The early signing period is now over and early returns are mostly positive for the Big 12. Half of the programs in the league cracked the Rivals.com top-35 team rankings, and seven of the league's 10 programs reeled in at least one four-star prospect. The Big 12 showed well in the early signing period, and three of the conference's programs will be in the mix to add another five-star late in Trae Young.
MORE: ACC Breakdown | Big East | Podcast | 2017 Rivals.com team rankings
1. KANSAS (No. 10 overall)
The class: PF Billy Preston [No. 10], PG Marcus Garrett [No. 37]
Analysis: The Jayhawks will likely have at least a few more scholarships to hand out during the late signing period, but they managed to add two of the best players in the country this month. Billy Preston was a late addition in the early signing period, but his versatility and athleticism as a forward will be a welcomed addition for Bill Self. Marcus Garrett committed a while back, but he gives the Jayhawks more versatility in the backcourt where they could be losing quite a bit. Kansas will be one of a few schools with a shot at Trae Young late.
2. TEXAS (No. 15 overall)
The class: PF Jericho Sims [No. 54], SG Jase Febres [No. 63], PF Royce Hamm [No. 115]
Analysis: Shaka Smart continues to add depth to his program in Austin. Sims and Hamm have different styles of play, but should add quality depth for the Longhorns in the post. Sims had a big summer with D1 Minnesota and will be one of the more athletic big men in the Big 12 with a great motor. Febres was another July stock riser with his ability to shoot from beyond the arc. The Longhorns remain in the mix for four-star point guard Matt Coleman.
3. IOWA STATE (No. 23 overall)
The class: PG Lindell Wigginton [No. 40], SF Terrance Lewis [No. 116], PG Darius McNeil [NR, 3-star]
Analysis: Steve Prohm had big shoes to fill when he left Murray State to replace Fred Hoiberg as the coach at Iowa State, but he’s more than holding his own on the recruiting trail. The biggest addition for the Cyclones is four-star Wigginton, an athletic guard with elite play-making ability and a rare level of competitiveness. Lewis and McNeil will also be good players for the Cyclones and help to solidify their perimeter rotation.
4. TCU (No. 26 overall)
The class: SG R.J. Nembhard [No. 71], C Kevin Samuels [No. 102], SF Lat Mayen [NR, 3-star], PF Andre Pierce [JUCO, 3-star]
Analysis: Jamie Dixon’s arrival in Fort Worth to take over at TCU has brought new energy to the Horned Frogs on the recruiting trail. The new staff worked quickly to seal the deal with local four-star Nembhard, who should be able to help early in career as an off the dribble scorer. Samuels is an athletic post player and rim protector while Pierce is an athletic JC transfer.
5. WEST VIRGINIA (No. 35 overall)
The class: PF Derek Culver [No. 67], PG Brandon Knapper [NR, 3-star], SF Teddy Allen [NR, 3-star], SF D’Angelo Hunter [NR, 3-star], SF Wesley Harris [JUCO, 3-star]
Analysis: Bob Huggins and his staff signed the biggest class in the Big 12, as they added five members to their program. Culver is the headliner, as he’s the 67th ranked player in the Rivals150. The 6-foot-9 power forward is a skilled post player with the ability to play both on the block and step out to shoot jump shots. Knapper has quickness and can knoc down shots while both JC transfers are long athletes and Allen has some Georges Niang to his game.
6. OKLAHOMA STATE
The class: SG Zack Dawson [No. 119], SF Latravian Glover [NR, 3-star]
Analysis: Brad Underwood doubled-dipped in South Florida for his first two signees in the 2017 class. Dawson will give the Cowboys an electric scorer in the backcourt, while Glover gives them some size and athleticism on the wing.
7. BAYLOR
The class: PF Tristan Clark [No. 107]
Analysis: There was only one signee for Scott Drew and the Baylor Bears during the early signing period, but it’s a top prospect. Clark, a four-star power forward, is a mobile big man who will contribute in a big way on the boards and can hit some jump shots as well.
8. TEXAS TECH
The class: SG Jarrett Culver [NR, 3-star], PG Hyron Edwards [NR, 3-star], SG Jordan Brangers [JUCO, 3-star]
Analysis: Chris Beard signed three during his first early signing period as the head coach at Texas Tech. Culver is the top prospect heading to Lubbock and will add some perimeter firepower for the Red Raiders. Edwards has put up big numbers in the junior college ranks and the hope is he can run the show.
9. OKLAHOMA
The class: PF Brady Manek [No. 129]
Analysis: Lon Kruger also added just one signee in Manek during the early signing period. Manek will bolster the Sooners' front-court, but now it’s all eyes on five-star point guard Trae Young for the rest of the season. The Sooners have long been considered a serious player for his signature.
10. KANSAS STATE
The class: SG Mike McGuirl [NR, 3-star], PF Nigel Shadd [NR, 3-star], C Levi Stockard [NR, 3-star]
Analysis: Bruce Weber added three prospects during the early signing period. It’s not a class that is going to win the headlines with rankings, but Weber has won a lot of games with players like the three he added this week. Stockard is a big body with some skill, McGuirl a wing with upside as a scorer and Shadd is a bouncy athlete.
