Programs off to a hot start in the 2024 recruiting cycle

For most fans following recruiting, they’re just now turning their attention to the 2024 recruiting cycle. Getting to know names of their school’s top targets, who they’re battling against, etc.

But things have been well underway for at least a few months, especially when it comes to a few programs who have jumped out to hot starts early in the cycle. Granted, there’s still more than 10 months to go, and a lot can and will change between now and December. But these six programs have set themselves up early with a number of strong commitments that could really build some momentum toward top-10 recruiting classes.

Georgia

Commitments: 10
Avg. Rating Per Commit: 93.59
On3 Consensus Team Ranking: No. 1

We have a long ways to go over the next year until the No. 1 class in 2024 is crowned, but the Bulldogs are the early favorites — and by a wide margin. An historic in-state cycle has propelled Kirby Smart and Co. to the top of the early On3 Consensus Team Recruiting Rankings, but Georgia still has a ton if its top targets left on the board. Getting commitments from five-star cornerback Ellis Robinson IV, No. 1 tight end Landen Thomas and elite California safety Peyton Woodyard is a mighty good start.

Florida

Commitments: 4
Avg. Rating Per Commit: 93.59
On3 Consensus Team Ranking: No. 4

Billy Napier brought Florida to the cusp of a top-10 class in the 2023 cycle after just a year on the job, and he’s back with a vengeance when it comes to 2024. The Gators beat out USC, Texas A&M and a host of others for On3’s No. 2 quarterback, DJ Lagway.

Florida also has early commitments from the No. 3 and No. 6 LBs in the On3 Consensus in Myles Graham and Adarius Hayes, the latter from the Sunshine State. Add in four-star running back Chauncey Bowens, and Napier has got it rolling early in Gainesville.

Notre Dame

Commitments: 8
Avg. Rating Per Commit: 90.90
On3 Consensus Team Ranking: No. 5

Marcus Freeman’s staff has taken a few hits in recent weeks with offensive coordinator Tommy Rees leaving for Alabama and line coach Harry Heistand retiring, but the Irish haven’t lost any early commitments. Four-star quarterback CJ Carr leads a group that already features eight commits, including On3 No. 20 overall prospect Cam Williams.

It will be interesting to see what kind of hires are made at those positions and how they affect the class going forward, but right now the Irish have a group that’s locked in.

South Carolina

Commitments: 5
Avg. Rating Per Commit: 92.03
On3 Consensus Team Ranking: No. 7

Shane Beamer closed the 2023 cycle with a huge momentum-builder by reeling in five-star athlete Nyckoles Harbor. The Gamecocks finished No. 16 in the On3 Consensus Team Recruiting Rankings, their highest mark since 2017. But while he was doing that, Beamer was also making some major moves in the 2024 class, which could very easily finish near or inside the top 10 when things are said and done.

Already on board are the nation’s top offensive tackle, Kam Pringle, as well as four-stars Wendell Gregory, Mazeo Bennett, Dante Reno and Michael Smith.

LSU

Commitments: 8
Avg. Rating Per Commit: 90.21
On3 Consensus Team Ranking: No. 8

In his first year in Baton Rouge, Brian Kelly returned LSU to the upper echelons of college football recruiting with one of the country’s best and deepest classes. And he’s wasting no time building another one in 2024. Despite having most of their top targets still on the board, the Tigers have already grabbed eight commits, five of whom rank in the top-200 nationally.

Four-star quarterback Colin Hurley leads the way, but arguably the most impressive part of LSU’s commit list is where they come from. Only one of the top six recruits in Louisiana has committed already, leaving a chance for the Tigers to clean up in their own state.

Michigan

Commitments: 7
Avg. Rating Per Commit: 87.55
On3 Consensus Team Ranking: No. 12

There’s no way to put it other than this: The 2023 recruiting cycle was a major disappointment for Michigan. The Wolverines failed to capitalize on a second straight Big Ten title and CFP appearance, and finished outside the top 15 of the team rankings. Jim Harbaugh’s uncertain job status was a big part of that, but 2024 recruits seem to be confident he’ll stick around Ann Arbor for the long run. Seven commits are already pledged to the Maize and Blue, including in-state four-star safety Jacob Oden.

Michigan will continue to recruit nationally, and has commits from five different states early in the cycle.

Florida State

Commitments: 9
Avg. Rating Per Commit: 88.31
On3 Consensus Team Ranking: No. 9

Mike Norvell has challenged Ole Miss’ Lane Kiffin as the transfer portal king in back-to-back years, but 2024 could be the year he really makes a mark in the high school recruiting ranks. The momentum around FSU’s program has propelled them to a number of early commitments, including elite running back Kameron Davis and safety Jordan Pride.

The ‘Noles have gone heavy early on with skill position players, but they have a number of top interior targets still on the board that like what they see in Tallahassee.