Max’s Recruiting Power Rankings

Everyone has his or her own opinion about how recruiting classes stack up against each other, who will emerge as stars and what the future has in store for these teams.
Here’s my take on this year’s recruiting classes in the Big Ten:

1.    Ohio State — Urban Meyer wasted no time with recruiting once he got to Columbus, Ohio, putting together a balanced class led by stellar defensive linemen.
      Head of the class: Noah Spence, defensive end

2.    Michigan — Brady Hoke’s first true recruiting class is heavy on both offensive and defensive linemen and based in the pipeline states of Ohio and Michigan.
      Head of the class: Ondre Pipkins, defensive tackle

3.    Nebraska — There is a huge drop-off from the top two classes to the Cornhuskers, but they still boast a solid group led by some elite junior college defenders.
      Head of the class: Mohammed Seisay, cornerback

4.    Michigan State — The Spartans have a somewhat small class of 18 this year but still have some impressive offensive firepower on the way.
      Head of the class: Aaron Burbridge, wide receiver

5.    Iowa — For a team that typically recruits under-the-radar guys, the Hawkeyes have a nice class, especially at the offensive skill positions.
      Head of the class: Greg Garmon, running back

6.    Northwestern — Athletic defensive linemen lead a defensive-minded class.
      Head of the class: Ifeadi Odenigbo, defensive end

7.    Purdue — The Boilermakers put together an athletic class primarily through out-of-state recruiting.
      Head of the class: Ryan Watson, defensive end

8.    Penn State — Still reeling from a scandal and losing a coach to the NFL, the Nittany Lions managed only a so-so class.
      Head of the class: Eugene Lewis, wide receiver

9.    Indiana — No true standouts here, but IU Coach Kevin Wilson recruited a large and balanced group that should provide a foundation for rebuilding.
      Head of the class: Tevin Coleman, running back

10.    Wisconsin — The Badgers brought in a solid but tiny group of players.
      Head of the class: Vince Biegel, linebacker

11.    Illinois — With new coach Tim Beeckman coming from  Toledo, this class is heavy on players from Ohio.
      Head of the class: Dami Ayoola, running back

12.    Minnesota — With 28 players, the Gophers will hope strength lies in numbers, as there are no obvious home runs in this class.
      Head of the class: Philip Nelson, quarterback