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Ranking Big Ten Programs by Recruiting Classes

By Jerran Anderson

Dec 30, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh catches passes prior to the game against the Florida State Seminoles at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh catches passes prior to the game against the Florida State Seminoles at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Trace McSorley (9) celebrates his touchdown against the USC Trojans with head coach James Franklin during the third quarter of the 2017 Rose Bowl game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Trace McSorley (9) celebrates his touchdown against the USC Trojans with head coach James Franklin during the third quarter of the 2017 Rose Bowl game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Penn State Nittany Lions

The Penn State Nittany Lions and head coach James Franklin success on the field has translated to success on the road recruiting. In 2016, the Nittany Lions won the Big Ten Championship, capping off an impressive nine-game winning streak following a rough 49-10 loss to Michigan.

Penn State went 8-1 in conference play, 11-3 overall, but they fell to the USC Trojans in the Rose Bowl 52-49. They led 49-35 entering the fourth quarter before surrendering 17 straight points. But still, it was their first 10-plus-win season since 2009.

The team returns quarterback Trace McSorley and running back Saquon Barkley, two potential Heisman candidates, in 2017. On top of that, this year’s recruiting class serves as type of notice that the Nittany Lions are back.

The Nittany Lions’ 2017 recruiting class has 21 total commits who signed on National Singing Day. 11 players are four-star prospects while 10 are three-star prospects, according to 247Sports. Their 15th ranked recruiting class is their highest ranked class for the second time in the past three seasons.

Their first key recruit is four-star offensive guard C.J. Thorpe. Thorpe ranks 87th in the nation, sixth by position and fourth in the state of Pennsylvania, according to 247Sports. He will be one of six offensive guards on the roster this fall. He could challenge for early playing time as the only player in his class.

The other key recruit is early enrollee cornerback Lamont Wade. Wade is a four-star cornerback out of Clairton, Pennsylvania. He ranks 46th in the nation, fifth by position and second in the state, according to 247Sports. With just six cornerbacks on the roster, Wade has a shot to make some noise this spring. Look for him to contribute early for Penn State.

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