College football's 2021 recruiting classes have been signed, and more of these prospects have enrolled early in school. That translates to more first-year players providing an immediate impact, which in turn gives teams the opportunity to ascend up the rankings ahead of schedule.
How will this recruiting cycle affect the 2021 College Football Playoff? For a handful of teams that didn't reach the playoff last season, the 2021 additions could result in a top-four spot.
Texas A&M Aggies
The Aggies just missed the playoff last year, finishing the regular season ranked No. 5. Despite the loss of quarterback Kellen Mond, a number of starting offensive linemen and key defenders in Bobby Brown and Buddy Johnson, the Aggies make the list due to continued strong recruiting by Jimbo Fisher and staff.