5 Teams Still in the Hunt for the No. 1 2014 College Football Recruiting Class

Many college coaches claim they do not pay attention to recruiting rankings. While that may be true for some of them, recruiting rankings are still a big deal to fans and analysts.

With the 2014 recruiting cycle almost over, the race to finish first in recruiting is starting to take a more permanent shape. Some schools are just about done with recruiting, while other programs can still move up the rankings since they are still waiting on elite uncommitted recruits.

A trio of SEC teams have their eyes on the No. 1 slot, while a school in the Big Ten will not go down without a fight. Plus, an ACC school is also in the mix.

Texas A&M

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The Aggies are currently No. 3 in the 247Sports recruiting rankings, so they're so close to the No. 1 spot that they can taste it.

With 20 commitments, head coach Kevin Sumlin has a class that has three 5-star recruits and 12 4-star prospects, according to 247Sports. Landing pledges from 4-star offensive lineman Braden Smith, 4-star safety Steven Parker and 4-star linebacker/safety Edwin Freeman would help Sumlin's team make a strong case to finish first overall in recruiting. 

Florida State

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Florida State has a 29-man class that is No. 4 in the 247Sports recruiting rankings. Dalvin Cook, a 5-star running back from Miami, leads the way.

The Seminoles also boast 14 4-star commitments, says 247Sports. For head coach Jimbo Fisher to get the No. 1 recruiting class, securing pledges from 5-star cornerback Marlon Humphrey, 5-star defensive end Lorenzo Carter, 5-star offensive tackle Damian Prince and 4-star offensive tackle Roderick Johnson would be huge. 

LSU

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Although LSU will not finish with its dream class, it still has a chance to finish with the nation's No. 1 class. Head coach Les Miles has acquired 18 commitments, with three being 5-star recruits.

Leonard Fournette, a 5-star running back from New Orleans, is the headliner for the Tigers. However, if Miles wants the No. 1 recruiting spot in February, 5-star cornerback Adoree' Jackson, 5-star receiver Malachi Dupre, 5-star defensive end Lorenzo Carter, 4-star linebacker Kenny Young and 4-star defensive tackle Travonte Valentine all need to sign up to play in Baton Rouge. 

LSU currently has the No. 5 class in the country, according to the 247Sports recruiting rankings. 

Ohio State

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Already No. 2 in the 247Sports recruiting rankings, Ohio State is close to reaching the mountain top. Head coach Urban Meyer has 21 commitments, with 5-star linebacker Raekwon McMillan being his top recruit.

The Buckeyes don't have many remaining recruiting targets to provide an overwhelming boost to their current ranking.

However, commitments from 5-star defensive lineman Solomon Thomas, 4-star defensive lineman Malik McDowell, 4-star defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi and 4-star receiver Trevion Thompson would certainly help their case. 

Alabama

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The program with the best chance to land the No. 1 recruiting class is Alabama, as it already has the nation's best recruiting group, via the 247Sports recruiting rankings.

'Bama's 24-man class has four 5-star prospects and 14 4-star recruits, says 247Sports. Landing 5-star cornerback Marlon Humphrey would all but seal the deal for the Crimson Tide to finish No. 1 in recruiting for 2014.

2014 Bleacher Report College Football Recruiting Heat Map

Use the 2014 Bleacher Report College Football Recruiting Heat Map to track the remaining elite recruits to see how they impact the race for the nation's No. 1 recruiting class!

Edwin Weathersby is the College Football Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. He has worked in scouting/player personnel departments for three professional football teams, including the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns.