Collegiate Times

Here's a look at how some of the top programs in college football performed on the recruiting trails.

Louisiana State:

The Tigers of LSU have the No. 1 overall recruiting class according to both Rivals and ESPN's rankings. Despite a somewhat disappointing 2008 football season that saw the Tigers finish 8-5 overall, head coach Les Miles has dominated the off-season by capturing nine high school athletes ranked within the ESPN Top 150. He'll try to keep local talent Rueben Randle in the state. The wide receiver is widely regarded as the best at his position. The three elite recruits retrieved by the Tigers include the No. 1-rated athlete prospect overall, Russell Shepard, safety Craig Loston and defensive tackle Joshua Downs.

Southern California:

Noted recruiter Pete Carroll has delivered yet another top five class for the Trojans. Quarterback Matt Barkley, the top-ranked overall prospect in the nation by both ESPN and Rivals, headlines this stellar group. The Trojans were able to snag nine commitments from players ranked within the ESPN Top 150. On the defensive side of the ball, the Trojans received a pledge from the No.1-rated inside linebacker in Vontaze Burfict who will look for playing time next season as the Trojans lost all three starting linebackers to graduation. USC may also get some good news Wednesday if outside linebacker Manti Te'o makes his announcement to play in Los Angeles.

Florida:

The defending national champions continued their success into the off-season by claiming a total of eight players ranked within the ESPN Top 150 and 16 players total. With the loss of Percy Harvin to the NFL Draft, standout recruit Andre Debose will look to fill the void along with speedy receiver Nu'Keese Richardson. Marsalis Teague, from Paris, Tenn., has the athletic versatility to play both cornerback and wide receiver. Defensive end Gary Brown gave a solid verbal commitment last March 5. In addition, the Gators appear to be the favorites to land Jelani Jenkins, an outside linebacker from Wheaton, Md. Florida and Penn State appear to be the finalists for his services.

Alabama:

After being thoroughly embarrassed by the Utah Utes in the Sugar Bowl, head coach Nick Saban has revived the Crimson Tide nation with a top-10 recruiting class in both ESPN and Rivals rankings. Despite only getting five players ranked in the ESPN Top 150, the Tide's class is deep with 23 total commits. After the loss of starting tailback Glen Coffee to the NFL, top recruit Trent Richardson will step in and fill some playing time in Tuscaloosa, as he is ranked by ESPN as the No.1 tailback in the country. Their solid defense could be bolstered if cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick, from Gadsen, Ala., chooses the Tide. He will make his final call on Wednesday.

Ohio State:

The Ohio State Buckeyes dominated the Big Ten Conference in recruiting this off-season by claiming 25 prospects overall, seven ranked in the ESPN Top 150. The headline prospect in the class is running back Jaamal Berry, whom they hauled away from the state of Florida. Berry is not the lone big recruit taken from the Sunshine State. The Buckeyes landed a big play receiver in Duron Carter, son of the all-time great NFL receiver and former Buckeye Cris Carter.

Texas:

Following the dramatic victory over the Buckeyes in the Fiesta Bowl, head coach Mack Brown has worked his recruiting magic yet again to secure a top-five class ranking by both ESPN and Rivals. The Longhorns dominated the in-state recruiting trail by securing big time players such as offensive linemen Mason Walters, quarterback Garrett Gilbert and six-foot-three-inch running back Chris Whaley. Gilbert is the No. 2 ranked quarterback in the country and will look to fill the shoes of Colt McCoy after his graduation next season.