The star system is a feel-good marketing tactic.

The recruiting sites want paying fans’ credit cards being hit every month, and the best way to do that is to make every fanbase hopeful and excited for the future. So more “4 stars” equals more feel-good recruiting classes, more feel-good commits and recruiting chases for more fan bases. Stir in some false-hope articles, string folks along, then wash, rinse, repeat.

Their revenue model is based entirely on blowing sunshine up your ass. Added benefit is this model keeps them in good graces with the athletic departments who can hurt their business if they deny access. You’ll never see an article on a recruiting site about which commits are overrated, never a negative word.

A secondary benefit is more recruits allocated as “4 stars” means more engagement with the supply side, so to speak. More better players is simply good for business, even though it doesn’t really work that way. More interviews, PR/excitement around camps and “earning” another star.

A great marketing trap all the way around.

If you are looking for comparative research, I believe the best way is to use 247 Sports’ Composite ranking for overall team rankings and player rankings.

Defensive End recruiting, 2017-2021:

#962 Jonathan MacCollister
Unranked Kofi Wardlow

#545 Ovie Oghoufo
#630 Justin Ademilola

#211 Isaiah Foskey
#298 Nana Osafo-Mensah

#119 Jordan Botelho
#159 Rylie Mills
Unranked Alexander Ehrensberger

#336 David Abiara
#573 Jason Onye