It goes by total number of points earned in a recruiting class. Our number of recruits signed this year will not be high, so the likelihood of this class not being ranked very high is quite likely. Now add in the fact that we will not likely have the highly ranked recruit like a Lazard that will inflate our ranking.
IMO, the type of recruits we have gotten so far are pretty decent for ISU. We seem to be going after CB's that are a little bigger than the small CB's that we have had in the past. I like the addition of Jamahl Johnson at DT even though he does not have the P5 offers. He seems to have the strength and quickness and is an under the radar type guy. Our talent level seems to be rising since we see an awful lot of RS Frosh and RS Sophs in our 2-deeps. Of course this could also be attributed to problems in earlier recruiting classes.
Not sure how JP will evaluate CPR's situation. It is entirely possible that CPR could be retained with 3 conference wins and a 4-8 record. We have had 2 close losses that could have easily been wins. And it will come down to how this team performs and if we get that big upset or two that might happen. That is why we play out the season. On the flip side, if we lose to Kansas, then CPR is pretty much a dead man walking. Even if we beat Kansas and no one else, JP will likely pull the plug on CPR. Easier to sell the unknown new coach.
As far as recruiting goes, I believe that a coaching change might make a difference. At the same time, ISU seems to go after recruits in selling the positive attributes of ISU as a university and being a good fit for the athlete academically, personally, and athletically. So if a new coaching staff were brought in they would certainly have the opportunity to sell themselves to the recruits we presently have committed.