"Three years removed from the 2023 recruiting cycle, it's time to reassess what those classes have become. Many look dramatically different, with some schools doing a better job than others at identifying, developing and retaining talent in the transfer portal era. The schools listed below did the best job cultivating success via both transfer contributions and high school signings, leading to conference titles and College Football Playoff appearances."
"With a couple of years of evaluation, the definition of success has evolved. Hitting on even 50% of a recruiting class can constitute a strong return. Identifying 10 groups that clearly delivered over three seasons is increasingly difficult, and the margin for inclusion tightens further down the list. In some cases, that reflects misses in personnel evaluations. More often, it reflects the dramatically different composition of classes because of transfers."
"Ohio State has built a reputation for elite wide receiver recruiting and development. While 2024 signee Jeremiah Smith rightfully commands most of the attention, the Buckeyes' 2023 class helped provide important depth and continuity at the position. IMG Academy wideout Carnell Tate has been the most productive member of the group, catching 103 passes for 1,608 yards and 13 touchdowns over the past two seasons."
Three years after the 2023 recruiting cycle, many classes look dramatically different as transfers changed composition. Hitting even 50% of a recruiting class can constitute a strong return. Identifying ten classes that clearly delivered over three seasons is difficult because transfers altered personnel and evaluation accuracy varied. Recruiting aims to assemble talent that produces wins, year-over-year progress and conference or national titles. Ohio State’s 2023 contingent helped produce a 37-6 three-year record, a 2024 national title and CFP berths. Carnell Tate caught 103 passes for 1,608 yards and 13 touchdowns over two seasons, while Brandon Inniss became a team captain and totaled 36 receptions in 2025.
Read at ESPN.com
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