Big 12 programs on the move in recruiting rankings
Conference recruiting battles and where these teams end up in the team recruiting rankings are always interesting to look at, especially as many of these programs are battling for the same players. Here is a look at some Big 12 teams that have done better on the recruiting trail in recent years - and some who might be slipping.
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MORE: Big Ten programs on the move in the recruiting rankings | SEC | ACC | Pac-12
CLASS OF 2021 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
CLASS OF 2022 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
COVERAGE: Rivals Transfer Tracker
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TWO UP
Kansas
Overview: The Jayhawks don’t have any four-star commitments, but they still find themselves fourth in the Big 12 team recruiting rankings and if Kansas finishes there, it would be its best showing in years. Over the last three cycles, the Jayhawks have finished eighth, tenth and seventh in the conference. Going into Louisiana for high three-star WR Keon Coleman was a huge pickup for coach Les Miles and his staff, and they also convinced local three-star RB Devin Neal, the state’s top player, to stay in Lawrence.
Farrell’s take: Miles gave instant credibility to the Kansas program and that’s made a difference in recent recruiting. It’s still an uphill battle, for sure, but some talent is coming to Kansas and, most importantly, some added team speed.
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Kansas State
Overview: Kansas State has finished toward the bottom of the Big 12 rankings over the last three recruiting cycles, so placing fifth right now in the conference is a big jump forward. The Wildcats’ class is led by four-star QB Jake Rubley. High three-star safety Davonte Pritchard from Gardner (Kan.) Gardner Edgerton is the state’s second-best prospect.
Farrell’s take: This is a work in progress for Chris Klieman, but landing Rubley is a big deal and things appear to be on the upswing locally, although there is plenty of work to be done there.
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TWO DOWN
TCU
Overview: The 2020 class finished in grand fashion with the signing of five-star running back Zachary Evans, and the Horned Frogs have finished with three-straight No. 3 classes in the Big 12. But TCU is off to a really slow start in 2021, with only six commitments (a conference low), there are no four-star commitments and it’s the lowest-ranked class in the conference. German QB Alexander Honig and DE Landyn Watson are both high three-star prospects leading the class.
Farrell’s take: This is going to be a small class for Gary Patterson, and he’s doing very well in the transfer portal, but the state of Texas is as crowded as ever when it comes to schools trying to keep kids in state or pulling them. If they keep producing NFL talent like they have, then things will be fine.
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Oklahoma State
Overview: The Cowboys have been ranked around the middle of the Big 12 conference over the last few years with two No. 5 and one No. 6 class, but Oklahoma State has slipped a little and sits at No. 8 at this point. Coach Mike Gundy’s club has 14 commitments already (the same amount as rival Oklahoma), but there are no four-stars.
Farrell’s take: This is a big season for Gundy and the Pokes because they need to have a good season with some headlining talent to beat some others in the area in key recruiting battles. Oklahoma has been a problem, and it always will be.
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THE OTHERS
Overview: Over the last four recruiting cycles, Texas has had the top-rated class in the conference, followed by Oklahoma, and the Sooners have had the second-best class four times in a row.
After a hiccup recruiting class as first-year coach Dave Aranda took over, Baylor is back in the upper echelon of classes in the Big 12. West Virginia is sticking around the middle of the conference, and Iowa State has stayed around the middle to lower-middle end. Texas Tech has had the seventh, eighth, ninth and No. 10 classes over the last four years.
Farrell’s take: The top remains steady in the Big 12, and that won’t change anytime soon as it seems Texas and Oklahoma will always finish 1-2. And the bottom doesn’t appear to be changing anytime soon, either.