The rich appeared to get richer Wednesday as several of college football's power programs were among those landing top recruiting classes on national signing day.
Defending national champ Alabama put the finishing touches on what's considered the consensus top class. Running back T.J. Yeldon and safety Landon Collins are among the top players at their position. The rest of the class is sprinkled with high-rated performers on both sides of the ball.
Another school, now heading for the sport's premier conference, locked up one of the nation's best players. That star, wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham, USA TODAY's offensive player of the year, signed with Missouri, his home-state school, boosting the Tigers' class.
Mizzou is heading next season for the Southeastern Conference, home of the last six national champions.
"It sends a huge message as they go into the SEC that they can recruit with the big boys," said Scout.com recruiting analyst Brandon Huffman. "And it couldn't come at a better time, because he's the caliber of player that they need to compete in the SEC."
Other marquee schools such as Florida State, Texas, Ohio State, Florida and Michigan were not far behind Alabama.
It was particularly good news for the Buckeyes, who were shaken last year by an NCAA investigation that cost coach Jim Tressel his job. But new coach Urban Meyer announced his arrival with a class rated third by Scout and fourth by Rivals.com.
Southern California and Miami (Fla.), which also have been dealing with NCAA issues, similarly did not seem to be affected.
"Probation doesn't matter, sanctions and all that stuff," said Rivals.com analyst Mike Farrell.
But Penn State, buffeted by scandal and the death of coach Joe Paterno, landed what's considered a mediocre class.