projected player currently in the 2024 class, adding another would be beneficial.

20. Arkansas Razorbacks

ESPN 300 commits: 6

Biggest remaining need: DL

The Razorbacks' DL unit has several upperclassmen as key contributors. While they added some quality three-star DLs last cycle and have two ESPN 300 DL commits in their current class in Kavion Henderson and in-state DL Charleston Collins, another addition here would bolster this class.

21. UCF Knights

ESPN 300 commits: 3

Biggest remaining need: OL

Coach Gus Malzahn has the Knights, who are starting a new era in the Big 12, recruiting near the top of their new conference as they continue to add youth to their offensive line. They signed only a few OL in the 2023 cycle, and while they have one of the best interior OL prospects in the 2024 class committed in Waltclaire Flynn Jr., this unit can still use further help. UCF has done well in-state, and another potential Florida addition is four-star OG Eddy Pierre-Louis, who leads their names to watch.

22. Wisconsin Badgers

ESPN 300 commits: 3

Biggest remaining need: Edge

The Badgers have recruited well with a good, deep class and are contending for a top-25 finish. The addition of top-10 RB Dilin Jones addresses their need at running back, but teams can never have enough defensive linemen and pass-rushers. The Badgers have added quality talent here with high three-star Anelu Lafaele out of Hawaii but could close well with another addition in this area.

23. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

ESPN 300 commits: 2

Biggest remaining need: WR

The Yellow Jackets scored big by flipping one-time Notre Dame commit Isiah Canion. He's a versatile player with excellent speed who provides a needed big play element to their passing attack. But Georgia Tech would benefit from continuing to add more playmakers at the position. The Yellow Jackets notched only 10 receiving touchdowns last season, and that unit was led by Nate McCollum, who transferred to North Carolina. High three-star Koby Young is one of their top remaining prospects at the position.

24. Ole Miss Rebels

ESPN 300 commits: 4

Biggest remaining need: QB

The Rebels have been a program that has been very active in the transfer portal, and as this recruiting cycle presses on, it is likely they will once again use that route to address needs as well. The QB position has been one spot where they have utilized portal, including former LSU QB Walker Howard. An ESPN 300 prospect in the 2022 class, Howard was brought on board with hopes he can be their QB of the future, even as Ole Miss held a commitment from 2024 four-star Demond Williams. In July, Williams decommitted, and Ole Miss has not added another QB. While the QB pool is shallow at this point in the process, the Rebels could still add a prep QB to this class.

25. South Carolina Gameco*cks

ESPN 300 commits: 8

Biggest remaining need: DL

The Gameco*cks were young in the secondary last season and could add more youth to the unit, but our focus is on the defensive line. M.J. Webb and Tonka Hemingway return this season, but additional talent and depth are needed for the future. Landing five-star DE Dylan Stewart was one of South Carolina's biggest recruiting wins of the past decade. While he could be an impact pass-rusher, they'll likely look to continue to add to the DL unit. ESPN 300 DLs Booker Pickett Jr., King Joseph Edwards and high three-star DT D'Nas White are prospects to keep an eye on.