While the 2024 season is in full swing, recruiting never stops. Even the programs in the top 25 of the class rankings have holes to fill.
The early signing period is still a little more than three months away, and 19 ESPN 300 prospects remain uncommitted. Closing strong at positions of need is a necessity for teams looking to maximize their roster depth, especially as most College Football Playoff contenders continue to build their rosters through high school recruiting despite the prominence of the transfer portal.
Here are the biggest needs and potential high school targets for each of the top 25 classes:
1. Ohio State Buckeyes
ESPN 300 commits: 17
Biggest remaining need: Cornerback
The Buckeyes signed the No. 3 class in the 2024 cycle, currently have the No. 1-ranked class for 2025 and, on the field, are ranked No. 3 in the AP poll. So they don't have a lot of glaring holes. On top of that, corner might seem like an odd choice since they hold commitments from two five-star prospects in Na'eem Offord and Devin Sanchez, but this is more about maintaining what they have already built on the recruiting trail.
During this cycle, Ohio State has already lost a commitment from ESPN 300 CB Blake Woodby to Auburn and the Tigers might not be done trying to pull from the Buckeyes' class. Offord, the top corner in the class, is from Alabama and remains a target for Hugh Freeze & Co. Even if Ohio State lost Offord, the Buckeyes would still hold commitments from Sanchez and versatile ESPN 300 DB DeShawn Stewart. But Offord can be an impact player and keeping him on board is a key goal in the final months.
2. Alabama Crimson Tide
ESPN 300 commits: 15
Biggest remaining need: Safety
With his first class at Alabama, Kalen DeBoer has done a nice job of upholding the lofty recruiting standards set during the Nick Saban era and has the Crimson Tide in contention for the top class. In the remaining months, defensive line and safety are two spots to watch.
Safety Malachi Moore is in his final year and Keon Sabb could move on sooner than later, so adding quality youthful depth would be a good way to close. Alabama is trying to flip three-star Antavious Richardson, a South Florida commit. The versatile Derick Smith, who flipped from Alabama to rival Auburn, will be tough to bring back to the class but would be a huge addition.
3. LSU Tigers
ESPN 300 commits: 14
Biggest remaining need: Cornerback
The Tigers have a long history of excellent defensive back play, earning the nickname "DBU" from many, but the unit hasn't met that high bar in recent years and the Tigers didn't have a corner on the preseason all-conference list. Brian Kelly & Co. are addressing it with several commitments, including five-star athlete D.J. Pickett and high three-star in-state prospect Aidan Anding in this class. Pickett, whom LSU beat Miami to land, continues to show interest in the Hurricanes, having attended their first two games this season. That is something to watch, and keeping Pickett on board will be key as he could be the next elite Tigers defensive back.
4. Georgia Bulldogs
ESPN 300 commits: 14
Biggest remaining need: Defensive line
The Bulldogs have signed eight straight top-three classes and don't have many needs heading into the fall. However, you can never be deep or talented enough along the defensive front. Five-star Justus Terry had committed to Georgia early in the process, and getting the tough, competitive big man back into the mix would be worth the effort. UGA is also in the hunt for Elijah Griffin, the No. 1-ranked defensive lineman, who is a powerful and flexible big man, and an in-state prospect, but he is also considering USC and Miami. Those two are not the only DL targets on the Bulldogs' board, so expect that to be the priority before the cycle wraps.
5. Auburn Tigers
ESPN 300 commits: 14
Biggest remaining need: Quarterback
The Tigers need a lot on offense, including further bolstering their receiver unit, but the QB situation is dire. Starter Payton Thorne is coming off a poor performance (four interceptions vs. Cal) and Auburn has talented youth but uncertainty behind him, so this a key need. Auburn doesn't have a QB committed at this point. One of the big storylines to watch is the battle for ESPN 300 QB Deuce Knight. The Tigers have emerged as a contender to flip the Notre Dame commit, and he would be a big boost to the class. If Auburn can't make that happen, there are some other potential flip options or Auburn could have to turn to the transfer portal.
6. Tennessee Volunteers
ESPN 300 commits: 10
Biggest remaining need: Running back
The Vols did an outstanding job on the offensive line this cycle and kept in-state QB George MacIntyre at home. Working on their first top-10 class since 2015, the Vols are in good shape at this point. After signing ESPN 300 RB Peyton Lewis last cycle with well-rounded three-star Justin Baker committed for 2025, this isn't a glaring need for Tennessee, but the Vols could benefit from adding another back this cycle. If they continue to build on their strong start on the field, they could end up flipping someone such as three-star Daune Morris, an in-state prospect who is currently committed to USC.
7. Texas Longhorns
ESPN 300 commits: 12
Biggest remaining need: Linebacker
The August additions of top-five receivers Jaime Ffrench and Kaliq Lockett quickly erased one need from the list. Though the Longhorns should try to add a cornerback this cycle, the linebacker unit is the one to watch down the stretch with some potential big names in the mix. Texas recently added five-star Jonah Williams, a versatile prospect who could contribute at safety or linebacker, but Texas needs to add more after signing only one high school linebacker in 2024 and Anthony Hill Jr. looking like a candidate to jump to the NFL after next season. Madden Faraimo and Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng are two of only 10 prospects within the top 100 of the ESPN 300 still uncommitted, and Texas is battling for both.
8. Oregon Ducks
ESPN 300 commits: 12
Biggest remaining need: Tight end
The Ducks had an ESPN 300 TE on board in DaSaahn Brame, but he flipped to Tennessee. Now Oregon will have to try to flip a tight end from elsewhere. Oregon was initially in on Linkon Cure, a Kansas State commit, or the Ducks could go after a developmental three-star player. One uncommitted target to watch is ESPN 300 athlete Michael Terry III out of Texas, who wouldn't be a true TE, but if the Ducks can land the third highest-rated uncommitted prospect in the class, his versatility could help address this need if another option does not come on board.
9. Penn State Nittany Lions
ESPN 300 commits: 12
Biggest remaining need: Offensive line
The Nittany Lions made some strong additions to their O-line with their 2024 class, including promising big man Cooper Cousins, who is already contributing. They have three OL commits, including Owen Aliciene, a promising but developmental player, and the very recent addition of ESPN 300 OT Malachi Goodman. Sal Wormley and Nick Dawkins are redshirt seniors and Drew Shelton is a junior, so depth is needed.
10. Texas A&M Aggies
ESPN 300 commits: 12
Biggest remaining need: Wide receiver
The Aggies have two receivers on board so far in Tristan Norman and Kelshaun Johnson and they remain in the mix for one of the top uncommitted prospects in the 2025 class in receiver Jerome Myles. Several schools are after Myles, including in-state Utah, but if Texas A&M can land him, it would be a big boost not only to its WR unit but the class overall. Myles has a big body at nearly 6-foot-3 and more than 200 pounds; combined with excellent speed, he can be a big-play presence.
11. Miami Hurricanes
ESPN 300 commits: 10
Biggest remaining need: Wide receiver
The Hurricanes' 2024 class included three ESPN 300 receivers, but Miami also has a lot of experienced contributors, such as Xavier Restrepo, who are fourth-year players. So adding more youth would be beneficial. The Canes have one commit in high three-star Daylyn Upshaw but could look to add more to this unit. Some in-state prospects could emerge as flip possibilities, including ESPN 300 receivers and Florida commits Josh Moore and Vernell Brown III.
12. Oklahoma Sooners
ESPN 300 commits: 11
Biggest remaining need: Offensive tackle
The Sooners have two redshirt seniors in the two-deep at offensive tackle, and the Sooners signed four interior offensive linemen in the last cycle. Adding to the tackle depth will only add to what Brent Venables & Co. signed a year ago. Five-star Michael Fasusi was a huge win and, OU will battle to keep ESPN 300 commit Ryan Fodje. Though both are long shots to land in Norman, ESPN 300 OT Andrew Babalola and three-star Austin Pay are names to watch. If the Sooners can add one, it would be a nice exclamation point at this spot.
13. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
ESPN 300 commits: 10
Biggest remaining need: Linebacker
The Irish still must hold on to Deuce Knight and Notre Dame could still add more to the receiver class, but linebacker is where the biggest targets remain. Both Madden Faraimo and Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng have already been mentioned, which means landing either will be tough. Of the two, Faraimo is the more likely, with Notre Dame viewed as a leader here. If the Irish can add him and current commit Anthony Sacca, alongside 2024 signee Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, it would give them pieces for a very promising linebacker group.
14. Clemson Tigers
ESPN 300 commits: 9
Biggest remaining need: Safety
The Tigers' wide receiver room is young and promising, though with only three-star Carleton Preston committed, it would be nice to see another impact receiver in the 2025 class. Safety is the spot to watch though as the Tigers work to bring in ESPN 300 safety Jordan Young. Current commit Tae Harris has excellent speed and could play CB as well, but adding Young would give Clemson another versatile, aggressive player at the position and have those two defenders anchor the 2025 class. Several schools are in the mix for Young, most notably ACC rival NC State, and an announcement is expected next month.
15. Michigan Wolverines
ESPN 300 commits: 7
Biggest remaining need: Linebacker
The Wolverines have one linebacker committed, with several in their current unit being upper classmen. Adding another commit or two here would be a good way to close. Michigan is in the mix for Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng but this will be a battle with several top programs looking to add him. Owusu-Boateng is the key name to watch and would be a huge add to the defensive class. A summer offer to three-star and UCF commit Cameron White presents another potential option to watch at the position.
16. USC Trojans
ESPN 300 commits: 8
Biggest remaining need: Quarterback
USC has a commitment from five-star Julian Lewis and the No. 2-ranked QB recently told ESPN he is locked in with the Trojans. While it appears as if the mission is accomplished, USC still has to sign him. Recruiting has taken stranger twists and USC already lost Malachi Nelson, the top QB in 2023 class, to the transfer portal. Lewis' name has been rumored with other programs, such as Auburn, Colorado and Indiana, and while a strong season on the field should clinch Lewis' signing with USC, a flip of a player such as Deuce Knight from Notre Dame to Auburn could set off a domino effect.
17. Washington Huskies
ESPN 300 commits: 6
Biggest remaining need: Running back
Washington needs help at safety, but with senior Cameron Davis and junior Jonah Coleman as the Huskies' leading rushers, running back is more pressing. Washington has a commitment from three-star Julian McMahan, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards as a junior and has already proven a valuable addition and vocal champion for the 2025 class. There is not a clear name to fill the need, but one could emerge in the months before signing day.
18. Florida State Seminoles
ESPN 300 commits: 7
Biggest remaining need: Defensive line
High hopes for the season have been dashed with two straight losses that included struggles to control the line of scrimmage -- Georgia Tech rushed for 190 yards and Boston College racked up 263 yards on the ground. The Seminoles also recently lost commitments from two ESPN 300 defensive linemen in Myron Charles (flip to Texas) and Javion Hilson, and this unit now becomes a key need. They still hold a commitment from ESPN 300 DT Kevin Wynn, but he is still being pursued as well and is someone the Noles probably will need to fight to hold on to.
19. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
ESPN 300 commits: 5
Biggest remaining need: Special teams
The Yellow Jackets are poised to lose their punter and long snapper after this season and their place-kicker Aidan Birr is 1-for-3 at this early stage, but to be fair, he did hit the winner against Florida State, and both misses have been from more than 40 yards. Either way, either via scholarship or walk-on, the Yellow Jackets will need to make some additions.
20. Rutgers Scarlet Knights
ESPN 300 commits: 4
Biggest remaining need: Defensive tackle
With nearly 30 commitments, there's not one need, but there are always ways to improve for a Rutgers program looking for its first top-25 class since 2012. With two key contributors on the defensive line in Malcolm Ray and Kyonte Hamilton poised to leave after this season, adding more talent to this group would be beneficial. Rutgers has three defensive linemen committed but none who appear to be quick contributors and it would be good to add another prospect to develop for this unit.
21. Missouri Tigers
ESPN 300 commits: 5
Biggest remaining need: Running back
Transfers have played a key role at the position for Missouri and 2024 additions Nate Noel and Marcus Carroll are seniors. Kewan Lacy, a three-star 2024 signee, could step into a larger role and is already getting touches. Jamarion Morrow, a 2025 commit, can be another young addition to that unit, but he is currently the Tigers' only commit at that spot. It seems reasonable Mizzou would return to the portal to bolster depth in 2025, but adding another young prospect to develop at the position would be a strong addition over the final months.
22. Maryland Terrapins
ESPN 300 commits: 6
Biggest remaining need: Defensive line
Maryland has already lost the commitment of DT Donta Simpson Jr. (Miami) and add to that, the Terps' current unit has several upperclassmen. They have six defensive linemen committed, led by ESPN 300 DT Bryce Jenkins, so there are numbers. Maryland has done well adding to this spot from within the crucial DMV recruiting area and another target to watch is in-state three-star Asaiah-Allan Hamond from Calvert Hall. An aggressive player with a nice frame and excellent length, he would be a nice hometown keep to add to this group.
23. UCF Knights
ESPN 300 commits: 4
Biggest remaining need: Quarterback
With KJ Jefferson a sixth-year senior and no QB commit on board, this is an area where you would like to see the Knights add a prospect, even a developmental player. Miami transfer Jacurri Brown, a 2022 ESPN 300 prospect, could be the next in line and EJ Colson could be the future. Colson is an undersized but dynamic dual-threat QB who reclassified from 2025 to 2024, so he could very well be that addition for this cycle, just having arrived early. UCF also signed a second QB in that 2024 class in three-star Riley Trujillo. With the way the QB world spins, it still wouldn't be a bad idea to add a QB to this class.
24. Arkansas Razorbacks
ESPN 300 commits: 5
Biggest remaining need: Offensive line
The Razorbacks have three linemen committed, but the top player in the state, Carius Curne, is an OL and is currently heading to SEC rival LSU. Keeping Curne, who at one point was committed to Arkansas, at home would be a big recruiting win and be the Hogs' first four-star OL commit in this class. With his O-line background, coach Sam Pittman will not let the top prospect within his own state (who is also an offensive lineman) leave without a fight.
25. TCU Horned Frogs
ESPN 300 commits: 3
Biggest remaining need: Wide receiver
You could also extend this to tight end, as both spots are senior heavy. The Frogs have three receivers committed, led by three-stars Ed Small and Chance Ables, and one TE in Mason Peterson. They probably will utilize the transfer portal at these spots, but they can use another commit or two.