Analyst Tom Lemming had Nebraska No. 1 in recruiting after last year's signing day. Several of the freshmen signed by the Cornhuskers played a part in the team's improvement to 8-4 from 5-6.

"They helped us in so many ways," Nebraska coach Bill Callahan says. "They embraced Nebraska early in the season, and that dynamic held on throughout the year."

Of the top five players on Lemming's 2005 list, running back Toney Baker was the most productive. He split time in North Carolina State's backfield, finishing with 546 yards rushing, 106 receiving and six touchdowns.

Quarterback Ryan Perrilloux, the top recruit on Lemming's list, was redshirted at LSU, as was Southern California signee Mark Sanchez, a quarterback. USC wide receiver Patrick Turner, in limited time, caught 12 passes, two for touchdowns.

"A lot of elements go into predicting," Lemming says. "Where they're going, who's coaching, what opportunity they'll have."