College football's 2021 recruiting cycle has been a unique and challenging one, and it will be coming to a close with national signing day on Wednesday. While roughly 80% of the class signed national letters of intent during December's early signing period, there are still several prospects who have yet to make a commitment, including a dozen ranked in the ESPN 300.
Alabama might be on the cusp of solidifying a seventh No. 1 class under Nick Saban, but the rest of the rankings -- even in the top five -- might not be as certain. Oregon, with the addition of No. 10 RB Byron Cardwell, sits right on the heels of No. 5-ranked LSU and is still in the mix for multiple remaining ESPN 300 prospects. Texas A&M also could power its way to a top-five finish before signing day is over.
Although changes are still on the horizon, the only program in the top 20 that moved up at this stage is Michigan. The lone ESPN 300 defensive line commit for the Wolverines, George Rooks III, is a strong addition. He can be a versatile contributor along their defensive front, as he has a nice frame to develop, good feet and active hands.
At one point during the 2021 cycle, Tennessee's class was ranked as high as No. 2, but multiple factors, including a coaching change, have seen the Volunteers slide back. They had a pair of recent decommitments, including four-star WR Jordan Mosley. Despite that, new head coach Josh Heupel could still land a top-20 group over the finish line.
Iowa is signing one of the stronger collections of offensive linemen in this cycle, and the Hawkeyes added to a group that already includes three four-star OLs, including top-10 center prospect Michael Myslinski. As a result, the Hawkeyes push a little closer to the top 25.