College football recruiting is as much about persistence as it is about securing commitments. The journey does not end after finishing in the second position.
In the competitive landscape of college football recruiting, finishing as a runner-up for top talent can often feel like a bitter pill to swallow for coaches and programs. Being in the final conversation for coveted recruits can signal a program’s increasing desirability, but it still doesn’t translate into securing commitments from these talented players. When it comes to the Under Armour All-American Game, which showcases some of the best high school football talent in the country, several college football programs have emerged as consistent bridesmaids, finishing in second place for various prospects.
The Significance of Under Armour All-Americans
The Under Armour All-American Game is one of the premier showcases for high school football players, allowing them to display their abilities on a national stage. Many of these young athletes have their eyes set on prestigious college football programs, and the game’s participants often find themselves on the radar of major NCAA schools. Being in the running—or finishing second—for a recruit can resonate as a double-edged sword. While it reflects the program’s competitiveness and the ability to attract top-tier talent, it also highlights what they ultimately miss out on, making evaluating recruiting efforts increasingly crucial.
Notable Runners-Up
1. **University of Michigan**
Michigan has consistently been a strong player in recruiting, but it has also faced stiff competition. For instance, during the 2022 recruiting cycle, they finished as a runner-up for five-star linebacker J.T. Tuimoloau. His decision to commit to Ohio State instead was a hard blow for the Wolverines, especially given their heated rivalry with the Buckeyes.
2. **Texas A&M University**
Texas A&M often finds itself competing at the highest level nationally, yet it has seen its share of near misses. The Aggies notably finished as the second choice for several Under Armour All-Americans over the years. Most recently, for the 2023 cycle, they lost out to Alabama for five-star cornerback, Denver Harris, showcasing the fierce recruiting wars taking place within the SEC.
3. **University of Southern California (USC)**
USC has a storied history in college football and remains a powerhouse in recruiting. However, the program has experienced several runner-up finishes as well. For example, in the 2021 class, the Trojans were in close contention but ultimately fell short in their pursuit of five-star quarterback Malachi Nelson, who opted to commit to Oklahoma instead.
4. **University of Georgia**
Georgia has transformed into a recruiting juggernaut under head coach Kirby Smart, but not every hard-fought battle ends in triumph. In the 2021 recruiting class, the Bulldogs were heavily invested in the recruitment of tight end and two-time Under Armour All-American, Darnell Washington. Despite their best efforts, Washington chose to go to Miami, leaving Georgia to continue digging for talent in subsequent classes.
5. **Florida State University**
Once a dominant program, Florida State is rebuilding its recruiting strategies but still faces fierce competition. They were runners-up in the 2020 class for linebacker Terrion Arnold, a highly-touted prospect who ultimately decided on Alabama. Such close calls can be disheartening but reflect the challenges schools face in an evolving recruitment landscape.
The Aftermath of Near Misses
Programs that consistently finish second for elite recruits often evaluate their strategies and rethink their approaches. They delve deep into factors like campus visits, coaching staff relationships, and the overall football culture they offer. Additionally, a trend emerges where teams reposition their focus on building stronger relationships with local high schools and turning their attention to under-the-radar prospects. These adjustments can help mitigate the sting of finishing second while still fostering a culture that attracts high-quality talent.
Conclusion
College football recruiting is as much about persistence as it is about securing commitments. The journey does not end after finishing in the second position. Programs must consistently refine their strategies, build their relationships, and remain competitive in an ever-evolving landscape. As they aim for those coveted All-American spots, they are learning to capitalize on near misses to fuel their relentless pursuit of excellence in recruiting.
