Northwestern's 2018 class ranked 16th in nation

Northwestern made waves last year by making the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history. Now the school is doing the same in recruiting.

The Wildcats are ranked 16th in the nation in the 2018 recruiting team rankings released on Thursday by Rivals. It is the first time in recent history, and perhaps ever, that Northwestern is ranked this high.

How lofty is the Wildcats’ perch? Consider that perennial powerhouse Duke is ranked 17th, one spot below the Wildcats.

The reasons for Northwestern’s rankings are 2018 commits Pete Nance and Jordan Lathon, who are both four-star prospects ranked in the Rivals150. Nance, a 6-foot-8 forward from Akron (Ohio) Revere is ranked as the No. 56 player in the nation; Lathon, 6-foot-4 point guard from Grandview (Mo.) is ranked 117th. Both players verbally committed to head coach Chris Collins in February.

Northwestern’s class may be in the Top 20 in the nation, but the group ranks just seventh in the rugged Big Ten. Michigan State (No. 2 nationally), Maryland (5), Rutgers (a surprising 10), Minnesota (12) and Indiana (14) are all ranked above Northwestern.

Northwestern is still on the hunt for two more 2018 prospects. Saddiq Bey, Talen Horton-Tucker, Miller Kopp and Ryan Young are players the Wildcats are currently pursuing.

See for yourself: Rivals 2018 team recruiting rankings