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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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Dec 28, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; Northwestern Wildcats offensive lineman J.B. Butler (59) celebrates with teammates after the Pinstripe Bowl against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Yankee Stadium. Northwestern won, 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; Northwestern Wildcats offensive lineman J.B. Butler (59) celebrates with teammates after the Pinstripe Bowl against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Yankee Stadium. Northwestern won, 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

11. Northwestern Wildcats

The Northwestern Wildcats had a down year in the Big Ten in 2016, but depth is on the way via the recruiting trail. After going 10-3 in 2015, the Wildcats went 7-6 last season. They finished the season with a 31-24 win over Pittsburgh in the Pinstripe Bowl but lost three of their last five conference games.

The 2016 season wasn’t the greatest for Northwestern but they still managed to make a bowl game. They will return quarterback Clayton Thorson but top targets like receivers Austin Carr and Andrew Scanlan graduated and are out of eligibility.

The Wildcats were a good defensive team but their offense wasn’t the greatest. The offense managed to score just 26.0 points per game last season, 87th in the FBS. They are hoping their recruiting class of 19 signees from National Signing Day can help fill the void. They signed one four-star and 18 three-star prospects, according to 247Sports. Eight of them are on offense.

One key recruit is early enrollee Trey Pugh. Pugh is a three-star tight end who committed to the Wildcats over Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State. He ranks 660th nationally, 29th by position and is the 29th-best player out of the state of Ohio, according to 247Sports. At 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, Pugh already has the size for the position. Enrolling early gives him an opportunity to make his presence known this spring.

Another key recruit is four-star strongside defensive end Earnest Brown out of Denton, Texas. Brown ranks 217th nationally, sixth by position and 36th best out in the state, according to 247Sports. Brown bolsters a defensive line chock full of juniors. He adds depth and youth, which should create a significant amount of playing time for him in the process.

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