* Classes weighted by TopDrawerSoccer.com Player To Watch & Top 100 Lists

No. 1: Michigan

You think there wasn’t a bit of a recruiting war between Michigan's Wolverines and the Michigan State Spartans for top local prospects?

You bet there was. That’s part of the charm of intrastate rivalries. But the two teams that were so competitively linked when it came to the Big Ten Conference last year – finishing No. 1 and No. 2 – couldn’t be further apart when it comes to their incoming classes.

And while you’ll have to scroll pretty far down the page to find the Spartans, the Wolverines are on top after cleaning up with a quality class of nine.

Midfielder Latif Alashe (Vardar Soccer Club in Missouri) highlights the group. He’s a national team player and has been a dominant force in the USSF Development Academy League. He has the physical and mental tools to thrive at the next level, justifying his No. 15 ranking in TopDrawerSoccer.com’s Top 100 Players List.

Skillful teammate Hamoody Saad (No. 55 on Top 100) will join him in the midfield. The two have made a fabulous combo and could do the same for the Wolverines.

Three Michigan Wolves players will stay local and have a great chance to make an impact, in forwards Noble Sullivan (pictured on front, right) and David Yang along with midfielder Brian Klemczak (pictured on front, left).

Two transfers, in Yavapai College’s Justin Meram and Central Florida’s Seung Tak, will bring experience and could be a wildcard on this stacked roster.

Advantage Wolverines.

No. 2: Northwestern

After playing so-so through the competitive conference a year ago, the Wildcats made a strong run to the NCAA quarterfinals.

With very few seniors on that group, the team has an abundance of young talent that just grew a little.

Midfielder Kyle Schickel (Javanon Club in Kentucky) is No. 41 on the Top 100 because of his technical ability and quick feet. He could certainly be a standard for the team, as could Chicago Magic’s Tim Zimmer (No. 54 on Top 100), a gifted defender and cerebral player.

In all, Northwestern has a class of seven that’s pretty well balanced and will bring about some competitive battles within the team between the young, and the younger.

No. 3: Indiana
After suffering a tough loss in the quarterfinals of the NCAA and losing a couple key ingredients like defender Kevin Alston and assistant coach Todd Yeagley – now the head coach of Wisconsin, the Hoosiers look to return to success with some fresh blood.

Chicago Fire’s Kevin Bick is ranked 20th on the Top 100 and will provide instant firepower. He’s a two-way playmaker who makes good runs off the ball and makes great decision. His lack of size could be an issue, but he generally makes up for it.

Matt Wiet, of Columbus Crew, is another versatile player who can have an impact in the midfield or backline. He’s a good ball winner, and is ranked No. 77 in the Top 100.

Caleb Konstanski, of the Bloomington Cutters, as well as Springfield SC’s Graham Basecke will add to the group’s depth.

No. 4: Ohio State

The Buckeyes weren’t among the top scorers of the conference a year ago, but they do have top scorer Danny Irizarry and playmaker Andrew Magill as they attempt to return to the NCAA dance.

Forward Christopher Hegngi will join them. The United Academy forward is a big, athletic player who seems built for the college game. He’s adept at breaking people down 1v1 and looks to make plays in whatever way he can. It’s a strong pickup for the program.

FC Delco goalkeeper Alexander Wimmer has great height and is a proven winner.

Other pickups include defender Ben Killian, of Lonestars SC, along with Sebastian Rivas.

No. 5:  Michigan State

Surprise, Surprise.

The team that won the conference a year ago has a recruiting class that ranks toward the bottom. Make no mistake about it, the Spartans don’t have a bad group, it’s just small.

Defender Kevin Cope highlights the class of three. He’s a Michigan Wolves defender with size and enthusiasm. He plays with personality, loves to tackle and challenge players.

Defender Ryan Thelen (Vardar) and forward Nick Wilson (Fort Wayne Fever) round out the trio.  

Michigan State still has returning players like midfielder Spencer Thompson, who will make sure the Spartans don’t take a step back.

Incompletes

Both Penn State and Wisconsin did not officially release its signees.

Defender Brian Forgue (FC Delco) will be a welcome addition to Penn State while midfielder Kyle McCrudden, of Chicago Fire, has a chance to be a good player for Wisconsin.