Entering the start of college football's early signing period, the battle for the No. 1 class was a fiercely contested one. But as the home stretch takes place, Alabama has managed to strengthen its hold on the top spot.
In a position to sign their seventh No. 1 class in the last decade under Nick Saban, the Crimson Tide were able to widen their lead with several key additions in December, including flipping top-1o WR JoJo Earle from LSU and edging out Oklahoma for No. 3 RB Camar Wheaton. They now have a nation-leading 20 ESPN 300 prospects.
With the addition of Wheaton, they fill the only remaining need in this class and gain a runner with the vision and explosiveness to avoid defenders and top-end speed to go the distance when he gets in the open field.
Notre Dame was able to claw ahead of Florida with the Gators' class reshaping a bit following the decommitment of ESPN 300 ATH Charles Montgomery. Florida State still sits outside of the top 25, but the Seminoles' class did get a boost at the conclusion of the early signing period. After initially backing off his commitment at the start of December, ESPN 300 WR Malik McClain rejoined and signed, giving them a target who could quickly contribute with his excellent blend of size and agility.
Boston College was able to improve its standing nationally and within the ACC conference rankings, rising up a spot with a key in-state addition. The Eagles added a second ESPN 300 commit in OG Drew Kendall, an OL with good feet that plays with high effort.
Over 75% of the 2021 class has signed, but with over a dozen of the top 150 prospects in the nation among those still to declare, nothing in the class rankings is locked in yet.