The 2022 college football recruiting class rankings are the projected top 20 classes for the upcoming season.
The 2022 college football recruiting class rankings is a list of the top ranked players in the 2022 recruiting class.
The top 25 recruiting class rankings for the 2022 cycle have shifted due to a hectic month of June that saw numerous visits and commitments, as well as revised ESPN 300 player rankings.
Ohio State is still in first place, but the top ten has changed dramatically. Penn State moved into the top five after gaining multiple ESPN 300 commitments in the first few weeks of July, as well as longstanding WR commit Kaden Saunders climbing in the player rankings. In June, the quick route runner with great hands made a good performance at the Future 50 tournament, rising 117 places to place in the top 30 overall. The Nittany Lions have continued to perform well in-state, as RB Nicholas Singleton and long edge defender Tyreese Fearbry, both top-five prospects in Pennsylvania, have just joined the team.
Alabama, which is no stranger to top-five classes, has re-entered the mix for the 2022 season. The Crimson Tide gained five-star defender Jeremiah Alexander, the top-rated player in the state, in addition to seeing several commitments move up in the player rankings, including mammoth DT Jaheim Oatis.
Oklahoma and Oregon both moved up to No. 6 and No. 8 in the rankings, respectively. Along with in-state ESPN 300 WR Robert Spears-Jennings, the Sooners also got a huge defensive pledge in top-five DE Derrick Moore, a strong athlete with a large build to grow.
Oregon had fallen behind USC in the Pac-12 standings, but the Ducks immediately rebounded by signing ESPN 300 offensive tackle Kelvin Banks, who has excellent flexibility and body control and is rated among the top 10 prospects in Texas.
11 commits to ESPN’s 300 | Previous ranking: 1 
1 of 14 Big Ten teams Quinn Ewers, quarterback, is the top offensive commit (No. 2) CB Jaheim Singletary is the top defensive commit (No. 15)
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The Buckeyes haven’t signed a No. 1 overall class in the ESPN 300 era, but they’ve gotten close with three No. 2-ranked classes in the past five cycles, and they’re suggesting they’ll be back in the mix. Ewers, the top-rated quarterback in the ESPN 300, decommitted from Texas in October 2020 and committed to Ohio State in November, leads the class. He leads a strong and talented class that includes fellow Texan WR Caleb Burton. He is a composed playmaker with a fast, clean release and the arm power to make all the passes. Singletary, Terrance Brooks, and Jyaire Brown, three ESPN 300 defensive back commitments, are among the defense’s best. C.J. Smith, an in-state linebacker, has been named to the All-State team. Hicks is a well-rounded player with excellent leadership skills who provides a lot of value to Columbus.
12 ESPN 300 commitments | 2nd place previously
1st place on an independent basis QB Steven Angeli is the top offensive pledge (No. 126) OLB is the top defensive commit. Sneed, Jaylen (No. 50)
The Fighting Irish are attempting to make a run at back-to-back top-10 rankings. With a pair of ESPN 300 offensive line commitments in No. 1-rated center Joey Tanona from in-state and Ty Chan, they’re hoping to maintain their offensive line unit strong for the 2020 season. Angeli is a strong quarterback prospect with excellent arm power and a fast delivery who has continued to grow and refine his mechanics. Jadarian Price, a running back, not only has excellent speed, but he’s also a gritty runner who can produce after contact. Niuafe Tuihalamaka, the team’s top-rated ILB, can be a strong and versatile presence in the front seven, while Sneed, a top-five OLB, is a rangy and explosive player. Tyson Ford, a four-star defensive lineman, possesses excellent initial speed and quickness.
7 commits to ESPN’s 300 | Previous ranking: 6 
2nd place in the Big Ten out of 14 teams. WR is the top offensive commit. Kaden Saunders is an American football player (No. 29) Defensive commitment number one: DE Fearbry, Tyreese (No. 35)
The Nittany Lions’ 2021 recruiting class never made it beyond No. 15 and ended outside the top 25, but they are showing indications of having a much better year in 2022. They’ve already gotten pledges from seven of Pennsylvania’s top ten players, including Drew Shelton, who will play his senior year at IMG Academy in Florida. Fearbry, a long edge defender with a lot of potential, and Ken Talley, an explosive athlete with a lot of energy, are two key in-state defensive picks. They have two quarterbacks in the class, with No. 3 QB-PP leading the way. Drew Allar, a strong-armed thrower with quick feet, and Beau Pribula, who resembles former Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley in certain ways. Head coach James Franklin is on his way to constructing one of the most talented sets of pass catchers in this class, which includes Saunders, a solid route runner with the ability to generate yards after the catch thanks to his quickness.
The number of ESPN 300 commitments is ten, while the previous ranking was three. 
1 of 14 in the SEC OT is the top offensive commit. Campbell, Will (No. 16) S Jacoby Mathews is the top defensive commit (No. 56)
Despite its struggles in the 2020 season, LSU has maintained a strong recruiting footprint. The Tigers are off to one of the best beginnings in 2022 after signing the No. 6-ranked class in 2021. They have commitments from many major in-state talents, including QB Walker Howard and top-10 OT Campbell, and are always difficult to defeat on their home field. Many eyes will be on Isidore Newman, a New Orleans-area high school that is home to coveted uncommitted 2023 quarterback Arch Manning, but the Tigers have already had success there for 2022, landing teammates OT Bo Bordelon, an aggressive and flexible big man whose father was an All-SEC offensive lineman at LSU, and WR A.J. Johnson, one of Manning’s big-play targets. LSU has already received commitments from top-three safety Mathews and a pair of four-star cornerbacks, including the long and instinctive JaDarian Rhym, building on its history of playing outstanding defensive backs.
The number of ESPN 300 commitments is nine, while the previous ranking was nine.
2 of 14 in the SEC RB is the top offensive commit. Henderson, Emmanuel (No. 17) Defensive commitment number one: DE Alexander, Jeremiah (No. 11)
Alabama didn’t crack the top 25 until late May of last year, then climbed the rankings to claim the No. 1 class for 2021. The Tide start out a bit stronger this time around, with a bunch that is strong in quality but not in number. No. 1 RB Henderson, an explosive runner with excellent vision, is among the early commitments. In No. 3-ranked RB Le’veon Moss, an instinctual and quick runner, Alabama adds additional big-play weapons to its backfield. Ty Simpson, a top-rated QB-DT, has also joined the Crimson Tide. He has a compact and seamless delivery, since he is the son of a college coach. It was crucial to reintroduce five-star Alexander when he decommitted during his junior season, since the best in-state prospect has the potential to be an explosive and fast front-seven defender. Robert Woodyard, a top-10 in-state prospect, is another solid defensive addition.
After capturing the No. 1 recruiting class in 2021, Nick Saban has the Crimson Tide vying for the top position once again in the 2022 cycle, with a top-five class. Gary Cosby is a sports reporter for USA TODAY.
4 commitments to the ESPN 300 | Previous ranking: 11
1 of 10 in the Big 12. WR is the top offensive commit. Burden, Luther (No. 12) Defensive commitment number one: DE Moore, Derrick (No. 22)
With the depth of playmakers he is accumulating, Lincoln Riley may need to find out a method to integrate a second football into his offensive approach. The Sooners signed one of the finest wide receiver groups in the 2021 cycle, and they’ve added many more elite offensive weapons for the 2022 season. ESPN 300 five-star WR Burden, a quick and smooth target out of Illinois who was named MVP of the Under Armour Future 50 tournament, is among the class’s members. A pair of top-five running backs in Gavin Sawchuk and Raleek Brown, a quick and fast scatback who can be dangerous in space, add to the offensive potency. In long and powerful top-five DE Moore and top-three ILB Kobie McKinzie, they also acquired some quality defensive components.
| Previous ranking: 8 | ESPN 300 commits: 7
The Big 12 is ranked 2nd out of 10 conferences. RB Jaydon Blue is the top offensive pledge (No. 114) S Bryan Allen Jr. is the top defensive pledge (No. 75)
After directing one of college football’s most potent offenses as offensive coordinator at Alabama, Steve Sarkisian is now putting together his first complete class as head coach at Texas. Early on, this group is defined by its offense. The Longhorns traveled to California for their quarterback, Maalik Murphy, a prospect with little high school game experience but with some outstanding physical characteristics, notably a strong arm. In-state offensive targets include top-20 wide receiver Armani Winfield and two top-10 running backs in Jamarion Miller and Blue, all of whom can be explosive runners with excellent ball skills. The Longhorns’ defense isn’t being ignored either, as Allen, a top-five safety with excellent instincts, was included as one of the best defensive back prospects in the state.
8 commits to ESPN’s 300 | Previous ranking: 13
1st place in the Pac-12 OT is the top offensive commit. Banks, Kelvin (No. 32) LB is the top defensive commit. Dudley, T.J. (No. 235)
The Ducks are vying for a fourth consecutive top-ranked Pac-12 class. With commitments from two of the state’s top-three-ranked prospects, ESPN 300 S Trejon Williams and ESPN 300 OLB Emar’rion Winston, they’ve had success close to home. With several four-star commitments from Texas, including Banks, one of the best offensive tackle prospects in the country, fellow ESPN 300 OL Cameron Williams, and top-15 WR Nicholas Anderson, a tall target with excellent mobility to prolong plays after the catch, they had a lot of success in Texas. Tanner Bailey, a bright prospect who is poised and precise with a fast release, was chosen as Oregon’s quarterback.
4 commitments in the ESPN 300 | 5th in the previous ranking
1 of 14 in the ACC QB A.J. Duffy is the top offensive pledge (No. 36) CB is the top defensive commit. Travis Hunter is a character in the film Travis Hunter (No. 4)
In previous years, the Seminoles have struggled at quarterback, but Mike Norvell has found his quarterback for the 2022 cycle in Duffy. A coach’s child from IMG Academy, he’ll bring excellent accuracy and great instincts to Tallahassee and should be ready to contend for playing time right away. Hunter, who has a great mix of speed, agility, length, and tenacity, is one of the best defensive talents in this class for the Seminoles. The Seminoles’ secondary may benefit from the arrival of No. 1 athlete Sam McCall, who is a dynamic guy who can play sideline-to-sideline.
8 ESPN 300 commitments | 4th place previously
3rd place in the SEC out of 14 teams. QB Gunner Stockton is the top offensive pledge (No. 100) ATH Malaki Starks is the top defensive commit (No. 35)
Georgia has had five consecutive top-three classes, but the Bulldogs will have to climb the rankings to make it six in a row. Their early success has been based on in-state talent, with four of the state’s top-10 prospects committing, including Stockton, a strong-armed thrower who was previously a South Carolina verbal and will join 2021 four-star quarterback Brock Vandagriff in Athens. The basis of the class is presently under attack. LB C.J. Washington put up excellent testing statistics at the Atlanta Under Armour camp this spring, including a 4.21 5-10-5 shuttle, and can help the Bulldogs from sideline to sideline. Georgia has two ESPN 300 pledges in the secondary in the form of in-state defensive back prospects Starks and Marquis Groves-Killebrew.
6 ESPN 300 commitments | 7th place previously
4th in the SEC out of 14 teams QB is the top offensive commit. Weigman, Conner (No. 36) DE Malick Sylla is the top defensive commit (No. 47)
The Aggies had a great end to the 2021 cycle and are looking to continue that momentum into the 2022 class. All of their pledges have come in the new year, and Sylla, an in-state defensive end with a strong first step and plenty of potential, kicked things started. When he joins a strong D-line group from the 2021 cycle, which includes five-star Shemar Turner, Texas A&M will have a dangerous defensive front. In ESPN 300 defender Bobby Taylor, a long and quick-footed cornerback, the Aggies acquired Sylla’s high school classmate. Weigman, a strong thrower with excellent accuracy, is their quarterback.
3 ESPN 300 commitments | 14th place previously
3rd place in the Big Ten out of 14 teams. Tyler Morris, wide receiver, is the top offensive commit (No. 142) CB William Johnson is the top defensive commit (No. 18)
In the 2021 cycle, the Wolverines signed the No. 2 class in the Big Ten, and they are still at the top of the league early this time around. Johnson and four-star Kody Jones have been great additions to the secondary. Johnson, a rangy and heady cornerback prospect who is not just among the top three cornerback prospects in the class, but also the highest-rated player in Michigan, is a significant commitment. Jones is classified as an athlete, although he projects as a cornerback due to his speed. The Wolverines traveled to California in search of their quarterback, Jayden Denegal, a large, strong-armed passer capable of throwing the ball with both force and velocity. Marlin Klein, a tight end, is a player to keep an eye on. He is a 6-foot-6, 220-pound talent with tremendous potential and the skills to develop into a versatile and powerful offensive weapon. He is originally from Germany but currently plays high school football in Georgia.
5 commitments to the ESPN 300 | Previous ranking: 20
5th place in the SEC out of 14 teams. OG is the top offensive commit. Woods, Deshawn (No. 129) DT Marquis Gracial is the top defensive commit (No. 58)
With verbals from five of the state’s top 15 prospects, including the highest-rated player in Gracial, a big guy with the potential to be an SEC-quality impact type player in the defensive trenches, the Tigers have won many important fights within the state lines. 300 ATH ESPN Ja’Marion Wayne and Isaac Thompson, a four-star safety, were also significant in-state additions. The staff did a fantastic job of developing a solid connection with Sam Horn, a precise passer from Georgia who can make the ball leap out of his hands.
4 commitments to ESPN’s 300 | Previous ranking: 12
4th place in the Big Ten out of 14 teams. QB Gavin Wimsatt is the top offensive pledge (No. 143) Moses Walker, OLB, is the top defensive pledge (No. 144)
After years of difficulties on the field and in recruiting, Rutgers brought back head coach Greg Schiano to attempt to resurrect the team. Schiano is showing early signs of being able to produce and has Rutgers off to one of the finest starts in the nation. Keeping elite talent close to home will be crucial, and he’s already shown he’s up for the challenge by signing ESPN 300 OT Jacob Allen, New Jersey’s No. 3-ranked player. He’s also secured a number of strong in-state pledges, including three-star DE Kenny Fletcher. The Scarlet Knights traveled to Pennsylvania to recruit Anthony Johnson, a top ten ILB, and then returned to Florida, where Schiano had a lot of success during his previous tenure, to recruit four-star wide receiver Amarion Brown. Wimsatt was a significant selection for the Scarlet Knights because he has a lot of potential and combines a clean delivery with the ability to throw hard.
1 out of 300 ESPN commitments | 16th out of 300 ESPN commits
3rd place in the Big 12 TE is the top offensive commit. Kaian Roberts-Day (Kaian Roberts-Day) is a (No. 248) S Devyn Bobby is the top defensive commit (four stars)
Although a quarterback is rated first, five defensive players are among the top six prospects in the Class of 2022. The whole ESPN 300 ยป
With a class that includes ESPN 300 Roberts-Day, who could also play defensive end, four-star TE Cody Mladenka, and versatile three-star TE Kelsey Johnson, the Bears will have no trouble fielding very excellent tight ends in the future. Dave Aranda’s staff has many solid defensive line picks in DT Tre Emory and the powerful and stout Enyce Sledge, as well as three-star ends Carmello Jones and Kyler Jordan, who has a terrific first step, has great strength, and may emerge as a surprise from this bunch.
1 out of 300 ESPN commitments | 15th out of 300 ESPN commits
ACC standings: 2nd out of 14 QB is the top offensive commit. Delaportas, Peter (No. 240) DT is the top defensive commit. Williams, Kwan (four stars)
The Eagles have been building on their strong start by adding to their 2022 class. Delaportas and in-state high-three-star wide receiver Joseph Griffin Jr. lead an outstanding collection of offensive talents. Three-star tight ends Matt Ragan, Jeremiah Franklin, and R.J. Maryland, who comes out of Texas powerhouse Southlake Carroll and is a target with extremely excellent ball skills and body control with potential as a blocker, have committed to the Eagles. Ishmael Zamor, a three-star wide receiver, is another in-state verbal. Williams, ILB Edwin Kolenge, and three-star CB Jamal Hood are all potential starters on defense.
5 commits to ESPN’s 300 | Previous ranking: 10
2nd place in the Pac-12. QB Devin Brown is the top offensive commit (No. 98) CB is the top defensive commit. Domani Jackson is a rapper from Los Angeles, California (No. 5)
With multiple ESPN 300 commitments, Clay Helton has the Trojans rising again on the recruiting path. With a trio of top-20 CBs on board in five-star Jackson, Fabian Ross, and Jaeden Gould, a big, muscular presence, the secondary has benefitted tremendously from early success. Brown, a top-100 talent, has excellent anticipation and touch as a passer. The Trojans continue to recruit in Texas, this time landing three-star ILB Ty Kana from Katy High, a strong school.
5 commitments to the ESPN 300 | Previous ranking: 18
6th place in the SEC out of 14 teams. Chandler Smith, wide receiver, is the top offensive commit (No. 130) Shemar James, ATH, is the top defensive commit (No. 118)
In the 2022 cycle, Dan Mullen and his staff have a strong starting lineup, led by ESPN 300 Lone Star State quarterback Nick Evers, who earned positional MVP at the Dallas Under Armour camp this spring. Julian Humphrey, a fluid cornerback with excellent size, was also drafted out of Texas. Tony Livingston, who is transitioning from tight end to offensive lineman, has a bright future ahead of him. Smith provides the Gators with a target that is a good mix of height and speed, while four-star commitments TE C.J. Hawkins and DE Francois Nolton are also good in-state additions.
3 ESPN 300 commitments | N/A in previous rankings
5th place in the Big Ten out of 14 teams. OG is the top offensive commit. Moore, the Demon (four stars) LB is the top defensive commit. McCullough, Dasan (No. 45)
Head coach Tom Allen and his staff are looking to build on a strong 2020 season on the field by putting together one of the best recruiting classes in the Big Ten in 2022. McCullough, a former Ohio State pledge, is a large, aggressive defender with excellent mobility who can play an impact role for the Hoosiers. They’ve added many four-star defensive players to their roster, including CB Trevell Mullen. Demon Moore, a four-star offensive lineman, was a good in-state pick, and they dipped into Texas to get Josh Hoover, a strong-armed quarterback, in this class.
2 commitments to the ESPN 300 | Previous ranking: 19
4th place in the Big 12 WR Talyn Shettron is the top offensive commit (No. 27) CB Dylahn McKinney is the top defensive commit (three stars)
In 2021, the Cowboys signed the No. 3 recruiting class in the Big 12, putting them in contention for another top-three finish in the league. Garret Rangel, a skilled signal-caller with excellent instincts and timing, is a member of their class. Mike Gundy’s offense may benefit from his live arm. Several additional offensive weapons have committed, including Shettron, a long-time top-five WR prospect who was previously committed to Oklahoma. A trio of four-star running backs in Ollie Gordon, the tiny but fast Braylin Presley, and C.J. Brown, who has the skills to be a good all-purpose back, are adding to the future firepower.
Mike Gundy signed wide receiver Talyn Shettron, helping the Cowboys reach the top 25 in the 2022 recruiting class rankings. Sue Ogrocki/Associated Press
2 ESPN 300 commitments | N/A in previous rankings
ACC ranking: 3rd out of 14 RB is the top offensive commit. Brown, Ramon (No. 137) LB is the top defensive commit. Simmons, Xavier (four stars)
Between the beginning of June and the beginning of July, Virginia Tech’s recruitment picked up steam, with the Hokies gaining double-digit commitments. RB Brown, a top-10 in-state athlete who is an aggressive runner with excellent ball skills and can be an all-purpose back, was a significant acquisition. ATH Alex Orji is an intriguing acquisition; he has the potential to be a deadly weapon at quarterback due to his arm power and promise, but he can also play receiver for the Hokies. Daequan Wright, a long target who has also showed excellent toughness as a blocker, was a great find out of Georgia.
2 ESPN 300 commitments | N/A in previous rankings
7th place in the SEC out of 14 teams QB is the top offensive commit. Davis, Braden (No. 109) S is the top defensive commit. Williams, Peyton (No. 233)
Davis, a confident and strong-armed quarterback with good potential, was a crucial early selection for new South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer. The Gamecocks have been assembling a solid class around their ESPN 300 quarterback, with high-three-star Grayson Mains strengthening their offensive line. They signed a number of quality defensive backs, including ESPN 300 safety Williams, who is a big presence, and four-star Kajuan Banks, who is fast and has good ball skills.
3 commitments to the ESPN 300 | Previous ranking: 17
8th place in the SEC out of 14 teams. OT is the top offensive commit. Goodwin, Kiyaunta (No. 74) LB is the top defensive commit. Wade, Keaten (No. 197)
The Wildcats have had a successful spring recruiting season, with many significant wins. They traveled to Indiana’s border to sign top-10 offensive tackle Goodwin, a big, powerful prospect with excellent flexibility and balance. Keaten and Destin Wade, four-star twin brothers from Tennessee, were significant acquisitions, with Keaten a rangy linebacker and Destin a dynamic athlete who could contribute in many positions, including contending for the starting quarterback position. With commitments from four-star athlete Treyveon Longmire and high three-star OG Grant Bingham, Kentucky has had some success inside its own state.
6 ESPN 300 commitments | 22nd in previous rankings
ACC standings: 4th out of 14 QB Cade Klubnik is the top offensive pledge (No. 76) LB is the top defensive commit. Campbell, Jihaad (No. 124)
Clemson has had seven top-10 classes in a row, including the No. 1 class in 2020, but its 2022 class has taken longer to form. With numerous pledges, notably a pair of ESPN 300 defenders, the Tigers gained some traction in June and have started to climb the rankings. Campbell is a long and agile prospect with a high potential for growth. Sherrod Covil is a physical safety. On offense, Collin Sadler, an in-state talent, and Blake Miller, a large man with outstanding strength, are both ESPN 300 offensive line prospects.
5 commitments to the ESPN 300 | Previous ranking: 21
3rd place in the Pac-12. TE is the top offensive commit. Pedersen, Jack (No. 165) LB is the top defensive commit. Woods, Jalen (three stars)
This cycle, the Bruins have done a terrific job in terms of recruitment. Chip Kelly has acquired many offensive weapons, including Pedersen and Carsen Ryan, two ESPN 300 tight ends. Pedersen, a graduate of IMG Academy, is a large body who can block well and possesses the quickness and hands to be a prolific receiving target. Ryan has excellent body control, footwork, and ball skills. Clint Stephens, Mekhi Fox, and Jadyn Marshall, a strong route runner with delicate hands, are among UCLA’s ESPN 300 wide receivers.
NC State (23), Arkansas (24), and Mississippi State have all dropped out (25)
Scorecard | Class Rankings for 2021 | Class Rankings for 2020
The 2023 recruiting rankings is the list of college football players who are expected to sign with a school in the 2022 class.
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