4 Teams That Would Most Benefit From Skipping 2020 CFB Season

The college football season taking place as scheduled in 2020 is by no means a sure thing at this juncture, as major conference commissioners have confirmed that games will only be played on campus if students are allowed to return amid the coronavirus pandemic. As harsh as that reality sounds, it could help out these four programs, as they are struggling to piece together solid 2020 recruiting classes despite their success in getting big names in line for 2021.

4. Minnesota

Minnesota QB Tanner Morgan / Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

The recent success of PJ Fleck and Tanner Morgan hasn't moved the needle much in 2020, as the Golden Gophers' class ranks 36th according to 247, which is behind the likes of West Virginia and Iowa. 2021, however, is a much different story, as they are in the top 20, ahead of schools like Florida State, Oregon, and even defending champions LSU. The Gophers might be able to sustain their success into the next decade based on how 2021 is shaping up.

3. Baylor

Baylor QB Charlie Brewer / Sean Gardner/Getty Images

The sudden change from Matt Rhule to Dave Aranda has done a bit of a number on the Bears' 2020 class, as they rank behind the likes of Vanderbilt, Northwestern, and Iowa State at 53rd overall. 2021 is a bit brighter for Aranda's bunch, however, as the Bears rank 22nd at the moment, ahead of blue bloods like Oklahoma and Auburn. If Aranda wins on the recruiting trail in 2021, the Bears could be as good as they were under Rhule.

2. Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech QB Hendon Hooker / Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Justin Fuente's team could dominate the ACC Coastal given the lack of competition at the moment, but a pitiful 72nd-ranked 2020 class that trails such luminaries as East Carolina, North Texas, Rutgers, and Kansas isn't going to get it done. Hokie fans waiting for the Frank Beamer days to return could look ahead to 2021, where their 21st ranked class is ahead of LSU, Nebraska, and rival Virginia. If they sat 2020 out, they might actually end up in a better place, given the strength of their 2021 class.

1. USC

USC head coach Clay Helton / Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images

Mighty USC has been reduced to a laughing stock in recruiting under Clay Helton, as Oregon State and Northwestern are kicking the Trojans' butt. However, Helton might be able to save his job once again due to his 2021 class, which is currently ranked No. 8 overall, ahead of fellow blue bloods Georgia, Texas, Michigan, and Penn State. The 2020 season getting axed might actually help USC return to the glory days.