National Signing Day 2012: Ohio State and Programs on the Rise

National signing day is Wednesday, and over the last few weeks a number of schools around the country have been steadily rising in the recruiting rankings. 

Sure, some teams fall, but they can make up for it all with a strong push on national signing day. However, those teams on the rise will keep climbing on Feb. 1 as well as after. 

It's the perfect time for a program to get hot on the recruiting trail. The next couple of days will definitely shake things up, but for now, those on the rise are certainly feeling great.

With that said, here are three programs that have recently been on the rise as national signing day approaches.

Ohio State 

Ever since the Buckeyes hired Urban Meyer their status in the recruiting world sky-rocketed. The most recent recruit Ohio State picked up was Armani Reeves, who is a 4-star corner.

The important thing about Reeves is that the Buckeyes landed him after he de-committed from Penn State, plus they were able to get him over their arch rival, the Michigan Wolverines.

Currently, the Buckeyes have the No. 6 class from ESPN and the No. 3 class from Rivals and Scout. 

Expect Ohio State to continue to climb up the rankings, which is just the beginning of Meyer's dominance in Big Ten recruiting.  

Oregon 

Getting Scout.com's No. 2 overall player gave the Ducks a huge push. Arik Armstead committed to Oregon this past weekend, and it could be the start of more 2012 top-notch recruits heads to Eugene. 

Listed at 6'8", 280 pounds, Armstead is going to be a force on the defensive line, or on the offensive line if the coaches need him to play there. He definitely has the skills to be elite at either position. 

The Ducks are ranked No. 18 by ESPN and Rivals but No. 15 by Scout.

With Chip Kelly deciding to stay at Oregon and not coach in the NFL, Oregon's recruiting class was saved and is going to improve once national signing day has passed. 

USC  

The Trojans no longer having a bowl ban helps them in recruiting, and it's a definite plus that recruiting is an area Lane Kiffin thrives. 

Offensive lineman Zach Banner recently committed to the Trojans, which helped them jump in the ranking. Landing talented athlete Kevon Seymour earlier this month was clutch for the Trojans as well.

Currently, the Trojans are ranked No. 16 by ESPN, No. 24 by Scout and No. 11 by Rivals. They're all over the place in the recruiting rankings, but they're certainly a team that will keep rising. 

There are still some very skilled athletes and linemen considering the Trojans, so expect for them to end with a great 2012 recruiting class.