After a string of high-profile nationwide highschool occasions, we up to date the 2023 ESPN 100 final Friday, that includes a new No. 1 player on the high of the rankings.

He’s nonetheless a Kentucky signee, however as an alternative of D.J. Wagner, who held the highest spot for a number of years, Justin Edwards is now the most effective participant within the 2023 class. The transfer did nothing to influence the Wildcats’ standing as the most effective recruiting class within the nation, as John Calipari’s group now options three of the highest 4 prospects within the nation, in addition to No. 11 Robert Dillingham and No. 21 Reed Sheppard. If something, Kentucky’s grip on No. 1 was strengthened because the final replace following November’s early signing interval.

However there have been loads of adjustments previously two months, together with new groups within the high 5 and high 10 and storylines to watch transferring ahead.

Memphis has a top-five class

For the third time in 5 cycles, Penny Hardaway has Memphis headed towards a top-five recruiting class. This group would not have fairly the star energy of 2019, when the Tigers landed No. 1 prospect James Wiseman, or 2021, after they pulled in Emoni Bates and Jalen Duren — however there’s loads of depth. Mikey Williams leads a seven-man group that has 5 four-star prospects and 4 ESPN 100 recruits. Javonte Taylor was as soon as a five-star recruit and nonetheless possesses ample potential, whereas Ashton Hardaway is a newly minted top-100 prospect and Ty-Laur Johnson could have the possibility to run the present in Memphis. The Tigers had been additionally concerned for Bronny James, though it is unclear in the event that they’re really within the combine for his dedication. Hardaway at the moment has a senior-heavy workforce, so this group might type the core of his workforce for the following couple of years.

Which gamers are left to maneuver the needle?

Not many. Like, in any respect. Solely 4 ESPN 100 prospects stay uncommitted, and the lone one inside the highest 50 is Bronny James. James has been linked to a variety of faculties, together with Ohio State, Oregon and USC, however he hasn’t completed an excessive amount of to advance in his recruitment outdoors of a go to to the Buckeyes’ campus for a soccer recreation within the fall. Kris Parker took visits to UCF and Alabama within the fall and has different colleges within the combine, whereas Jaylen Curry has had a robust senior season and is listening to from new colleges. Curry has visited Ole Miss. Then there’s Tru Washington, who took a visit to New Mexico and has a number of West Coast and Southwest colleges concerned.

After all, there shall be decommitments on account of teaching adjustments, reclassifications from the 2024 class — and a few ESPN 100 prospects additionally opted towards signing letters of intent in November — so the mud hasn’t fairly settled on the 2023 class simply but.

What occurs to Texas‘ and Notre Dame‘s recruiting courses?

There have already been two main teaching adjustments on the high-major degree, with Texas firing Chris Beard and Notre Dame’s Mike Brey asserting he was stepping down at the end of the season. From a category rankings perspective, Texas’ change is extra noteworthy. The Longhorns have No. 5 recruit Ron Holland and No. 39 A.J. Johnson — what’s going to they finally resolve? Holding interim coach Rodney Terry would probably guarantee Johnson sticking round, however there may be loads left to determine in Austin. Whereas Notre Dame would not discover itself among the many high 25 recruiting courses, the Preventing Irish nonetheless have a bunch that features three four-star prospects headlined by ESPN 100 wing Brady Dunlap. With Brey heading out the door in March, you’ll be able to count on different packages to start sniffing round.

Oklahoma State and UCLA rise, Baylor and Alabama enter the rankings

Two of the most important risers from our November replace had been Oklahoma State and UCLA. The Cowboys took a bounce all the way in which to No. 10 after a dedication from top-50 recruit Eric Dailey in addition to a small bump to Brandon Garrison‘s rating. In the meantime, UCLA noticed Sebastian Mack go from outdoors the ESPN 100 all the way in which to No. 48, which moved the Bruins to No. 14. Baylor and Alabama are the 2 new groups within the rankings. Baylor signee Miro Little, a Finland native, went from out of the rankings to No. 33, giving Scott Drew a high-level future backcourt of Little and five-star Ja’Kobe Walter. The Crimson Tide additionally had a dramatic particular person rise, with Sam Walters going from outdoors the highest 100 to No. 53 — sufficient to push Nate Oats’ membership into the category rankings.