With Pledge from Four-Star JUCO Corner Kendall Sheffield, Ohio State Regains Top Spot in 2017 Recruiting Rankings

Ohio State received a commitment on Tuesday afternoon from four-star junior college cornerback Kendall Sheffield, which — according to 247Sports Director of Recruiting Steve Wiltfong — pushes the Buckeyes back ahead of Alabama for the top recruiting class in the country.

With a verbal from top-ranked JUCO CB Kendall Sheffield, #OhioState returns to No. 1 of @247Sports Rankings: https://t.co/ctOFon6ZSQ #OSU

— Steve Wiltfong (@SWiltfong247) January 10, 2017

The Crimson Tide, who have finished with the nation's No. 1 class for six-consecutive years, assumed the lead in mid-November. But Ohio State has since added five-star linebacker Baron Browning, five-star cornerback Jeffrey Okudah, four-star linebacker Pete Werner and Sheffield.

In comparing the two classes, Alabama has more commitments — 26 to 19. But Ohio State holds pledges from an unheard-of seven five-star prospects. The Buckeyes' average score per recruit is nearly three points higher, as well, with a 95.78 to 95.89 edge.

Ohio State still awaits decisions from five-star defensive tackle Marvin Wilson, four-star defensive tackle Jay Tufele and four-star wide receiver Jaylen Harris. With National Signing Day only three weeks away, this class could easily become the highest-rated of all-time when it's all said and done.