Rivals Rankings Week: Schools with most Rivals250 commits
As we turn the corner back into a busy visit schedule, camps and all the usual elements that go hand-in-hand with the recruiting calendar, we’re seeing commitments lists continue to grow.
With the updated Rivals250 for the class of 2022, that naturally impacts the race for the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class.
Georgia and Ohio State are tied with a nation-leading eight commitments in the new-look Rivals250, and LSU (seven) rounds out the top group. Here’s a look at the updated commitment totals.
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Here is the full Rivals Rankings Week schedule:
MONDAY: Five-Star Countdown
TUESDAY: Full Rivals250 revealed
WEDNESDAY: Offensive position rankings
THURSDAY: Defensive position rankings
FRIDAY: State rankings
MORE 2022 RANKINGS RELEASE: Biggest movers in updated Rivals250 | How things stand with uncommitted five-star prospects | Gorney's thoughts | Meet the new five-stars | Who should be the top-ranked DT? | What to do with Travis Hunter? | Who should be the top-ranked CB?
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UGA leads the pack with nine elite commitments
Alabama set records with a star-studded 2021 haul in the midst of the pandemic last year, but Kirby Smart seems poised to give the Tide a run for the top spot in back-to-back years. Georgia has collected commitments from a nation-leading eight Rivals250 commitments thus far, including a trio of five-stars.
Quarterback Gunner Stockton headlines the crop, along with a pair of five-star interior defensive linemen in Keithian "Bear" Alexander and Tyre West. The Bulldogs are also loaded at the skill positions with commitments from standout DB Marquis Groves-Killibrew and wide receiver De’Nylon Morrisette.
Smart’s 2022 haul has a major national feel, but with a major emphasis on elite Southeast talent, naturally.
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Buckeyes still strong with eight prospects in the updated Rivals250
Ohio State’s 2022 class still has plenty of star power, particularly with the nation’s No. 1 overall player and signal-caller Quinn Ewers on board. Additionally, the Buckeyes have elite commitments like linebacker CJ Hicks and cornerback Jaheim Singletary, not to mention one of the nation’s best receivers, Caleb Burton, and an offensive lineman in Tegra Tshabola.
The Buckeyes have collected local talent and have also gone national in their recruiting efforts in 2022. Ryan Day will certainly have Ohio State in the mix for the nation’s top class again this cycle.
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Coach O, Tigers poised for loaded local haul
It’s a special crop of talent in The Boot and nearby in Texas, Mississippi and across the Southeast. To no surprise, coach Ed Orgeron is looking to make a dent with his haul.
The Tigers have locked in commitments from the state’s top three players, including five-star quarterback Walker Howard and safety Jacoby Matthews, as well as Rivals100 offensive lineman Will Campbell. Additionally, LSU has dipped into the Peach State for the nation’s No. 1 tight end, Jake Johnson, the younger brother of presumptive sophomore quarterback Max Johnson. LSU also has a trio of talented in-state receivers locked in, including Rivals250 commitments Aaron Anderson and AJ Johnson out of New Orleans.
LSU is aiming to keep more elite talent like Tre’Vonte Citizen and Le’Veon Moss in-state while also going national for a few elite offensive and defensive linemen.
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Irish, Aggies and Sooners knotted with six prospects each
Jimbo Fisher has turned Texas A&M into a national destination for recruits while also taking advantage of a star-studded in-state crop, particularly when it comes to quarterbacks, offensive linemen and defensive linemen. The Aggies wasted no time securing a commitment from prized dual-sport, dual-threat quarterback Conner Weigman, outstanding offensive tackle PJ Williams and edge-rusher Malick Sylla. Texas A&M also dipped into Arkansas for the state’s No. 1 player, speedster Isaiah Sategna, who should give the Aggies a major vertical threat in the slot and return games.
Oklahoma, too, has seized some of the best talent from the Lone Star State. Lincoln Riley has pledged from a pair of Texas linebackers in Kobie McKinzie and Kip Lewis as the Sooners continue to emphasize the defensive side of the ball. Oklahoma also holds a commitment from the nation’s top wide receiver, Luther Burden, and ventured out to the West Coast to reel in the nation’s top all-purpose back, home-run threat Raleek Brown.
Notre Dame is building off a College Football Playoff appearance last season with a strong start in the trenches in the 2022 class. Tyson Ford, out of Missouri, headlines the defensive line crop, while new risers Ty Chan and Joey Tanona comprise the offensive line coup.
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Sark has Texas trending in the right direction with five elite prospects
Jimbo Fisher and Lincoln Riley are two coaches familiar with stockpiling rosters with Texas-sized talent. First-year Texas coach Steve Sarkisian is looking to do the same and thus far he is piecing together a talented foundation in the Longhorns’ 2022 haul.
Upon landing the gig in Austin, Sarkisian landed commitments from in-state four-stars like Armani Winfield and Jaydon Blue, flipped Bryan Allen Jr. away from LSU and held on to versatile defensive back Jaylon Guilbeau. California quarterback Maalik Murphy is a perfect example of Sarkisian’s efforts on the West Coast, with a big summer and fall on the way.