Which Pac-12 Program has the most 247 composite 4/5 Stars on their roster in 2021?
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Article by WestCoastCFB
1. Oregon - 49
The Ducks feature what should be the most talented roster in the Pac-12 after signing 19 4/5 star recruits in 2021, during a monster haul that resulted in the Oregon class being ranked 6th in the nation. Oregon is projected by most media outlets to win the conference for a 3rd straight season and as they continue to add talent to the program, the future is extremely bright for the Ducks. Kayvon Thibodeaux, a former 5 star recruit, is projected to be a Top 5 NFL Draft pick in 2022 and may be the best player in the Pac-12 this season.
2. USC - 46
The Trojans struggled to recruit in 2020 when they signed just two 4 stars but saw a resurgence in 2021 while signing one of the best classes in the country with 15 4/5 star recruits. The prize catch for the Trojans was #1 recruit Korey Foreman, a defensive lineman out of Corona, California. USC is a popular pick to win the Pac-12 South this Fall and have 3 projected 1st round picks for 2022 on the roster in WR Drake London, DE Drake Jackson and QB Kedon Slovis.
3. Washington - 40
Washington's recruiting has regressed since Chris Petersen suddenly resigned following the 2019 season but the Huskies still have one of the most talented rosters in the conference. The Huskies managed to sign just four 4/5 star recruits in 2021 and also saw eight 4 stars transfer after the season, causing concern for some Husky fans. On a positive note, Washington did sign 5 star QB Sam Huard who could make the Huskies dangerous over the next few years and not many programs can develop talent better than Husky coaching staff.
4. ASU - 23
ASU was seen as an ascending program on the field and in recruiting but that may now be derailed by a recruiting scandal that involved having recruits on campus during the Covid Dead Period. Short term, the Sun Devils are in great position to contend for the Pac-12 Title in 2021 after returning nearly every impact starter from 2020, including star QB Jayden Daniels.
4. Stanford - 23
The Cardinal are consistently one of the best programs in the Pac-12 when it comes to recruiting and their strong success in the NFL Draft should keep that going as long as David Shaw is the Head Coach. 2021 looks to be a slight rebuilding year for Stanford as they must replace 5 NFL Draft picks but if the Cardinal can figure out the QB position they may be a dangerous team.
6. UCLA - 21
Recruiting has seen a major drop off in the Chip Kelly era as the Bruins have signed just eight 4/5 star recruits from 2019-2021. Despite the talent drop off, the Bruins still have star QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson and bring back nearly every starter from 2020. UCLA will look to surprise and contend for the Pac-12 Title in what will be a pivotal year for Chip Kelly's future as the Bruins' HC.
7. Utah - 19
Utah consistently turns 3 star recruits into NFL Draft picks but now suddenly the Utes are beginning to load up on 4 stars as recruits are taking notice of the development that happens in Salt Lake City under Kyle Whittingham. In 2021, Utah brought in 10 4 stars (recruits and transfers) to bolster their depth for a run at the Pac-12 Title.
8. Cal - 11
Cal's recruiting has begun to trend up after the Golden Bears have started having success on the field under Justin Wilcox. Cal finished with the 3rd best recruiting class in the Pac-12 in 2021 while bringing in five 4 star recruits. The Cal defense has been consistently strong in the Wilcox era and if they can begin to add more talent to the offense, the Golden Bears could be a team to watch in the coming years.
9. Colorado - 7
Colorado had a brief recruiting surge under Mel Tucker when they brought in the 36th best class in the country in 2020 but after Tucker's departure to Michigan State, the Buffaloes fell to the 63rd ranked class in 2021. Colorado was a surprise team in 2020 after going 4-2 and if they can sustain that success in 2021, recruiting success should follow.
9. OSU - 7
Oregon State has become one of the top transfer destinations for 4 stars and that continued in 2021 with the Beavers landing two 4 star receiver transfers to join what is already a talented unit. Oregon State hasn't reached a bowl since 2013, but it feels as though they are slowly building closer to that goal.
11. Arizona - 3
Arizona's lack of talent can be seen in the NFL Draft with just 6 players selected over the past 7 Drafts. The Wildcats were awful in 2020, under Kevin Sumlin, while going winless and ended the season with a 70-7 loss to ASU. The climb back to respectability under new head coach Jedd Fisch may take a few years but Fisch has brought hope back to Tucson.
12. WSU - 2
WSU had a lot of success under Mike Leach despite talent deficiencies. Leach's Air Raid scheme made up for their talent gap but he is now off to Mississippi State and it is still to be seen if Nick Rolovich can do the same. Pullman can be a tough place to recruit and Rolovich will likely need to scheme his way to wins rather than rely on recruited talent.