5 College Football Teams That Better Pick Up Their Recruiting Right Now

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There are quite a few teams that really need to step up their game in regards to the 2013 recruiting cycle.

Sure, most coaches are focused on the season right now and sure, there's still plenty of time before National Signing Day, but as every day passes, so does the window of opportunity for snagging elite recruits.

Whether it be because of the conference they play in or because of expectations, these programs need to pick it up.

Note: Team rankings are via Rivals.com.

5. Ohio State

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For as good as we hear Urban Meyer is at recruiting, isn't it a tad bit disappointing that Rivals has his class ranked No. 9 overall right now?

I believe that in the long term, Meyer will pull in a few epic classes, but right now, his 2013 class is underwhelming and needs some help. He doesn't have any 5-star players committed and his arch-rival, the Michigan Wolverines, are currently ranked No. 2, according to Rivals.

This is a no-no in Buckeye land, but Meyer can step his game up. According to 247Sports, 5-star offense tackle Dorian Johnson and 5-star safety Vonn Bell have OSU high on their respective lists.

This could be the breakthrough Meyer needs, but he's gotta make it happen.

4. Oregon

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This is another case of a program being on here due to their expectations.

Oregon is undoubtedly a recruiting draw, so the fact that they're only ranked No. 50 overall by Rivals is shocking and disappointing.

Chip Kelly has it pretty easy. The Ducks' uniforms alone can attract recruits, but then add in his high-octane offense, a chance at winning the Pac-12 on a yearly basis and all the national attention Oregon gets, and there's no excuse for having such a low-ranked class.

He's only got nine players committed so far. It's time to step it up.

3. Michigan State

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The Spartans and head coach Mark Dantonio are stuck in an odd position. Just a week ago, they were considered to be the top team in the Big Ten and on their way to building a national powerhouse program.

After their big loss to Notre Dame at home, it's hard to tell what to think about the football program in East Lansing.

According to Rivals, Michigan State has the 40th-ranked class and Dantonio doesn't have any 5-star commits and just two 4-star players.

If Michigan State wants to be an elite program, they have to recruit at least a few elite prospects. This right here is just not going to cut it.

2. Clemson

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Clemson recruiting success, or lack thereof, in 2013 will all hinge around one player: No. 1 overall prospect Robert Nkemdiche.

Nkemdiche is committed to play for the Tigers, but apparently, his mom is unhappy with his choice, and word just came out that his brother wants him to join him and play for Ole Miss.

With all the pressure Nkemdiche is under to flip, it's integral that Clemson and head coach Dabo Swinney do everything they can to step up their game and make sure that he doesn't leave their program.

He's the centerpiece of their 2013 right now and a key piece of their future. They can't lose him, so it's time for them to pick up their recruiting.

1. Arkansas

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Things are not looking good for the Arkansas Razorbacks, and that's putting it lightly.

Two weeks ago, they lost to Louisiana-Monroe. Last weekend, they got shut out 52-0 by Alabama. Both games were at home.

It's not much better on the recruiting side for coach John L. Smith and company.

Rivals has their class ranked No. 34 currently with no 5-star recruits and just one 4-star player committed.

The losing ways may continue in the future if Smith and the Razorbacks don't hit the recruiting trail hard and find some top-notch talent, especially considering what the other SEC powerhouses have been able to do so far.