Although the 2023 high school class still has a few ESPN 100 players left to commit, it's almost time to turn the page to the 2024 class. This weekend marks the first official live recruiting period of the spring, where coaches can go out and watch the next wave of recruits in person -- meaning the 2024 class is about to take center stage. Before that happens, though, it's time for a final rundown of the best recruiting classes in the country.
Not much has changed since the last update in January, but there are still a few key storylines to monitor.
John Calipari returning to his roots: Calipari was at the forefront of the one-and-done roster-building era, recruiting a handful of the nation's best high school seniors and throwing them on the floor together from day one with a few veterans sprinkled in. That strategy resulted in plenty of success, including a national championship in 2012 and eight Elite Eight appearances in a 10-year stretch at Memphis and Kentucky. As the sport has turned more toward older teams and the transfer portal, though, it hasn't led to high-level winning on a consistent basis. But Calipari is running it back next season, as he welcomes an elite recruiting class featuring the Nos. 1, 2, 4, 11 and 21 prospects in the country.
Louisville rises, Texas falls: It was a difficult first season for Kenny Payne at Louisville, with the Cardinals losing their first nine games and finishing 4-28 on the year. But there's some reason for optimism next season, as Louisville welcomes a top-10 recruiting class -- a group that went from unranked to No. 7 following the reclassification of five-star wing Trentyn Flowers and the late pickup of 7-footer Dennis Evans.
On the flip side, Texas dropped from No. 12 to No. 25 after A.J. Johnson's decision to decommit and spend the season playing for the Illawarra Hawks of the Australian NBL.
Where is Mackenzie Mgbako going? While most of the 2023 class was wrapped up months ago, this month saw a high-profile decommitment that could have an impact down the road. Mackenzie Mgbako, No. 9 on the ESPN 100, requested a release from his letter-of-intent at Duke, reopening his recruitment. Mgbako was the top-ranked player from Jon Scheyer's No. 2-ranked recruiting class at Duke. The immediate speculation for Mgbako centered on Louisville, but other schools -- St. John's among them -- are also in the mix. He could singlehandedly push a team into contention for a top-25 class (or better).
Who else is still left? When we did an update in January, only four ESPN 100 prospects were still available, with only one in the top 50. After the coaching carousel and the first half of the transfer portal frenzy, there are more now. Mgbako and Bronny James are the top-50 prospects available, with USC the perceived favorite for James if he opts to go to college. Former Penn State signee Carey Booth reopened his recruitment and hasn't officially followed Micah Shrewsberry to Notre Dame yet. Blue Cain, who decommitted from Georgia Tech, is expected to visit Florida soon. Brady Dunlap reopened his recruitment following the coaching change at Notre Dame and he's considering North Carolina, Nebraska, St. John's, Villanova and Penn State.
1. Kentucky Wildcats
Top commit: SF Justin Edwards (No. 3)
Previous ranking: 1
Kentucky now is on track to land its seventh No. 1 recruiting class since John Calipari took over in 2009 -- with Edwards leading the way. He boasts a competitive nature, versatile defense and highly productive summer offensively. Edwards scores by finalizing plays inside, along with a hard, straight-line, face-up game and a 3-point shot. He possesses the physical tools to be an NBA wing. No. 4 prospect D.J. Wagner is an elite scorer who is at his best grabbing defensive rebounds and pushing the ball in the open court. His ability to get into the lane and finish or assist is second to none in the class. Fellow top-10 recruit Aaron Bradshaw is a game-changer at both ends of the floor, finishing around the rim and blocking shots at the other end. Top-15 guard Robert Dillingham is a pure scoring presence, as well as a bona fide shot creator and playmaker. No. 22 Reed Sheppard will blend in right away with his fundamental play, offensive skill and decision-making.
2. Duke Blue Devils
Top commit: SG Jared McCain (No. 10)
Previous ranking: 2
In Jon Scheyer's first recruiting class after being named Mike Krzyzewski's successor, the Blue Devils landed the No. 1 class in the country. And in Scheyer's second recruiting class, Duke will finish at No. 2. Three five-star prospects lead the way: Jared McCain, Sean Stewart and Caleb Foster, while T.J. Power is at No. 31. It's also worth mentioning there was another five-star commitment, but Australia native Tyrese Proctor opted to reclassify and enroll for this past season. Stewart is an elite rebounder, while Foster is one of the best point guards in the class. McCain can really score, while Power had a fantastic grassroots season and can make shots inside and out.
3. UConn Huskies
Top commit: PG Stephon Castle (No. 12)
Previous ranking: 6
Dan Hurley and his staff did their work early in the 2023 class, securing five commitments before the end of September. The first commitment was the best of the group: top-15 point guard Stephon Castle. Castle has great size at 6-foot-6 and is an excellent passer and decision-maker with the ball in his hands. Three other ESPN 100 prospects in the class are Solomon Ball, Jayden Ross and Jaylin Stewart. Ball was one of the best scorers on the Nike EYBL circuit, Ross is an intriguing long-term prospect and Stewart was highly efficient and productive in the spring and summer and brings plenty of versatility. Youssouf Singare, a 7-foot center, provides a defensive anchor inside.
4. Michigan State Spartans
Top commit: C Xavier Booker (No. 15)
Previous ranking: 3
Four commitments, three ESPN 100 prospects. The Spartans have an impressive 2023 cycle with a group that gets them back on the right foot after not landing a top-25 class in 2022. Xavier Booker is the big name. By far the biggest stock-riser of the spring and summer, Booker went from unranked to the No. 3 overall prospect in the country off the back of elite performances on the grassroots circuit and an MVP showing at the Pangos All-American Camp. Jeremy Fears is one of the best point guards in the class, bringing aggressiveness and energy at both ends of the floor. Coen Carr is extremely explosive and rose all the way into the top 25 nationally after a strong season. Gehrig Normand is a knockdown shooter.
5. Memphis Tigers
Top commit: SG Mikey Williams (No. 46)
Previous ranking: 4
As recently as one week before the signing period, there was no sign Memphis would find itself anywhere near the class rankings. But Penny Hardaway and the Tigers went on a three-commitments-in-two-days run the weekend prior to the signing period, added another ESPN 100 prospect during the period and now have a talented six-man group coming to town. The headliner is Mikey Williams, a social media sensation who has been a national name for years. He's an explosive offensive player who can score as well as anyone in the class. Committing on the same day was Javonte Taylor, a former five-star recruit who is looking to regain some of the momentum he had earlier in his high school career. ESPN 100 prospect Ty-Laur Johnson is a scoring point guard who is aggressive getting to the rim. Four-star Carl Cherenfant is another explosive wing player who makes his biggest impact in the open floor. Ryan Forrest and David Tubek round out the class.
6. Oregon Ducks
Top commit: PF Kwame Evans (No. 13)
Previous ranking: 5
Oregon has a talented trio of ESPN prospects on the books for next season and the best class in the Pac-12. Kwame Evans and No. 20 Mookie Cook have terrific positional size. At 6-foot-9, Evans, a left-handed forward, demonstrates outstanding ball skills with a shooting touch and great versatility. Cook is an extremely talented 6-7 wing from Portland who decommitted in June but recommitted to Oregon in August. No. 35 Jackson Shelstad, the Ducks' first commit back in November 2021, plays at in-state West Linn High School, which produced former Duck and current Boston Celtic Payton Pritchard. He brings leadership intangibles, outside shooting and facilitation skills. With extreme length and size, look for coach Dana Altman to exploit the mismatch on the offensive end and utilize their wingspan in his zone press on the defensive end.
7. Louisville Cardinals
Top commit: SF Trentyn Flowers (No. 17)
Previous ranking: Unranked
This was the type of class Kenny Payne and staff envisioned when he took over: Across the board athletic size with interchangeable skill players who are serious about their game and the team. Trentyn Flowers decided to reclassify up and graduate. If he stayed in 2024, he was projected as a top-10 prospect. He's loaded with excellent positional size at 6-9 at the small forward spot and has versatility. Kaleb Glenn is a strong energy player who scores inside and out. He can be a high-level rebounder and mismatch. This class brings the necessary talent and traits to rebuild at Louisville. Curtis Williams is a big dynamic wing who can make spot-up 3s and is a very underrated defender. In the front court, Dennis Evans is a shot changer at 7-2 with a 7-9 wingspan to patrol the middle. He shows the ability to finish in space. Junior college prospect Koron Davis is a downhill driver who can make long-range jumpers and facilitate at 6-7. Louisville will again be young but if this class can get on the same page early with returners, former ESPN 100 transfer Sky Clark and a portal addition, the Cardinals will be on their way up in the ACC.
8. Ohio State Buckeyes
Top commit: SF Scotty Middleton (No. 34)
Previous ranking: 7
The Buckeyes had Bronny James on campus for a visit in early September, but the eldest son of LeBron James has yet to make an announcement. Still, Chris Holtmann and staff have put together impressive back-to-back top-10 recruiting classes, landing seven ESPN 100 prospects who fit their style of play and team culture. SF Scotty Middleton is the highest-ranked prospect, bringing two-way production with his defensive prowess and offensive versatility. Top-50 PG Taison Chatman displays deep range and the ability to navigate in ball screens with poise. No. 49 Devin Royal has a durable frame with an inside-out scoring ability and can play a small-ball forward or a power wing as a dual forward role. He was the third-most-efficient scorer in the Nike EYBL, according to Synergy. Four-star Austin Parks brings back-to-the-basket size at 6-10, footwork and post moves.
9. Kansas Jayhawks
Top commit: SG Elmarko Jackson (No. 25)
Previous ranking: 13
Bill Self and Kansas are coming off a top-five class that included three top-30 prospects, and while nobody in the 2023 group is on the level of Gradey Dick, the Jayhawks are once again bringing in an impact class. They've done all their work since the end of the July evaluation period, starting with ESPN 100 guard Chris Johnson committing in early August. He's aggressive with the ball in his hands and loves to drive to the rim and finish in the lane. Four-star guard Jamari McDowell, another Texas native, picked the Jayhawks in September. And putting Kansas into the top 10 nationally was top-25 point guard Elmarko Jackson committing in mid-October. Jackson is a talented two-way guard who has emerged as one of the most physically gifted playmakers in the class.
10. Tennessee Volunteers
Top commit: SG Freddie Dilione (No. 36)
Previous ranking: 9
Since his arrival in Knoxville, Rick Barnes has been relentless on the recruiting trail. Tennessee's recruiting class had a productive summer last year. Freddie Dilione went from No. 98 to top 30 because of his secure scoring ability with excellent positional size at 6-5. He will be an immediate threat both on and off the ball, especially in isolations with spacing. Center J.P. Estrella is a promising 6-11 big man with skills and the understanding of how to function with his teammates, which creates on-court chemistry. Estrella, who went from unranked to the top 50, is developing his post-up and face-up packages at a rapid rate. Four-star Cade Phillips is a strong finisher who rebounds with length, bounce and secure hands, and wing Cameron Carr -- who committed right before the early signing period -- rounds out the class.
11. Iowa State Cyclones
Top commit: PF Omaha Biliew (No. 11)
Previous ranking: 8
After building the Cyclones' Sweet 16 team primarily via the transfer portal -- Tyrese Hunter the obvious exception -- T.J. Otzelberger has switched tactics and gone after some big names in the 2023 class. Top-15 recruit Omaha Biliew became the program's highest-ranked commitment in the modern recruiting era when he picked Iowa State in late July, giving Otzelberger one of the best rebounders and defensive players in the class. Biliew is joined by big-time stock-riser Milan Momcilovic, a skilled forward who can step out and shoot. Four-star wing Jelani Hamilton and Kansas City product Kayden Fish are also in the fold.
12. UCLA Bruins
Top commit: SG Sebastian Mack (No. 63)
Previous ranking: 14
Remember the questions when Mick Cronin took over in Westwood about whether the former Cincinnati coach could attract elite talent to UCLA? Those have been answered time and time again over the past couple of seasons, including by a top-five recruiting class in 2022. And Cronin already has frontcourt reinforcements lined up for the 2023-24 campaign. ESPN 100 guard Sebastian Mack leads the way. Top-75 center Devin Williams was the early headliner with his length, explosiveness and face-up game out to the 3-point line. He's joined up front by ESPN 100 forward Brandon Williams, a New Yorker who was convinced to head out west for college.
13. USC Trojans
Top commit: PG Isaiah Collier (No. 1)
Previous ranking: 11
After landing three five-star prospects in the 2019 and 2020 classes, Andy Enfield finally got back on the five-star track in 2023 -- in a big way. Isaiah Collier picked the Trojans over Cincinnati, UCLA and Michigan on the final day of the early signing period. The No. 1 prospect in the country, Collier is a truly elite passer and playmaker. He has great size for the position (6-4, 205), can consistently make shots from the perimeter and contributes in all facets of the game. Enfield and the Trojans picked up the inside track for Collier when they landed ESPN 100 center Arrinten Page back in October. Page is a high school and AAU teammate of Collier, and he'll find himself on the receiving end of plenty of Collier's passes, especially in transition.
14. Oklahoma State Cowboys
Top commit: C Brandon Garrison (No. 39)
Previous ranking: 10
Mike Boynton had an impressive two-month recruiting run from early July to mid-September, a stretch in which the Cowboys netted four commitments. It started with the highest-ranked prospect in the group, four-star center Brandon Garrison. Garrison is an effective inside scorer and rebounder -- especially on the offensive glass -- and represented USA Basketball at the FIBA U18 Americas during the summer. Four-star guard Jamyron Keller followed in August, with in-state wing Connor Dow pledged in September. Justin McBride, a summer breakout performer, rounded out the four-man group by picking Oklahoma State over Missouri and Arizona State. Boynton then landed Eric Dailey, a powerful offensive player who should make an early impact.
15. Colorado Buffaloes
Top commit: SF Cody Williams (No. 7)
Previous ranking: 15
Tad Boyle and the Buffs had a game-changing early signing period, starting with beating out LSU for five-star recruit Cody Williams to start the week and landing ESPN 100 forward Assane Diop to end the week. Williams is the headliner. He's the program's first five-star recruit since the ESPN recruiting database began in 2007 and Boyle's first-ever five-star recruit. Williams has a tremendously high ceiling, similar to his older brother, recent lottery pick Jalen Williams. With his size and two-way ability, Williams will make an immediate impact next season. Diop can fill multiple frontcourt roles, plays with a motor, can rebound the ball and run the floor. Four-star guard Courtney Anderson rounds out a talented trio.
16. Baylor Bears
Top commit: SG Ja'Kobe Walter (No. 8)
Previous ranking: 16
Guards are the strength of this season's Baylor team, and Scott Drew has more reinforcements on the way for the 2023-24 campaign. Five-star Texas wing Walter is a big-time scorer who put up nearly 23 points per game on the Adidas circuit last spring; he has great size (6-5) for the position and can score at all three levels. Finnish guard Miro Little will line up next to Walter in Waco. Little is considered one of the best international prospects heading to college next season; he can create for himself and others and shoot from 3. Walter rose all the way into the top 10 of our final rankings, while Little is slotted inside the top 40.
17. Alabama Crimson Tide
Top commit: PF Sam Walters (No. 50)
Previous ranking: 23
Nate Oats has things rolling in Tuscaloosa, but with lottery pick Brandon Miller and a couple of other players departing after this season, he needed to reload -- so he went out and landed a balanced four-man class that should help fill in the gaps. ESPN 100 forward Walters, a stock-riser this winter, is the headliner of the class. Davin Cosby, a strong-bodied guard who can make plays at both ends of the floor, enrolled early and should be ready to make an impact next season. ESPN 100 wing Kris Parker and four-stars Mouhamed Dioubate and R.J. Johnson are also in the fold for Oats. Dioubate, in particular, could be one to watch. He has a high motor and does a lot of the little things
18. Stanford Cardinal
Top commit: SF Andrej Stojakovic (No. 21)
Previous ranking: 19
Jerod Haase has rarely had trouble attracting high-end talent to Palo Alto, with five-stars Ziaire Williams and Harrison Ingram committing in back-to-back classes in 2020 and 2021. And now the Cardinal are bringing in two more top-50 recruits, with Stojakovic joining Kanaan Carlyle days before the signing period. Stojakovic, the son of former NBA player Peja Stojakovic, is one of the better offensive players in the class, with his size, skill and shot-making ability on the wing. He chose Stanford over a final group that also included Oregon, Texas and UCLA. Carlyle committed to Stanford last winter and is now playing for Overtime Elite before going to the Pac-12. He can play either guard position and is at his best going to the rim off the bounce.
19. Maryland Terrapins
Top commit: SF DeShawn Harris-Smith (No. 40)
Previous ranking: 20
Kevin Willard's three-player class makes a big statement. The Terps are prioritizing recruiting in the DMV area, and this is only the beginning. No. 40 SF Harris-Smith and No. 69 SF Jamie Kaiser are from nearby Virginia, while four-star SG Jahnathan Lamothe is from in-state Baltimore. Harris-Smith brings major credibility as a two-way contributor who possesses a rugged frame. He distributes with accuracy and makes outside shots. Kaiser was a late stock-riser with a potent 3-point shot, body strength and strong bounce, helping his New World team win the Adidas championship. Lamothe is a comfortable outside shooter and free throw shooter who brings playmaking ability.
20. Arkansas Razorbacks
Top commit: C Baye Fall (No. 28)
Previous ranking: 17
It's not quite the Razorbacks' 2022 class that saw three five-star prospects land in Fayetteville, but Eric Musselman is once again bringing in an instant-impact group -- and his third top-25 class in four years. Layden Blocker has been in the fold for months. On the fringe of the top 25, he will look to push the pace with the ball in his hands. He has terrific speed and quickness, and he is an adept playmaker. Arkansas' class was boosted into the top 25 when top-30 frontcourt prospect Baye Fall committed to the Razorbacks during the signing period. Fall's defensive ability is his calling card right now. He's a terrific shot-blocker with good lateral speed to cover ground.
21. Xavier Musketeers
Top commit: PG Trey Green (No. 55)
Previous ranking: 18
It hasn't taken long for Sean Miller, who landed top-seven classes in seven straight seasons at Arizona, to make an impact on the recruiting trail for the Musketeers. Xavier's 2023 class is headlined by two ESPN 100 prospects, Trey Green and Dailyn Swain (No. 92). Green, a 5-9 point guard, had a terrific spring and summer, showing capable playmaking ability and making better than 40% of his 3s. Swain is excellent in transition and possesses an intriguing ceiling. Four-star forward Reid Ducharme is a New England product and had some huge games -- including three 30-point efforts and a 42-point performance -- back in July. Kachi Nzeh is the fourth member of the group.
22. Kansas State Wildcats
Top commit: PG Dai Dai Ames (No. 54)
Previous ranking: 22
First-year head coach Jerome Tang built a reputation as a skilled and tireless recruiter, as well as an impressive teacher of the game, when he helped build Baylor into a national champion. He looks to have similar success at Kansas State. Coming to campus are a talented pair of ESPN 100 guards in Ames and No. 64 R.J. Jones. Jones will provide pure shot-making and scoring abilities, both in transition and against a set defense. Look for him to be one of the leading scorers as a freshman. Ames, a scoring point guard, is quick and will run the transition offense with his speed. Three-star Macaleab Rich will bring a different dynamic, as he is a versatile forward who will carve out space inside or take it off the rim and push the break.
23. North Carolina Tar Heels
Top commit: PG Simeon Wilcher (No. 27)
Previous ranking: 24
Carolina had some misfortune in the 2023 class when elite prospect G.G. Jackson decommitted and ultimately wound up in the 2022 class with South Carolina. But Hubert Davis has a very good duo lined up at this stage. Five-star guard Wilcher has been in the fold for more than a year. He's an excellent offensive player, capable of playing either guard spot and showing high-level ability as a scorer and creator. ESPN 100 forward Zayden High was a stock-riser during the spring and summer, bursting onto the scene during the April Nike EYBL sessions. High is an intriguing offensive piece given his ability to score inside but also stretch the floor with his shooting ability.
24. Houston Cougars
Top commit: C JoJo Tugler (No. 85)
Previous ranking: 24
With two ESPN 100 prospects coming Kelvin Sampson continues to bring in talent needed to stay at the top of the AAC and be a nationally ranked program. Tugler has a strong and tough frame at 6-7, 210 pounds. He is willing to do all the little things that contributes to winning. With an enormous wingspan, he blocks and changes shots and is a committed and ambitious rebounder and finisher. No. 100 Jacob McFarland has a thin and lanky frame (6-11, 220) but has mobility and touch with defensive instincts in the paint. He has a high ceiling and will give Houston a big with skill and shot-blocking ability. Three-star Kordelius Jefferson is a combination guard who has a knack to penetrate the paint, make the extra pass or make stationary 3's. Perhaps his greatest asset is his defense. This class has potential and production ready to help Houston.
25. Texas Longhorns
Top commit: PF Ron Holland (No. 2)
Previous ranking: 12
An impressive interim performance by Rodney Terry earned him the full-time job in Austin, and now he's bringing in the No. 2-ranked prospect in the country in Holland. Holland picked Texas shortly before the early signing period, opting to stay in state for college instead of going to Arkansas or UCLA. Holland is an elite defender who can guard multiple positions and contributes to winning -- he recently helped lead USA Basketball to the U17 gold medal in Spain. He'll be counted on immediately at both ends of the floor. The class fell when top-50 guard A.J. Johnson decommitted and went to Australia instead. It leaves the Longhorns with a one-man class -- but it's as good a one-man class as you can get.
Dropped out: Ole Miss (21), Illinois (25)
Previous class rankings: 2022 | 2021 | 2020