How did all of the SEC teams do this recruiting season? Here are the recruiting rankings for the conference, along with the stars for each team, top players, and biggest strengths.
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2021 SEC Recruiting Rankings, Breakdown
No, really. How good were the SEC classes this 2021 recruiting season?
SEC East
1. Georgia Bulldogs
The bar is set at a ridiculously high level for Georgia recruiting, and Kirby Smart and his staff hit it. There’s the normal array of four and five-star guys with a little bit of something for every spot, but it’s all about Brock Vandagriff. If he’s not the best quarterback recruit of the 2021 season, he’s close. As long as he’s close to being as good as advertised, this is a class to keep the program’s national title expectations high.
– 2021 Schedule Analysis, Best & Worst Scenarios
2. Florida Gators
It’s not as good a class as the last few, but it’s close enough. No, this isn’t as strong as what Alabama and Georgia brought in, but it’s more than fine for what it needed to do. There isn’t a superstar quarterback signing – Carlos Del Rio is a good prospect, though – and there isn’t a ton for the skills spots, but the defense is loading up with a slew of excellent defensive backs to throw at the pass D problem.
– 2021 Schedule Analysis, Best & Worst Scenarios
3. Tennessee Volunteers
It’s not nearly the class of 2020, but considering all the craziness, all of the changes, and all of the uncertainty, it’s a terrific group coming in. Josh Heupel didn’t get a chance to do much of anything, but the former staff got the job done to load up with a slew of strong offensive talents who should thrive under the new regime.
– 2021 Schedule Analysis, Best & Worst Scenarios
2021 SEC Recruiting
SEC West Rankings | Every Team’s Star | Class Strengths
What’s Missing | 2021 All-SEC Recruiting Team
4. Missouri Tigers
It might not quite be the best recruiting class since Missouri joined the SEC, but it’s not all that far off after Eliah Drinkwitz got a full year to hit the recruiting trail. The pass rush got the most help with a tremendous group of ends, the secondary got more bodies, and Tyler Macon is a dangerous dual-threat quarterback who should be a perfect fit for what the coaching staff wants to do.
– 2021 Schedule Analysis, Best & Worst Scenarios
5. Kentucky Wildcats
It’s okay. Kentucky never lands the elite of the elite talents, and it’s good at succeeding in a recruit-to-a-type sort of way, but this isn’t as strong as the 2020 class and there are a few holes. The 2022 class has to focus more on the defensive line and offensive backfield, but that’s being a bit nitpicky. The receivers are nice, the defensive backs are sneaky-solid, and for what UK does, it’s a fine group.
– 2021 Schedule Analysis, Best & Worst Scenarios
6. Vanderbilt Commodores
Who comes up with a strong recruiting class after a coaching change? Most of the work was done by Derek Mason and the former staff and new head man Clark Lea picked up from there. It’s a big class that might be the program’s best in several years starting with a whole lot of very good prospects for the defense. WR Quincy Skinner is one of the stars of the class, but this group is put together to lock down the other side of the ball.
– 2021 Schedule Analysis, Best & Worst Scenarios
7. South Carolina Gamecocks
It’s a rough class mostly because of 1) the midseason coaching change and 2) the bigger classes in the previous years. The hope is for QB Colten Gauthier to make this small group great – if you can find a strong SEC starting quarterback, the class is made – but there’s no real star power. The other odd thing? There’s not a lot from South Carolina with just three in-state players signing.
– 2021 Schedule Analysis, Best & Worst Scenarios
– Every Team’s Star Recruit
– Recruiting Class Strengths
– What’s Missing From Each Recruiting Class
– 2021 All-SEC Recruiting Team
NEXT: SEC West Recruiting Rankings
2021 SEC West Recruiting Rankings
1. Alabama Crimson Tide
COME ON. Really? Every year Alabama brings in a great class, and every year there’s talk that it might be Nick Saban’s best class ever. But yeah, this really might be Saban’s best class ever. It’s a joke how good this group is with superstar talent piled on superstar talent. The offensive linemen, defensive backs, and receivers are full of future NFL first round draft picks, and even the least promising prospects in this groups would be in the Star of the Class category for most programs.
– 2021 Schedule Analysis, Best & Worst Scenarios
2. Texas A&M Aggies
It takes a lot to have a class that can at least be in the same zip code as Alabama’s and this one is that. Jimbo Fisher and his staff were outstanding at getting the guys needed to keep the success going with quality to go along with the quantity. The lines were boosted up with plenty of special talents for both sides, RB LJ Johnson was an outstanding get late in the game, and there are playmakers up and down the class.
– 2021 Schedule Analysis, Best & Worst Scenarios
3. LSU Tigers
It’s not as good as Alabama’s – no one is there – and it might not be quite as strong as last year’s class, but whatever. If it’s not the second-best class in the SEC it’s awfully close with enough great defensive backs and receivers to keep the production going. More needs to be done for the lines next year, and there isn’t a ton for the offensive backfield, but QB Garrett Nussmeier and RB Corey Kiner are keepers.
– 2021 Schedule Analysis, Best & Worst Scenarios
4. Ole Miss Rebels
And there’s Lane Kiffin doing Lane Kiffin things as a top recruiter for a team that plays a fun style of football. The Rebels went after a slew of defensive prospects to fix the side that didn’t work, but the offense got its share of stars the receivers coming in to make this all go, and a tight end in Hudson Wolfe who’ll play a key role.
– 2021 Schedule Analysis, Best & Worst Scenarios
5. Mississippi State Bulldogs
Now is when this gets interesting. Mike Leach had a few okay recruiting classes at Texas Tech and Washington State, but he has never been able to get the prospects to do what he wants like he can at Mississippi State. The talent level at receiver is stronger, the defensive linemen coming in are solid, and now the parts overall should fit a little better.
– 2021 Schedule Analysis, Best & Worst Scenarios
6. Arkansas Razorbacks
It’s a strong group for a program that occasionally comes up with good recruiting classes in years when it brings in a whole lot of bulk talent, but doesn’t always land the elite players. Sam Pittman’s first full class has a little bit of both with a large group with a little something for everywhere.
– 2021 Schedule Analysis, Best & Worst Scenarios
7. Auburn Tigers
It’s a blip. The coaching uncertainty that turned into a change ruined the recruiting season, but it’s coming off a massive 2020 class that was among the best in the nation. There aren’t any star prospects outside of QB Dematrius Davis and DT Lee Hunter, and there aren’t a ton of players overall. Expect an instant turn up once new head man Bryan Harsin gets a year to work.
– 2021 Schedule Analysis, Best & Worst Scenarios
– Every Team’s Star Recruit
– Recruiting Class Strengths
– What’s Missing From Each Recruiting Class
– 2021 All-SEC Recruiting Team
NEXT: Every Ten Team’s Star Recruit
Every SEC East Team’s Star Recruit
Florida Gators
DE Tyreek Sapp, 6-3, 260
Key Schools In The Running: Miami, Alabama, Ohio State
Other Key Stars: S Corey Collier, CB Jason Marshall
Georgia Bulldogs
QB Brock Vandagriff, 6-3, 200
Key Schools In The Running: Oklahoma, Alabama, Florida
Other Key Stars: OT Amarius Mims, LB Xavian Sorey
Kentucky Wildcats
LB Trevins Wallace, 6-2, 210
Key Schools In The Running: Boston College, Ole Miss, LSU
Other Key Stars: OG Cager Burton, WR Christian Lewis
Missouri Tigers
DE Travion Ford, 6-3, 230
Key Schools In The Running: Illinois, Louisville, Miami
Other Key Stars: QB Tyler Macon, WR Dominic Lovett
South Carolina Gamecocks
LB Tavareon Scott, 6-3, 220
Key Schools In The Running: Mississippi State, West Virginia, Texas Tech
Other Key Stars: QB Colten Gauthier, WR O’Mega Blake
Tennessee Volunteers
DE Dylan Brooks, 6-5, 250
Key Schools In The Running: Alabama, Florida State, Arkansas,
Other Key Stars: LB Aaron Willis, WR Kaemen Marley
Vanderbilt Commodores
DT Marcus Bradley, 6-3, 270
Key Schools In The Running: Maryland, Tennessee, Arkansas
Other Key Stars: WR Quincy Skinner, CB John Howse
Every SEC West Team’s Star Recruit
Alabama Crimson Tide
OT JC Latham, 6-6, 310
Key Schools In The Running: Florida, Georgia, Ohio State
Other Key Stars: CB Ga’Quincy McKinstry, OT Tommy Brockermeyer
Arkansas Razorbacks
WR Ketron Jackson, 6-2, 190
Key Schools In The Running: Alabama, LSU, Ohio State
Other Key Stars: OT Terry Wells, WR Raheim Sanders
Auburn Tigers
DT Lee Hunter, 6-5, 290
Key Schools In The Running: Florida, Georgia, Oregon
Other Key Stars: S Ahmari Harvey, QB Dematrius Davis
LSU Tigers
DT Maason Smith, 6-5, 300
Key Schools In The Running: Alabama, Florida, Georgia
Other Key Stars: S Sage Ryan, WR Deion Smith
Mississippi State Bulldogs
QB Sawyer Robertson, 6-4, 200
Key Schools In The Running: Texas, USC, Wisconsin
Other Key Stars: WR Theodore Knox, LB John Lewis
Ole Miss Rebels
DT Tywone Malone, 6-4, 300
Key Schools In The Running: Florida State, Penn State, Texas A&M
Other Key Stars: TE Hudson Wolfe, WR Bralon Brown
Texas A&M Aggies
DE Tunmise Adeleye, 6-4, 235
Key Schools In The Running: Ohio State, Alabama, Florida
Other Key Stars: DT Shemar Turner, OG Bryce Foster
– Recruiting Class Strengths
– What’s Missing From Each Recruiting Class
– 2021 All-SEC Recruiting Team
– 2021 All-SEC Recruiting Team
NEXT: SEC Recruiting Strengths
SEC East Recruiting Strengths
Florida Gators
Defensive Backs
The Gators not only got bulk, but it signed a whole lot of talent starting with S Corey Collier and CB Jason Marshall – they’re future All-SEC performers. It’s a deep group with size, next-level skill, and a whole bunch of options.
Georgia Bulldogs
Linebackers
A few positions just got a major infusion of talent, but the linebackers are the stars with four coming in led by Xavian Sorey, a future all-around playmaker who could find a spot inside or out. There’s a good combination of thump, quickness, and talent for the near future.
Kentucky Wildcats
Defensive Backs
It would be nice if there was a signature star among the four being brought in, but as is this is a good, strong class for the secondary with good size, versatility, and ready-made options to at least strengthen the depth chart.
Missouri Tigers
Defensive Ends
Mizzou wants to get to the quarterback. A few defensive tackles are being brought in to see time right away, but the line is getting more help for the ends with five nice prospects signed on led by Kyran Montgomery and Travion Ford.
South Carolina Gamecocks
Linebacker
There’s not a whole lot for any one position in the small class, but Shane Beamer and the staff were able to sign JUCO LB Tavareon Martin-Scott to take over a spot on the outside and Kolbe Fields is a promising quick option for the near future.
Tennessee Tigers
Skill Guys
There might not be any sure-thing five-star NFL level guys, but there’s enough for the new coaching staff to get the new O going. QB Kaidon Salter was a decent get, but the offense overall got more help from a whole slew of pass catchers to go along with three running back options to play around with.
Vanderbilt Commodores
Defensive Tackles
The defense got the early attention with a good group of linebackers and a whole lot of parts for the secondary, but the defensive tackles are the key with four good-sized prospects who were all but locked in before the coaching change, and now should be the foundation for the future.
SEC West Recruiting Strengths
Alabama Crimson Tide
Defensive Backs
Take your pick of great position strengths – wide receiver and offensive line are both right there – but the defensive back haul is jaw-dropping. CB Ga’Quincy McKinstry and versatile option Kadarius Calloway are next-level talents, and it’s not a bad thing for Alabama to sign anyone named Devonta Smith – he’s a top corner prospect.
Arkansas Razorbacks
Passing Game
The Hogs only signed three receivers, but they’re big, they fit the team’s style, and they’re the future of the passing attack. The coaching staff will likely go through the transfer portal for their quarterback talents in the near future, but Lucas Coley and Landon Rodgers are prospects to build around.
Auburn Tigers
Defensive Backs
It’s not a big class in a weird year, but the defensive front got a few new guys and the secondary is full of new parts with five coming in. S Ahmari Harvey is the best of the bunch, but there’s enough variety to play around with all of the options.
LSU Tigers
Pass Catchers
When you crank out a passing game like LSU has over the last few years, and when you send stars to the NFL, wide receivers will like you. The Tigers got three good ones and two tight ends who all have the talent and upside to play roles right out of the box.
Mississippi State Bulldogs
Passing Game
If you have Mike Leach as your head coach, you’re going to expect recruiting classes full of guys who do what he needs for the passing game. Four wide receivers and two quarterbacks were brought in, and they’ll all get their chances to shine with what the offense does.
Ole Miss Rebels
Defensive Ends
Apparently, Ole Miss would like to start stopping someone from marching up and down the field. The class is full of defensive backs and is loaded with linemen. The best of the bunch if DT Tywone Malone, but four ends are coming in to start being more disruptive.
Texas A&M Aggies
Defensive Ends
There’s a lot for several positions – the O line and secondary got a ton of help – but the fun is on the defensive front with a few tackles to go along with all of the ends. Tunmise Adeleye and Shemar Turner are great signings who’ll end up on the All-SEC team, and there’s a lot more talent along with them.
– What’s Missing From Each Recruiting Class
– 2021 All-SEC Recruiting Team
NEXT: What’s Missing From Each Team’s Recruiting Class
What’s Missing From Each Team’s Recruiting Class
SEC East, What’s Missing?
Florida Gators
Running Backs
The offense signed a few quarterbacks, landed a few nice receivers, and got a little something for the offensive line – even if there aren’t a slew of stars. However, there’s nothing for the running game with no backs coming in.
Georgia Bulldogs
Defensive Tackles
There wasn’t a whole lot brought in for the defensive front with two defensive ends and Jonathan Jefferson the only true defensive tackle, and he’ll need a little time to bulk up. He’s going to be really, really good, but he’s it for the interior.
Kentucky Wildcats
Defensive Tackles
The class is light overall for the D line with two ends and no tackles. The program finds ways to turn players into hybrid defenders who can serve as ends, but there aren’t any 300-pound Coke machines to sit in the middle of the line.
Missouri Tigers
Wide Receiver
A few tight ends were signed and should be a part of the fun for – potentially – new QB signing Tyler Macon, but there was just one receiver brought in. Dominic Lovett is a terrific quick prospect, but he’s it. To be fair, though, five wide receivers were signed in 2020.
South Carolina Gamecocks
Offensive Linemen
The Gamecocks will load up in 2022 after this small class, but the offensive line should get the biggest focus needing more bodies next year to build up and around. A few were signed this year, but bulk talent is a must.
Tennessee Tigers
Defensive Backs
There are a few versatile talents who can move around where needed, but there’s only one sure-thing defensive back expected to come in. After a light group for the secondary in the 2020 class, 2021 has to be about finding the guys to stop the future big-time SEC passing attacks.
Vanderbilt Commodores
Quarterbacks
The Commodores are relatively set with Ken Seals coming off his freshman season, and the transfer portal is always there to make it easy to find more quarterback options, but there aren’t any new options coming in to develop.
SEC West, What’s Missing?
Alabama Crimson Tide
Offensive Backfield
To split hairs as finely as possible for a class loaded for every spot, only one quarterback and one running back were signed. Now, QB Jalen Milroe and RB Camar Wheaton probably start right away for half the teams in college football, but there’s no bulk talent coming in.
Arkansas Razorbacks
Defensive Ends
The pass rushing prospects were in last year’s class – there aren’t any in this one. The interior of the Hog defense was addressed with a focus on the tackles, but there aren’t any ends, and that includes the linebackers coming in.
Auburn Tigers
Offense
It’s a small class so there aren’t too many strength-in-numbers areas – defensive back is about it – but there’s nothing for the offensive side with just five signings. QB Dematrius Davis is a great-looking prospect, but there aren’t any running backs and no other sure-thing starters.
LSU Tigers
Offensive Linemen
It’s the second straight year of being a wee bit light for the offensive line. The 2020 class had more bodies, but there weren’t any superstar recruits. This year the Tigers signed just two blockers with Garrett Dellinger – the better of the two – needing a little while to bulk up.
Mississippi State Bulldogs
Defensive Backs
It’s fine considering the 2020 class was loaded with parts for the secondary, but there wasn’t much done for the pass defense with this group. There aren’t any defensive tackles – that’s a key focus for 2022 – and just two defensive backs without any standout star prospect.
Ole Miss Rebels
Linebackers
The defense went heavy for the secondary and came up with a ton of option for the line, but there isn’t anything at linebacker. Dink Jackson played a whole lot of roles in high school, but he’s going to be a safety who’s used against the run – that’s as close to LB as it gets in this class.
Texas A&M Aggies
Linebackers
There aren’t any. After signing just two last year, the Aggies aren’t bringing in any this time around with the focus mostly being on the defensive front and secondary with a whole slew of big-time talents.
– 2021 All-SEC Recruiting Team
NEXT: 2021 All-SEC Recruiting Team
2021 SEC All-Recruiting Team
These are the guys everyone wanted. They’re the best and the brightest prospects to get fired up about.
OFFENSE
QB Brock Vandagriff, Georgia
RB Corey Kiner, LSU
RB Camara Wheaton, Alabama
WR Jacorey Brooks, Alabama
WR Abgiye Hall, Alabama
TE Hudson Wolfe, Ole Miss
OT Tommy Brockermeyer, Alabama
OG Terrence Ferguson, Alabama
C James Brockermeyer, Alabama
OG Dylan Fairchild, Georgia
OT JC Latham, Alabama
DEFENSE
DE Tunmise Adeleye, Texas A&M
DT Damon Payne, Alabama
DT Maason Smith, LSU
DE Dallas Turner, Alabama
LB Deontae Lawson, Alabama
LB Xavian Sorey, Georgia
LB Dallas Turner, Alabama
CB Jason Marshall, Florida
S Derrick Davis, LSU
S Sage Ryan, LSU
CB Ga’Quincy McKinstry, Alabama
– SEC East Recruiting Rankings
– SEC West Recruiting Rankings
– Every Team’s Star Recruit
– Recruiting Class Strengths
– What’s Missing From Each Recruiting Class
– 2021 All-SEC Recruiting Team
