It's top ten relative to the time period. They were top of the heap in the late 90's. Talent is too spread now and the playing field is too even. They will always recruit well but not to the point were they are head and shoulders over the competition. Then coaching comes into play and you see how that went.
well hell no school is gonna have that
even Bama with all the accolades they have gotten in the late 2000s isnt head and shoulders above anyone. Schools like Miami, ND, Michigan, FSU, and USC benefitted from athletes leaving their homestates to get on TV
but any school can get that attention. The mid-majors get attention these days
the difference is the money in the athletic department to recruit and finance the maintenance required to stay on top
i recently was inside Auburns athletic department and its night and day to the Tuberville days