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2020 recruiting: The highest-ranked prospect in every B1G state and where they’re committed
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June has come and gone, meaning several of the top prospects from around B1G country have given their verbal commitments to a program. While the recruiting process certainly isn’t over, we at least have a good idea of where some of the best players from the Midwest are heading.
So, how well did programs recruit the Midwest? And which programs did the best job at keeping in-state talent at home? We have some answers.
Below is a list of the top-ranked prospect from every B1G state, and where they’ve verbally committed. Only two players remain uncommitted out of the 11 states. It’ll certainly be interesting to see when and where they commit and whether any of these prospects flip over the coming months.
*All rankings come via 247Sports Composite Rankings.
Illinois: A.J. Henning, 4-star WR
Hometown: Frankfort — Position rank: No. 16 — Overall rank: No. 80
Committed to: Michigan
A loss for Lovie Smith and Illinois turned into a major gain for Jim Harbaugh and company. Henning is a recent addition to Michigan’s 2020 class, and even turned the car around after a visit to Ann Arbor to commit in person.
Indiana: Cole Brevard, 4-star DT
Hometown: Carmel — Position rank: No. 15 — Overall rank: No. 165
Committed to: Penn State
James Franklin and his staff have done a good job swiping top talent from the state of Indiana during his tenure. This year, the Nittany Lions were able to grab the state’s top prospect away from the likes of Indiana, Notre Dame and Purdue.
Iowa: Logan Jones, 4-star SDE
Hometown: Council Bluffs — Position rank: No. 13 — Overall rank: No. 270
Committed to: Iowa
Recruiting the home state has always been a priority for Kirk Ferentz. Last year, the Hawkeyes let Council Bluffs four-star QB Max Duggan slip away to TCU. Fortunately, Iowa was able to keep the state’s top player at home this year.
Maryland: Bryan Bresee, 5-star DT
Hometown: Damascus — Position Rank: No. 1 — Overall rank: No. 2
Committed to: Clemson
Bresee isn’t just one the best player from the state of Maryland, he’s ranked as the No. 2 player of the cycle. As one of the hottest recruits in the 2020 class, he’s headed to one of the hottest programs in college football right now.
Michigan: Justin Rogers, 4-star OG
Hometown: Oak Park — Position rank: No. 1 — Overall rank: No. 33
Committed to: Kentucky
Surprisingly, neither Michigan nor Michigan State was able to lock up a commitment from the state’s top player. Four-star guard Justin Rogers is headed to the dreaded SEC to join Mark Stoops and Kentucky. At least he’s not headed to Ohio State, right?
Minnesota: Kaden Johnson, 4-star OLB
Hometown: Minneapolis — Position rank: No. 8 — Overall rank: No. 144
Committed to: Uncommitted
One of two players on this list who is still uncommitted. Johnson is being pursued by several B1G programs, but appears to be most interested in Minnesota and Wisconsin, according to 247Sports’ Crystal Ball. The rivalry is heating up, even on the recruiting trail.
Nebraska: Zavier Betts, 4-star WR
Hometown: Bellevue — Position rank: No. 22 — Overall rank: 104
Committed to: Nebraska
Scott Frost has talked about protecting Nebraska’s backyard, and he backed it up by landing the Betts, a four-star wide receiver out of Bellevue. Nebraska isn’t quite as rich in talent as other states, so its important for the Huskers to keep the very best at home.
New Jersey: Jalen Berger, 4-star RB
Hometown: Ramsey — Position rank: No. 9 — Overall rank: No. 54
Committed to: Uncommitted
The second of two uncommitted prospects on the list. Berger holds offers from Ohio State, Penn State, Alabama and, of course, Rutgers. There are several programs courting the 6-foot wide receiver, so we’ll see if he becomes a prized recruit for Chris Ash and company, or if he heads outside state borders.
Ohio: Paris Johnson Jr., 5-star OT
Hometown: Cincinnati — Position rank: No. 1 — Overall rank: No. 8
Committed to: Ohio State
Johnson has been committed to Ohio State for over a year and hasn’t wavered, even during Urban Meyer’s resignation. The Buckeyes have done an excellent job recruiting their home state and Johnson if further evidence that in-state prospects want to put on the scarlet and gray.
Pennsylvania: Julian Fleming, 5-star WR
Hometown: Catawissa — Position rank: No. 1 — Overall rank: No. 5
Committed to: Ohio State
This one stings for James Franklin. The best player from Pennsylvania and No. 5 overall prospect didn’t just pass on Penn State, he’s headed to a division rival. He’s not going to be fun to game plan for while he’s in Columbus.
Wisconsin: Trey Wedig, 4-star OT
Hometown: Wales — Position rank: No. 9 — Overall rank: No. 83
Committed to: Wisconsin
You have to go back to 2016 to find the last time the top-ranked recruit from Wisconsin didn’t commit to the Badgers (Ben Bredeson, Michigan). Wisconsin continues the tradition of keeping the best players — and some of the most talented, big-bodied linemen — in the state.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB