Updated Big Ten Class of 2027 football rankings for August

Updated Big Ten Class of 2027 football rankings for August

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

Updated Big Ten Class of 2027 football rankings for August

The start of a new college football season is approaching quickly, and the recruiting news continues to roll in throughout the Big Ten. The month of July featured some notable commitments around the conference, including the defending national champion Indiana Hoosiers landing a five-star wide receiver and Nebraska and Rutgers each picking up a former Penn State four-star commitment. As for the top of the Big Ten's recruiting classes, one continues to get stronger.

We will take a periodic look at the Big Ten recruiting rankings in the Class of 2027 through the early signing period up to the traditional signing period in February. With this being our second look at the Class of 2027 football rankings for the Big Ten, here is a quick reminder of what we are looking at and what to expect.

First, the recruiting class rankings noted here are from the most recent update to the 247Sports composite for the Class of 2027. Keep in mind those rankings can change at any moment based on recruiting activity around the country. Teams are ranked from lowest to highest in the Big Ten, and each school's national recruiting ranking is noted as well.

We will note how much schools are moving up or down in the rankings compared to the previous look. We also note how many commitments are on the board, and how many of those players are five-star or four-star players. Again, those star rankings are from 247Sports.

We plan to look at the updated Big Ten rankings at the beginning of each month, but may note recruiting rankings changes at any time.

Here are the updated Class of 2027 rankings for the Big Ten's current recruiting cycle as the month of August begins.

18. Iowa Hawkeyes (No. 65 nationally)

Dec 31, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes mascot Herky the Hawk reacts after a play against the Vanderbilt Commodores in the second quarter during the ReliaQuest Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

  • Big Ten ranking change: Up 1
  • National ranking change: Down 7
  • Total commitments – 13
  • 5-star players – 0
  • 4-star players – 1

The highlight of Iowa's recruiting class to this point is four-star offensive tackle Reilly Newman out of Ohio. Iowa has a commitment from tight end Jaxx DeJean, the brother of former Iowa star and current Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Cooper DeJean.

17. Michigan State Spartans (No. 58 nationally)

Sep 7, 2024; College Park, Maryland, USA; A detailed view of Michigan State Spartans helmet on the field before the game against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

  • Big Ten ranking change: Up 1
  • National ranking change: Down 3
  • Total commitments – 15
  • 5-star players – 0
  • 4-star players -1

Michigan State is working through a rebuild in East Lansing, and the Spartans have some catching up to do in the recruiting game. Michigan State has a four-star offensive tackle commitment from Caleb Johnson out of Indiana. Otherwise, the class consists of three-star players that may help build a foundation for success.

16. Illinois Fighting Illini (No. 56 nationally)

Illinois coach Bret Bielema disputes a call in the first quarter of the Music City Bowl against Tennessee in an NCAA football game on Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee.

  • Big Ten ranking change: Up 4
  • National ranking change: Up 3
  • Total commitments – 16
  • 5-star players – 0
  • 4-star players – 2

Illinois is lagging behind the Big Ten competition in the recruiting rankings, but the Illini have a couple of key in-state recruits. Four-star wide receiver Bennett Konkey and four-star cornerback Justin Johnson have chosen the Illini, giving a couple of nice recruiting wins to coach Bret Bielema and his staff.

15. Purdue Boilermakers (No. 54 nationally)

Sep 20, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Purdue mascot Purdue Pete cheers against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images

  • Big Ten ranking change: Up 2
  • National ranking change: Down 5
  • Total commitments – 16
  • 5-star players – 0
  • 4-star players – 2

Is there some momentum brewing with Purdue? Barry Odom has a couple of four-star commitments from wide receiver Trenton Yancey and safety Kaleb Elkins (from Indianapolis) to generate some much-needed enthusiasm for Purdue's recruiting efforts.

14. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (No. 46 nationally)

Dec 26, 2024; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights mascot Sir Henry during the Rate Bowl at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

  • Big Ten ranking change: Down 1
  • National ranking change: Down 13
  • Total commitments – 20
  • 5-star players – 0
  • 4-star players – 0

Rutgers scored a nice pickup with the addition of four-star Aidan Gibson, flipping him from Penn State in July. But the Rutgers recruiting ranking still managed to dip a bit on the national rankings this past month.

13. Northwestern Wildcats (No. 41 nationally)

Sep 08, 2012; Evanston, IL, USA; A detailed view of the Northwestern Helmet before the game against Vanderbilt at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

  • Big Ten ranking change: Up 1
  • National ranking change: Down 6
  • Total commitments – 21
  • 5-star players – 0
  • 4-star players – 0

Northwestern's recruiting class is full of three-star players that will fit in well with the program's underrated profile. Northwestern doesn't typically attract too many five- or four-star players, but the Wildcats will do well with developing its incoming recruits to be a pesky team in Big Ten play. With a new stadium set to open this season, the support for Northwestern football is visible.

12. Maryland Terrapins (No. 38 nationally)

Oct 19, 2024; College Park, Maryland, USA; Maryland Terrapins head coach Mike Locksley during the second half Southern California Trojans at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

  • Big Ten ranking change: Up 3
  • National ranking change: Up 10
  • Total commitments – 21
  • 5-star players – 0
  • 4-star players – 2

Maryland and head coach Mike Locksley had a solid July on the recruiting trail. The Terrapins picked up three commitments since our last look at the Big Ten recruiting rankings, including one from four-star wide receiver Myles McAfee. McAfee was a key in-state recruit for Maryland.

11. Indiana Hoosiers (No. 31nationally)

Nov 8, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) runs with the ball while being pressured by Penn State Nittany Lions safety Zakee Wheatley (6) during the third quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

  • Big Ten ranking change: Up 3
  • National ranking change: Up 12
  • Total commitments – 17
  • 5-star players – 1
  • 4-star players – 1

The defending national champions picked up a major commitment in July with a five-star wide receiver Monshun Sales, from Indianapolis. The Hoosiers saw a major jump in the recruiting rankings with the commitment from Sales, and there is still room to add some more quality talent to the roster.

10. Minnesota Golden Gophers (No. 27 nationally)

Dec 26, 2025; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Detailed view of a Minnesota Golden Gophers helmet during the Rate Bowl at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

  • Big Ten ranking change: Up 1
  • National ranking change: Down 1
  • Total commitments – 29
  • 5-star players – 0
  • 4-star players – 4

Minnesota's Class of 2027 is loaded with players and a handful of notable four-star recruits. Minnesota has a pair of four-star tight ends on the board with Brooks Bakko and Drake Mikkelsen from North Dakota and South Dakota, respectively. Minnesota is also gearing up to add a couple of four-star players to the defense: defensive lineman Eli Diane and linebacker Tate Wallace.

9. Wisconsin Badgers (No. 25 nationally)

Sep 20, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers mascot Bucky Badger does push ups following a field goal during the third quarter against the Maryland Terrapins at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

  • Big Ten ranking change: No change
  • National ranking change: Down 2
  • Total commitments – 23
  • 5-star players – 0
  • 4-star players – 6

After a down year in recruiting with the Class of 2026, Wisconsin is making stronger recruiting moves in the Class of 2027. Wisconsin's Class of 2026 finished outside of the top 50 in the nation, but the Badgers are holding a top-25 recruiting haul at the moment. Luke Ficvkell's Class of 2027 is led by six four-star commitments, including safety Mekhi Williams and running back Kingston Allen.

8. Washington Huskies (No. 24 nationally)

Jan 8, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Detailed view of Washington Huskies helmet during the 2024 College Football Playoff national championship game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

  • Big Ten ranking change: Up 2
  • National ranking change: Up 1
  • Total commitments – 24
  • 5-star players – 0
  • 4-star players – 6

Washington started July with a pair of commitments from offensive tackles Gecova Doyal and Tye Kennedy to follow a solid week of recruiting wins. The latest additions to the Class of 2027 were enough to move the Huskies just ahead of Minnesota and into the top 25 nationally.

7. Penn State Nittany Lions (No. 20 nationally)

Apr 25, 2026; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach Matt Campbell looks on from the field during the Penn State Blue-White Spring game at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

  • Big Ten ranking change: Down 3
  • National ranking change: Down 8
  • Total commitments – 22
  • 5-star players – 0
  • 4-star players – 6

Penn State was hit by a four-star commit flipping to another Big Ten program, with running back Aidan Gibson committing to Rutgers in July, and that hit the recruiting rankings a bit. Penn State's Class of 2027 is still aiming at a top-20 ranking despite notable recruiting misses. The highlights include in-state four-star defensive lineman Stanley Montgomery out of Philadelphia and Ohio offensive tackle David Tarawallie.

6. UCLA Bruins (No. 19 nationally)

Nov 30, 2024; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins offensive linemen Garrett DiGiorgio (72) and Josh Carlin (54) during the second quarter against the Fresno State Bulldogs at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

  • Big Ten ranking change: No change
  • National ranking change: Down 3
  • Total commitments – 23
  • 5-star players – 1
  • 4-star players – 7

UCLA finally seems to be picking up consistent momentum on the recruiting trail with new coach Bob Chesney. The Bruins have a commitment from five-star athlete JuJu Johnson and four-star safeties Jerry Outhouse Jr., Pole Moala, and Myles Baker. Not a bad way to shore up the pass defense. UCLA also plucked four-star wide receiver Matthew Gregory out of Pennsylvania, much to the dismay of Penn State fans.

5. Michigan Wolverines (No. 21 nationally)

Sep 6, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Michigan Wolverine helmets sit on the field near the sideline prior to a game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

  • Big Ten ranking change: Up 3
  • National ranking change: Up 3
  • Total commitments – 21
  • 5-star players – 0
  • 4-star players – 9

New Michigan coach Kyle Whittingham is quickly putting together a roster to his liking, but he is still seeking a five-star commitment to add to the mix. The Wolverines have received a commitment from one of the top offensive tackles in the nation, Jakari Lipsey, and future stars could be seen with defensive lineman Xavier Muhammad and linebacker Frederick Ford.

4. USC Trojans (No. 17 nationally)

Oct 11, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) throws a pass in the first half against the Michigan Wolverines at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

  • Big Ten ranking change: Up 1
  • National ranking change: Down 3
  • Total commitments – 14
  • 5-star players – 2
  • 4-star players – 7

USC had a sizzling start to the Class of 2027 and remains on pace to land a stellar recruiting class. Lincoln Riley has secured a pair of five-star commitments: five-star edge rusher Mekai Brown out of Connecticut and five-star athlete Honor Fa'alave-Johnson, one of the top-rated players in California.

3. Nebraska Cornhuskers (No. 16 nationally)

Nov 22, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule reacts from the sideline during the first quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

  • Big Ten ranking change: Up 3
  • National ranking change: Up 3
  • Total commitments – 22
  • 5-star players – 1
  • 4-star players – 6

Things are looking pretty optimistic for Nebraska with its Class of 2027. The gem is five-star quarterback Trae Taylor, the top-rated passer in the Class of 2027 according to 247Sports. Nebraska picked up a big commitment in July from four-star wide receiver Khalil Taylor, a former Penn State commit from Gibsonia, Pennsylvania. That helped Nebraska wiggle its way up the Big Ten recruiting rankings a bit since our last recruiting ranking update.

2. Ohio State Buckeyes (No. 7 nationally, no change)

Oct 28, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes helmets sit on the field during warmups prior to the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium.

  • Big Ten ranking change: No change
  • National ranking change: No change
  • Total commitments – 19
  • 5-star players – 2
  • 4-star players – 11

The Ohio State recruiting machine continues to chug along. The Buckeyes are loading up once again in the Class of 2027 with some very notable five-star players. That includes the nation's top-rated player overall according to 247Sports, edge rusher DJ Jacobs out of Georgia. And Ohio State is getting another five-star wide receiver with Jamier Brown staying in-state to play for the Bucks.

1. Oregon Ducks (No. 4 nationally)

Sep 27, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning reacts after defeating the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images

  • Big Ten ranking change: No change
  • National ranking change: Up 2
  • Total commitments – 24
  • 5-star players – 2
  • 4-star players – 12

Oregon has moved up two spots in the national recruiting rankings since the start of July. That is because the Ducks have added three more four-star players to the Class of 2027 with commitments from cornerbacks Tae Walden Jr. and Hayden Stepp and New Jersey four-star athlete Xavier Sabb in early July.

Kevin McGuire is the lead writer for Nittany Lions Wire, part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on BlueSky, Threads or any of these other platforms.

Follow Nittany Lions Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.

This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Updated Big Ten Class of 2027 football rankings for August

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos