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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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Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer talks with his coaching staff in the pressbox as the team huddles during a timeout in the second overtime at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won the game 30-27 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer talks with his coaching staff in the pressbox as the team huddles during a timeout in the second overtime at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won the game 30-27 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Ohio State Buckeyes

The Ohio State Buckeyes had an interesting 2016 season. They finished Big Ten play at 8-1 on the season, but their tiebreaking loss to Penn State put them outside of the Big Ten Championship game. However, they still made the College Football Playoff.

In the Playoff Seminal, the Buckeyes were shutout for the first time in Urban Meyer’s career 31-0 by the Clemson Tigers. Quarterback J.T. Barrett returns for his senior season and hopefully that comes with improvements all around. Running back Mike Weber returns for the Buckeyes offense as well, giving them two guaranteed weapons. However, in the passing game, there still remains a few questions. This year’s recruiting class very well could solve that.

The Buckeyes had a good year on the recruiting trail despite their lackluster playoff performance. They signed 21 total commits on National Signing Day. In total, they signed five five-star recruits, 14 four-star recruits and two three-star recruits, according to 247Sports.

One key recruit is four-star wide receiver Jaylen Harris. Harris ranks 184th in the nation, 30th by position and fifth in the state of Ohio, according to 247Sports. He is a 6-foot-5, 210-pound receiver with size and speed. With a lack of downfield targets last season, Harris could be a key player in the rotation this fall.

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Another key recruit is outside linebacker Baron Browning. Browning is a five-star prospect from the state of Texas who enrolled back in January. He ranks 11th in the nation, first by position and is the fourth-best player in the state, according to 247Sports. As one of four outside linebackers listed on the roster, there’s a shot for Browning to crack the rotation in some fashion. He can also learn a lot from senior outside linebacker Raekwon McMillan.

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