Odds 5-Star CeCe Jefferson Commits to Florida, Alabama, Auburn, LSU or Ole Miss

Once thought to be a lock to the home-standing Florida Gators, 5-star defensive end CeCe Jefferson will have Gator Nation and fanbases such as Alabama, Auburn, LSU and Ole Miss sweating out his decision on national signing day.

He's taken visits to all of his finalists except LSU, which will host the talented pass-rusher this weekend, and Florida—where he's visited unofficially numerous times over the last year.

Can another SEC foe pry him from landing anywhere other than Gainesville?

Let's break down his options and assess each team's odds at landing one of the top prospects from the Sunshine State.

Odds for Playing at Alabama or LSU: 10-1

Over the years, both Nick Saban and Les Miles have made a habit of winning recruiting battles in which they were considered long shots.

According to BamaOnline, Jefferson stopped in Tuscaloosa prior to and following his official visit to Ole Miss last weekend. 

Jefferson is versatile enough to play defensive end or outside linebacker in the Tide's scheme—which makes him a valued target for Saban and defensive coordinator Kirby Smart.

The fact that he's been to Tuscaloosa several times—along with Saban's penchant for pulling studs late in the cycle in recent years—means that the Tide can't be counted out.

LSU will take a swing at Jefferson this weekend, with new defensive coordinator Kevin Steele and defensive line coach Ed Orgeron—both of whom have been ace recruiters throughout their careers—getting a chance to make their best pitch to the U.S. Army All-American.

The Tigers will have to replace both starters at defensive end next fall, which can appeal to a talent like Jefferson, who hopes to find the field early.

Overall, both Alabama and LSU are quietly lurking and hoping to make a late surge and steal one of the nation's top defensive players in the 2015 class.

Credit: 247Sports

Odds for Playing at Florida: 6-1

As JC Shurburtt of 247Sports notes, one coach who was involved in Jefferson's recruitment felt that he would ultimately be a Gator in the end.

However, with the arrival of new head coach Jim McElwain, Jefferson hasn't had the chance to develop the type of bond he had with the previous coaching staff, as his father, Leo Jefferson, told Luke Stampini of GatorBait.

"I don't know him, this is my first time meeting him," the elder Jefferson told Stampini. "I've talked to him on the phone several times, but basically it's my first time physically seeing him."

It's still tough to count the Gators out because of the fact that they have been his longtime favorite, and the campus is located close to his home in Glen St. Mary, Florida. 

Time will tell if McElwain and his staff can find a way to lure him to Gainesville in the end.

Odds for Playing at Auburn: 5-1

Auburn defensive coordinator Will Muschamp has recruited Jefferson vigorously for the last few years, dating back to his days as the head coach at Florida.

His arrival on the Plains has given the Tigers a surge in their pursuit of Jefferson—who visited Auburn on the weekend of Jan. 16.

As Jefferson admitted to Keith Niebuhr of AuburnUndercover, the Tigers coaching staff has made an impression on the nation's No. 2 strong-side defensive end:

"

The coaching staff. Like I said, I got that family feel with them. They've been recruiting me hard the past four years. And I know what I'm getting if I come here. That's mainly what sticks out. I know I'm going to be taken care of. Surrounded by good players. It's a good town. It's country like my hometown so it's great.

"

Given that Auburn is heavily pursuing other top targets from the state of Florida, such as 5-star defensive end Byron Cowart, 5-star offensive lineman Martez Ivey and 4-star linebacker Jeffery Holland, Jefferson could potentially be a part of a large migration of talent heading north to the Plains on signing day.

Odds for Playing at Ole Miss: 3-1

Jefferson made the long trek to Oxford, Mississippi, last weekend to visit Ole Miss unofficially.

Considering he had already used an official visit to see the Rebels last October, his return trip in the late stages of his recruitment is a strong signal of his interest in the Rebels program.

Jefferson made waves in late December when he named the Rebels his leader. While that may have been initially met with some skepticism, there's a growing sentiment that Hugh Freeze and his staff sit in great position for him.

As noted by Stampini, the Rebels have made a furious push for Jefferson and could even be the team to beat heading down the stretch.

Freeze was able to land former prized recruit Laremy Tunsil out of the grasp of Florida two years ago, and he's hoping history repeats itself with Jefferson on national signing day.

Sanjay Kirpalani is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.