Top 25 NCAAF Recruiting Classes Ranked by Star Power
Understanding Star Power in NCAAF Recruiting
Star power in NCAAF recruiting is determined by the number of 5-star and 4-star recruits a school signs, as ranked by major recruiting services such as 247Sports, Rivals, and On3. These rankings aren’t just hype—they’re predictive. Programs consistently landing top-star athletes dominate conference play and make serious national title runs.
So which teams have built powerhouse classes? Let’s take a look.
Alabama Crimson Tide: Reloaded, Not Rebuilt
Ranking: #1
Five-stars: 6
Four-stars: 14
Under new head coach Kalen DeBoer, Alabama didn’t miss a beat. Securing the No. 1 spot in the recruiting class rankings, Alabama landed six 5-star players, including QB Julian Lewis, a generational talent with a rocket arm. The Tide focused heavily on elite trench players and wide receivers, ensuring that the team remains a championship contender for years to come.
Georgia Bulldogs: Building a Dynasty
Ranking: #2
Five-stars: 5
Four-stars: 16
Kirby Smart’s Georgia Bulldogs are proving they’re more than a one-hit wonder. Georgia added elite defensive backs like DJ Pickett and a future NFL tight end in Carter Nelson. The Dawgs maintain SEC dominance and are poised to return to the College Football Playoff.
Ohio State Buckeyes: Offense and Defense in Harmony
Ranking: #3
Five-stars: 4
Four-stars: 18
Ryan Day has continued to recruit at an elite level. Ohio State’s class includes WR Jeremiah Smith, arguably the best pass-catcher in the country. On defense, LB Sammy Brown is the cornerstone of a class that balances offensive fireworks with tough defense.
Texas Longhorns: Ready for the SEC
Ranking: #4
Five-stars: 3
Four-stars: 17
Steve Sarkisian’s Longhorns are heating up. With a move to the SEC imminent, Texas brought in offensive weapons like WR Micah Hudson and bulked up the O-line. The blend of Texas high school dominance and national recruiting puts Texas in the top five.
Oregon Ducks: Speed and Power Out West
Ranking: #5
Five-stars: 2
Four-stars: 20
Dan Lanning is building a monster in Eugene. The Ducks hauled in two 5-stars, including EDGE Elijah Rushing, and a fleet of speedy receivers and defensive backs. Oregon’s recruiting footprint now stretches nationwide, making them the top Pac-12 (or post-Pac) powerhouse.
Michigan Wolverines: Big Ten Champions Reap Rewards
Ranking: #6
Five-stars: 2
Four-stars: 18
Coming off a national title, Michigan’s recruiting class capitalized on its momentum. QB Jadyn Davis headlines the class, and Jim Harbaugh’s staff added several blue-chip offensive linemen. This group fits Michigan’s smashmouth identity while adding explosiveness.
LSU Tigers: Return to Glory?
Ranking: #7
Five-stars: 3
Four-stars: 15
Brian Kelly is making his mark. LSU landed CB Wardell Mack, the top defensive back in the nation, and added a pair of elite defensive linemen. With the fertile Louisiana recruiting base, the Tigers are quietly building a contender.
Florida State Seminoles: Reloading in Tallahassee
Ranking: #8
Five-stars: 1
Four-stars: 19
Mike Norvell has revived FSU’s recruiting firepower. The Seminoles’ class features WR Hykeem Williams and several key defenders that solidify their return to national relevance. A balanced class, FSU focuses on both sides of the ball with depth and star power.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish: National Reach, Elite Talent
Ranking: #9
Five-stars: 1
Four-stars: 20
Notre Dame continues to defy geography, pulling elite talent coast-to-coast. Marcus Freeman signed DE Elijah Rushing and built the class around toughness and academics. With a top-tier QB and multiple four-star offensive linemen, the Irish are fighting back into playoff conversations.
Tennessee Volunteers: Offense-Heavy, Future Focused
Ranking: #10
Five-stars: 2
Four-stars: 17
Josh Heupel’s offensive system appeals to recruits, and it shows. Tennessee locked in QB Jake Merklinger and WR Ryan Wingo, giving the Vols explosive firepower. Defensively, Tennessee also added key linebackers and secondary depth.
Clemson Tigers: Quietly Elite
Ranking: #11
Five-stars: 2
Four-stars: 15
Dabo Swinney might not dominate headlines anymore, but his Tigers continue to recruit elite talent. DL Eddrick Houston is a future first-round pick, and RB Gideon Davidson offers immediate impact potential. Clemson’s class is built to develop and win.
Penn State Nittany Lions: Stacking the Defense
Ranking: #12
Five-stars: 1
Four-stars: 18
James Franklin continues to reel in elite defensive backs and linebackers. The Nittany Lions added CB Jon Mitchell and LB Anthony Speca, keeping their defensive identity intact. Offensively, they added three 4-star wideouts to support Drew Allar.
USC Trojans: Lincoln Riley’s QB Factory
Ranking: #13
Five-stars: 1
Four-stars: 18
With QB Julian Sayin transferring in and new 5-star RB Nate Frazier committing, USC’s offense remains loaded. Lincoln Riley continues to emphasize speed and passing game dominance. If USC can fix its defense, this class will thrive in the Big Ten.
Miami Hurricanes: Top Talent, Top Pressure
Ranking: #14
Five-stars: 2
Four-stars: 14
Mario Cristobal signed DT Justin Scott, one of the best linemen in the nation. Miami’s class is filled with upside, but can the Canes finally turn recruiting success into on-field wins? The pressure is on in Coral Gables.
Oklahoma Sooners: SEC Ready
Ranking: #15
Five-stars: 1
Four-stars: 18
Brent Venables knows defense, and it shows in OU’s class. LB Sammy Omoruyi and CB Eli Bowen headline a defensive-heavy group. With their SEC transition looming, this balanced class will be vital.
Texas A&M Aggies: Fresh Start, Familiar Talent
Ranking: #16
Five-stars: 1
Four-stars: 16
With Jimbo Fisher out, Texas A&M has still managed to recruit well under Mike Elko. EDGE Solomon Williams is the gem of the class, and the Aggies continue to dominate in-state recruiting despite recent coaching shifts.
Auburn Tigers: Recruiting Renaissance
Ranking: #17
Five-stars: 1
Four-stars: 15
Hugh Freeze is turning heads. RB Jerrick Gibson, a 5-star back, leads Auburn’s charge as they revamp both sides of the ball. Their class includes linemen, pass rushers, and multiple skill players with SEC upside.
Florida Gators: Holding Steady in the Swamp
Ranking: #18
Five-stars: 0
Four-stars: 18
Billy Napier is focused on depth, if not flash. Florida didn’t land a 5-star, but brought in a deep pool of 4-star players, particularly in the trenches. They’re building a solid foundation in Gainesville.
North Carolina Tar Heels: Regional Dominance
Ranking: #19
Five-stars: 1
Four-stars: 13
Mack Brown and UNC landed WR Alex Taylor, a local 5-star standout. The Tar Heels remain a serious player in ACC recruiting and have added a top 10 QB in KJ Lacey, giving the program an offensive identity.
Washington Huskies: West Coast Warriors
Ranking: #20
Five-stars: 0
Four-stars: 17
With a move to the Big Ten ahead, Washington brought in smart, athletic prospects. QB Austin Mack leads a deep offensive group, while defense remains a focus in the secondary.
South Carolina Gamecocks: SEC Grit
Ranking: #21
Five-stars: 0
Four-stars: 16
Shane Beamer’s Gamecocks focused on attitude and SEC-ready talent. With multiple highly ranked defensive linemen and wide receivers, South Carolina is looking to punch above its weight in the East.
Ole Miss Rebels: Lane Kiffin Does It Again
Ranking: #22
Five-stars: 0
Four-stars: 16
Lane Kiffin continues to find hidden gems and explosive offensive talent. Ole Miss’s class is full of quick receivers, dynamic athletes, and offensive linemen built for tempo. Look for a few breakout stars.
Kentucky Wildcats: Sneaky Good
Ranking: #23
Five-stars: 0
Four-stars: 15
Mark Stoops’ recruiting may not make headlines, but his 2025 class is efficient and well-rounded. Featuring a strong defensive backfield and a 4-star quarterback, Kentucky continues to exceed expectations.
Arkansas Razorbacks: Trench Warfare
Ranking: #24
Five-stars: 0
Four-stars: 14
Arkansas hit the line of scrimmage hard with this class. Offensive and defensive line were clear priorities, and the Hogs brought in depth that can compete in the brutal SEC West.
Nebraska Cornhuskers: Matt Rhule’s Blueprint
Ranking: #25
Five-stars: 0
Four-stars: 13
Matt Rhule is putting together a rebuild the right way. With a focus on speed and toughness, Nebraska brought in a class that could grow into a top-tier Big Ten squad in a few years.
Complete Top 25 Rankings
| Rank | Team | 5-Stars | 4-Stars | Headliner | Best Reflex |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alabama | 5 | 18 | QB Keelon Russell | Pre-snap diagnosis |
| 2 | Ohio State | 4 | 16 | WR Jaime Ffrench | Contested catch |
| 3 | Georgia | 3 | 19 | DL Elijah Griffin | Pass rush |
| 4 | Oregon | 2 | 17 | WR Dakorien Moore | Route running |
| 5 | Texas | 2 | 15 | QB KJ Lacey | Pocket presence |
Position Group Rankings
Quarterback U:
- Ohio State (St. Clair)
- Alabama (Russell)
- USC (Lewis)
WR Factory:
- Ohio State (3 top-10 WRs)
- Oregon (Moore + 2 others)
- Texas (4 WRs over 6’2″)
Future Champions Built Today
In today’s NCAA football landscape, recruiting is everything. Star power—especially in the form of 5-star and 4-star prospects—translates directly to on-field dominance. From Alabama and Georgia’s continued SEC supremacy to programs like Oregon, Notre Dame, and Texas surging ahead, the 2025 recruiting cycle reveals the future of college football.
These Top 25 NCAAF recruiting classes not only demonstrate recruiting muscle but also offer a glimpse into who may dominate the next College Football Playoff era. Keep your eyes on these teams—they’ve just added the future of college football to their roster.
