By: Cole Mantell (@lightningdragon)
Welcome back to the article that answers the biggest question for each team each offseason. What does each team need in recruiting this offseason?
Let’s set some ground rules for new readers. First, I am looking at only what a team loses from the graduating class. I don’t look at any transfers or consider outside circumstances such as AD changes or expansion teams. However, since there are no expansion teams this season and only one new(ish) AD, that won’t be a huge concern this season. So, with that, let’s dive in and go through all 24 teams.
Alabama Crimson Tide – Wide Receiver/Middle Linebacker
The first team on our list is a bit unique because the AD has already said publicly what he wants to target in recruiting. In an appearance on the Cole Mantell Show this week, Alabama AD David Ware identified wide receiver as a position he wanted to target this offseason. Alabama WR David Williams graduates, with Troy Tree and Kyle Claxon both entering their senior season. Alabama is looking to get younger at the position and build depth this offseason. Additionally, 5-star MLB Isaac Sparks graduates, leaving only 3-star Maddon Nicol as the remaining MLB on the roster. While Alabama is deep at the nearby OLB position, I’d be shocked if the Crimson Tide didn’t pick up at least one true MLB this offseason.
Auburn Tigers – Defensive End
Another season of greatness, another season that ended in pure agony for the Tigers. It doesn’t matter that Auburn AD Justin Duke is 16-0 in the regular season since he took over at Auburn. Until he wins the biggest game of the season, the quest continues for the Tigers. This offseason will be about regenerating depth in recruiting, especially on defense. Defensive end is an easy spot to start, considering after graduation there are zero DEs on the roster right now. With Beau Justice and Travis Hurd graduating, Auburn will be looking for both freshmen and probably transfers to fill the depth of the position group.
Clemson Tigers – Depth
Well, I’ll give Clemson AD Logan Wetzel credit for one thing, he might be the toughest team to write about in this entire article this season. Clemson only had four seniors graduate this season, but that isn’t the story. This is a team that had 20 freshmen on the roster this season. The Tigers also had 17 3-stars suit up this season. Considering the rules on 3 stars, this team could be quite literally 75% different players next season, assuming every 4 and 5-star stayed on the team. I don’t think Wetzel will enter his second season as AD with that much turnover, but it goes to show what Clemson’s biggest target is this offseason. At every position (except QB and maybe HB), the Tigers are going to be looking to build impact depth. They have a core to build around, especially with QB Tavon Moss. But to become a contender in the ACC and beyond, Clemson will need to do something simple yet difficult, build talent.
Colorado Buffaloes – Linebacker
I feel like you could write a whole book on this team, and they’ve only been in the CFSL since Season 19. Entering his fourth season as AD of Colorado, Skylar Shearer has built a team that on paper might lack depth, but their swagger and game planning shine. Star HB Taylor James returns, but the BIG XII is getting more competitive each season. To defend the first conference title in school history, Colorado must improve their depth. Nowhere is that more important than at Linebacker. While there are graduations elsewhere, Colorado only has two LBs on the roster right now. They are 5-star sophomore Hannibal Recker and 3-star freshman Ryan Starks. I’d expect Colorado to add at least one, if not a few more LBs in addition to other spots on defense. The Buffaloes also lose two TEs to graduation, but 5-star Bill Budde likely is in line to be the starter at that spot. Still, in a TE-friendly offense, that could be another spot the Buffaloes add.
Florida Gators – Defensive Tackle
Florida’s big jump this season is helped by a roster that is one of the youngest in the CFSL. With no graduating seniors, what position group do I choose for Florida as my guess for their top target? I went with Defensive Tackle. The Gators only have one 3-star, Michael Vazquez, on the roster currently. The defensive line as a whole probably will be a big focus for AD Adam Smith, as the Gators look to keep building in the tough SEC. For a team that went through so much transition and now has so many younger underclassmen, the Gators might also reach into the transfer portal if a few key veterans present good opportunities for the squad. Whether that is at DT or another position remains to be seen.
Florida State Seminoles – Defensive Line
Florida State AD Tom Pence reached out to me in the production of this article about his team’s needs. The Seminoles have eight seniors graduating, including big names such as QB Zeus Claydon and WR Dave Axis. But Pence identified the defensive line as their team’s biggest need this offseason. With Max Duncan and Tank Monday graduating, there is a big need at one of FSU’s most important positions. Any longtime CFSL viewer knows how much Pence and his staff value the position group. It seems like they are already getting to work on identifying the need. Of course, the next FSU QB will also be a big story to watch this offseason as well.
Georgia Bulldogs – Wide Receiver
Another season, another Georgia playoff upset. No matter what, count on it. Georgia shocked the CFSL world with their huge upset of Ohio State in the first round this season, but the team is still building depth and once again has to contend in the SEC. Without their conference getting any easier, offense in general should be a focus for UGA AD Gene Pettijohn. At wide receiver especially, Georgia is losing 5 stars, Jason Dodd and Haden Carter. Add to that HB Will McKnight graduating, and you have a whole offensive makeover in the works for the Bulldogs. Look for rising junior Jett O’Riley to take a much bigger offensive role in Season 22 for Georgia, along with at least a few new faces in red.
Kentucky Wildcats – Halfback
Interestingly, Kentucky’s big role in this story won’t come until next season. The Wildcats’ only graduating senior is DT Brodie Slater, and Kentucky’s defensive line is a strength as a position group going into Season 22. So, for the Wildcats, building and replenishing depth is going to be the story of the offseason for the team. I chose Halfback specifically as a position they will look at. With Cole Marks the only HB on the roster, they could use someone else to take pressure off of him. Add the fact Marks is a rising senior, and the need for a succession plan comes into focus for the Wildcats. Marks has been excellent in Lexington, but now the question will start to be about who the next guy at halfback will be for the team.
LSU Tigers – Quarterback
Welcome to LSU, Josh Claydon. This section is only looking at seniors, though there may be some turnover with the change in AD. The big need starts at the position Claydon just finished playing, Quarterback. Sean Keohane exits, and there is no succession plan yet in place for the most important position in football. There is a lot of work to do right off the bat for Claydon and his initial staff, as the Tigers have five seniors graduating in total. Another position to look out for regarding LSU is safety. Cash Thomas graduates, leaving only two 3-stars left on the roster. That will be another big early area of focus for LSU this offseason.
Miami Hurricanes – Defensive Tackle
Miami is another team looking at the defensive line this offseason. At defensive tackle specifically, the Hurricanes lose both Chip York and Mike Weaver to graduation. Not to mention Miami’s three DEs on the roster are all rising seniors too. I’d expect Miami to join the big competition for talent at the position group and be aggressive in both transfer and freshman recruiting in the area. Miami probably will look to add at least one safety and wide receiver as well, as the Hurricanes lose seniors to graduations in those areas too. While I’ve talked a lot about the tough SEC in this article, the ACC is not getting any easier to compete in either, with Miami being a large reason for this.
Michigan Wolverines – Wide Receiver
What a weird season for Michigan. Some of the best talent on any roster in the CFSL, but a lot of close losses in a season AD Aaron Eichenberg will look to get some revenge for, starting in the offseason. That starts for Michigan at the wide receiver position. The Wolverines lose Isaac Blevins, Robert Ivory, and Timothy Richardson at the position, all 5 stars. One more, CJ Jones, will also be a senior in Season 22. While there are other areas Michigan will focus on, Michigan will be a heavy competitor in every big WR name this offseason. Both transfers and freshmen will hear from Eichenberg and his staff, as the Wolverines have a lot of work in this position group to do.
Michigan State Spartans – Cornerback
Michigan State was another team that made a big leap forward this season, even if ended in a disappointing first-round loss to Kentucky. AD Antonio McDaniel is in a great position, as his Spartans are one of the deepest rosters in the league going into Season 22. This includes just three graduating seniors and depth at each position that has graduations. So, for this section, I chose CB as an area of focus for Michigan State. The Spartans have a 5-star (Joe Bady), and two 4-star (Darius Henry and Assante McDaniel) at CB. But to take that next step, especially in the playoffs, Michigan State will need to build more depth in that position group. There is a great foundation, now it is time to see if Michigan State and its staff can build on it.
North Carolina Tar Heels – Defensive Line
Add UNC to the pile of teams looking for defensive line help this offseason. With 5-star DE Kevin McLeod graduating, that leaves just 4-star DT Bob Peyton and 3-star DE Mac Foster on the roster right now. That’s not nearly enough depth to compete in the ACC, and especially not enough to match or beat the talent rivals Miami and FSU have at that position. AD Daniel Gunn has slowly built one of the more successful programs in the CFSL, period. So this offseason is all about building towards that last step potentially for the Tar Heels, playoff glory. Depth throughout the defense will probably be a focus for Gunn and his staff this offseason.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish – Defensive Tackle
It was a tough season for Notre Dame, who after a large amount of roster turnover were undermanned at many positions. There is a lot to fix, but a big place to start will be at defensive tackle. While the Irish had two DEs in Wojtek Panzer and Nehemiah Brown Jr, Notre Dame lacked a scholarship DT in Season 21. That has to change in Season 22. As an interesting side note, this will be the fourth team in the ACC I’ve said needs help specifically on the defensive line this offseason. That should be one of the bigger offseason stories, and expect fierce competition among ACC rivals. For Notre Dame, expect not only DT, but many other positions to be a big need as the Fighting Irish look to try to emulate the rebuild Florida went through.
Ohio State Buckeyes – Linebacker
Forget the sour end to the season. Ohio State had a season for the ages and no one can take that away from them. There are lessons to be learned for sure after the ugly upset loss to UGA. But the bottom line is that Ohio State returns in Season 22 already a contender, and that’s before adding new talent. There is a lot to replace, however. While the Buckeyes lost three WRs to graduation, with the season QB Jaylen Tyree just had, somehow I think they will find WRs ready to play for him again next season. Linebacker will be a bit tougher of a recruiting job. 5 stars Seth Berlin and DJ Money graduate, leaving only 3 star MLB Dallas Hurst remaining on the roster right now. That should be a big early focus for AD Zach Davis, who just also won AD of the Year for Season 21.
Oklahoma Sooners – Defensive Line
Himoteo Del Este was spectacular. A team picked to not even be a factor nearly won the Big XII and proved every doubter wrong. Still, there is depth to keep building for AD Dustin Hall, and that starts where many other teams are competing this offseason in recruiting. 3 stars TJ Banks and Franklin McLaughlin were the Season 21 guys for Oklahoma, but there needs to be more depth and more scholarship guys on the line in Season 22. The Sooners had a late-season slide, especially due to defensive struggles. Fixing starts with the defensive line, and Oklahoma has experience in that department when it comes to recruiting stars at the position. The question now is who will be the next star at OU at DT or DE.
Oregon Ducks – Safety
Oregon has always been a team that was a pest to opponents. Running a bunch, stealing time of possession numbers. No matter their record, Oregon was always a tough team to play for the last few seasons. That strategy hit a roadblock this season, as the Ducks’ 0-8 record shows. But I’d argue Oregon is much more talented than their record showed in a tough Big 10 this season, and now rebuilding some talented depth pieces will be key for AD Gavin Lussier. Safety will be a good place to start. With no free safeties returning and strong safety having no 5-star returning, the famously difficult position to recruit in the CFSL will once again be an area of focus for Oregon. I’d expect at least one, if not more, recruits at the position group this offseason for the Ducks.
Penn State Nittany Lions – Outside Linebacker
Penn State is another Big 10 contender who is looking to take that next step. The question now is can Penn State keep competing with teams like Ohio State and USC in their conference? While the Nittany Lions lose two WRs Demelo Washington and Boaz Beam to graduation, outside linebacker will be a more pressing need. With 5-star Admiral Lasky graduating, there will be 0 OLBs at all on the roster for now for Penn State. 5 star Drew Hardy will remain a great MLB to depend on, but the roster needs more than one good linebacker to win playoff games. That’s the big challenge for AD TJ Smith and his staff.
Tennessee Volunteers – Halfback
It has been tough going for the Volunteers, with some early progress this season undone by seven straight losses to finish out the season with a 1-7 record. Tennessee has potential. We saw that in their wrecking of Notre Dame in Week 1 this season. It’s just about building the depth to compete in the SEC, which has proven difficult. To start this offseason, Tennessee will need to find a new HB to lead the charge. With Mykel Vanderslice graduating, there are no remaining options on the roster at HB. Tennessee will have spots to fill elsewhere, but signing a signature recruit at HB will do a lot of help in helping Tennessee take the next steps in Season 22.
Texas Longhorns – Quarterback
Out goes Bo Jones, in comes someone new. Texas has other spots to fill, especially at cornerback, but QB is the story of the offseason for Texas. The Big XII will see three teams (Texas A&M, LSU, and the Longhorns) change QBs this offseason, so fierce competition among rivals will be brewing this offseason. It might be the biggest story of the offseason, period. Texas has the talent to not only compete but win playoff games. But they also lost the Big XII to Colorado and have yet to take the next steps under AD Ryan Moreland. Grabbing the right guy at QB will change all of that for the Longhorns.
Texas A&M Aggies – Quarterback
So remember three sentences ago when I mentioned Texas A&M also needed a QB? It turns out, that they also need a QB. Owen Dart graduates, and he is one of only three seniors leaving for the team that made the Championship and was one of the biggest underdog stories in the CFSL, period, in Season 21. Texas A&M still has a lot of work to do, but right now, QB is the big focus in College Station. Safety, where the other two graduations were, is also going to be a focus. But if Texas A&M can nail the QB pick in the offseason, whether by transfer or a freshman, that will make or break the offseason for the Aggies. If they can get the QB pick right, the sky is the limit for this team.
USC Trojans – Halfback/Wide Receiver
USC once again reigns over the CFSL. The Trojans won their second straight championship and put AD Jacob Cobb into rarefied territory in the CFSL. There are more than a few seniors leaving, especially on offense for USC. In addition to Messiah Bishop graduating at HB, the Trojans will lose Kevin Davis, Ty Wolfe, and Alexander Tolbert at WR. That’s a lot of big names to replace, though winning another championship obviously will help in recruiting. Put simply, while Skye Mills will be the main focus at HB this season, USC has a lot of work to do to stay on top. While the spoils may go to the victory, so does the envy. Let’s see how USC handles being the evil empire once again.
Virginia Tech Hokies – Cornerback
Virginia Tech does not have to deal as much with the defensive line this offseason as many of their ACC foes do. But there is a lot of work to be done in other areas of the defense. That starts with cornerback, as 5-star CB Aiden Miller graduates. While 5-star Noah Johnson can probably step into that all-important CB1 spot, there is not too much depth to help him out. VT has some work to do here, as they continue to build out the rest of their roster as well. Another story to look at is possibly another HB coming in, with the presumption of Maxwell Orndorff being the main guy. The Hokies ran two HBs this season, so I wouldn’t be surprised if that stays the same in Season 22.
West Virginia Mountaineers – Defensive Line
We stay in Appalachia for our final team, with West Virginia rebuilding this offseason under AD Nathan Murphy. The biggest need for WVU starts on defense. With only Caden Laben remaining right now as a 5-star on that defensive line, the Mountaineers need to replace some depth there going into Season 22. Sure, Laben is a great talent. But the Big XII is only getting tougher this season, and defense is what gets you through tough games. Elsewhere on the roster, I could see WVU also picking up another Tight End as well. 5 star Brian Jones graduates, leaving only 3 star-rising seniors Baxter Gibson on the roster right now. This is a team building some depth, but also one that knows where they are as a team. Don’t sleep on these guys this offseason in recruiting.
