2018 National Signing Day Big Ten Conference Overview
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Written By Dustin Schutte (@SchutteCFB)
The 2018 recruiting season is in the books.
Thanks to the early signing period, the first Wednesday in February wasn't nearly as chaotic as in the past. But there were still some interesting decisions and last-second signings to round out the 2018 recruiting season.
Here's a brief review of each team's class when the dust finally settled on National Signing Day.
1. Ohio State (2)
This was an excellent class even by Urban Meyer's standards. The Buckeyes own the Big Ten's top recruiting class for the eighth straight year and rank second nationally. Ohio State landed 20 prospects ranked inside 247Sports' Top 300, including five-star standouts Nicholas Petit-Frere (OT), Taron Vincent (DT) and Tyreke Johnson (S). Meyer's dominance over the Big Ten on the recruiting trail continues.
Top Signee: Nicholas Petit-Frere (5-star OT)
Sleeper: Cameron Brown (4-star WR)
2. Penn State (4)
Back-to-back 10 win seasons proved to be beneficial for the Nittany Lions on the recruiting. While Penn State didn't complete an historic class like most expected a year ago, James Franklin assembled the program's first Top 10 class in over a decade and was able to land a few five-star prospects, Micah Parsons (DE), Ricky Slade (RB) and Justin Shorter (WR). It feels like things are just getting rolling in State College.
Top Signee: Micah Parsons (5-star DE)
Sleeper: Judge Culpepper (3-star DE)
3. Michigan (21)
The appeal of Jim Harbaugh is starting to wear off, if only slightly. Though the Wolverines still have a Top 25 class, but Harbaugh did whiff on several primary targets. Michigan still signed three of the five highest-rated in-state players -- Aidan Hutchinson, Jalen Mayfield and Ryan Hayes -- and was able to steal Indiana's second-best prospect, Cam McGrone. Florida native Joe Milton provides some much-needed depth to the quarterback position.
Top Signee: Aidan Hutchinson (4-star DE)
Sleeper: Ben VanSumeren (3-star ATH)
4. Nebraska (23)
What an incredible job by Scott Frost and his staff. Just a few months ago, Nebraska had fewer than 10 commitments and was ranked 89th in the recruiting rankings by 247Sports. But the Huskers finish the signing period with the fourth-best class in the Big Ten. Frost was able to land a quarterback suitable to run his system in dual-threat star Adrian Martinez. This group is filled with athletes, most of whom could make a quick impact.
Top Signee: Adrian Martinez (4-star QB)
Sleeper: Jaron Woodyard (3-star WR)
5. Maryland (28)
D.J. Durkin wasn't quite able to piece together back-to-back Top 25 classes, but this is another really solid group for the Terrapins. Durkin is hitting the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) pretty hard and has done an excellent job keeping top talent at home. 14 of 23 commits hail from the region, including four-star talents Jaelyn Duncan (OT), Austin Fontaine (DT) and Darryl Jones (WR).
Top Signee: Jaelyn Duncan (4-star OT)
Sleeper: Raymond Boone (3-star ATH)
6. Michigan State (31)
The Spartans had everything pretty much wrapped up at the end of the first signing period, meaning things weren't too active in February. This is another Midwest-heavy class filled with Michigan and Ohio prospects. This was a well-balanced class, as well, with 10 defensive players, nine offensive prospects and two athletes in the group.
Top Signee: Kalon Gervin (4-star CB)
Sleeper: James Ohonba (3-star OT)
7. Minnesota (35)
A year made quite a difference for P.J. Fleck and his staff. Having a full year on the recruiting trail, Fleck was able to plant Minnesota's flag on the IMG Academy campus, landing huge offensive linemen Curtis Dunlap and Daniel Faalele. Bringing in receiver Rashod Bateman to assist with the receiving corps is a huge addition, as well.
Top Signee: Curtis Dunlap (4-star OG)
Sleeper: Thomas Rush (3-star LB)
8. Iowa (39)
It's really no surprise that Iowa's 2018 class is bereft of a single four- or five-star prospect. But guys like Josey Jewell, Brandon Snyder and Akrum Wadley turned out pretty well. From the surface, this class isn't much to write home about, but there are a few stars waiting to emerge. Kirk Ferentz probably could've used another wide receiver or two in this class.
Top Signee: Dallas Craddieth (3-star S)
Sleeper: Tyrone Tracy (3-star RB)
9. Wisconsin (43)
Paul Chryst addressed some of Wisconsin's depleted areas, signing several prospects who could play in the secondary, wide receiver and a few athletes. Despite back-to-back trips to the Big Ten Championship Game and appearances in New Year's Six bowl games, the Badgers landed just one four-star prospect in Jack Sanborn (LB). But that's never got in the way of Wisconsin's success in the past.
Top Signee: Jack Sanborn (4-star LB)
Sleeper: C.J. Goetz (3-star LB)
10. Indiana (47)
Tom Allen has done an incredible job in Florida, ensuring the Cream and Crimson are advertising their brand in the Sunshine State. Indiana was able to land commitments from Tampa Bay's Offensive Player of the Year (Michael Penix) and Defensive Player of the Year (James Miller) and Indiana's Player of the Year (Reese Taylor). That's significant for an up-and-coming program under new direction.
Top Signee: Ronnie Walker (3-star RB)
Sleeper: James Head (3-star DE)
11. Purdue (48)
For the first time in five years, Purdue was able to land a four-star commitment. Rondale Moore is the headliner of this group, but Jeff Brohm was able to put together a solid class for the Boilermakers. Brohm did an excellent job surveying his roots, stealing five of the top 11 players out of Kentucky.
Top Signee: Rondale Moore (4-star WR)
Sleeper: Jaylan Alexander (3-star LB)
12. Illinois (53)
Lovie Smith understood that he needed some help along the offensive and defensive lines and he went out and got it. Signing four-star talents Calvin Avery (DT) and Verdis Brown (C) are huge for the program. Both players should make immediate impacts for the Illini. This class also brought in three dual-threat quarterbacks, a position Illinois desperately needs help with moving forward.
Top Signee: Calvin Avery (4-star DT)
Sleeper: Kerby Joseph (3-star ATH)
13. Rutgers (57)
The 2018 class isn't quite as talented as the 2017 class was, but Chris Ash was able to bring in some talent at the skill positions, particularly at wide receiver and quarterback. Artur Sitkowski may very well be the future under center for the Scarlet Knights sooner rather than later, and don't be surprised if targets like Zihir Lacewell and Jalen Jordan see the field early in their careers.
Top Signee: Artur Sitkowski (3-star QB)
Sleeper: Avery Young (3-star CB)
14. Northwestern (58)
Try to avoid looking at the rankings when judging Northwestern's class. This is typically the range where the Wildcats fall, and Pat Fitzgerald still churns out winning seasons at a pretty good clip. The Wildcats had just one commitment ranked in the Top 600 (Devin O'Rourke) and has an 18-player class. Keep an eye on Khalid Jones II, who could be another stud at linebacker.
Top Signee: Devin O'Rourke (4-star DE)
Sleeper: Drake Anderson (3-star RB)
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