Big Ten Teams Who Will Finish in the Top 25 Recruiting Class Rankings

Recruiting in the Big Ten has always been special due to the tradition of the conference. Things are only going to get more interesting with passionate recruiter James Franklin now in charge at Penn State.

The race to finish with a top-25 class nationally is on, as many schools across the country are putting the finishing touches on their groups. The Big Ten has several schools who figure to factor into the race during this final stretch of recruiting.

Ohio State has its eyes set on the nation's No. 1 spot, while Michigan's assembly is also impressive. Wisconsin has an underrated class, plus two other schools also have a chance to sneak into the Top 25 rankings.

Outside Shot: Michigan State

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Current 247Sports' recruiting ranking: 33rd

With 19 commitments, Michigan State is putting together another class full of tough football players. Montae Nicholson, a 6'3", 200-pound 4-star safety is the top prospect.

However, 3-star players such as center Brian Allen, defensive tackle Enoch Smith Jr., running back Vayante Copeland, athlete/fullback Gerald Owens and athlete/linebacker/safety Byron Bullough are all underrated.

Finishing with pledges from prospects such as 4-star defensive lineman Malik McDowell, 4-star defensive tackle Daniel Cage and 3-star receiver Will Dawkins will be a huge boost to the Spartans' final recruiting ranking.

Outside Shot: Wisconsin

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Current 247Sports' recruiting ranking: 31st

Wisconsin has a recruiting class that will be appreciated more when it is re-examined in a few years. Jaden Gault, a 4-star offensive tackle, leads the 24-man group.

Other notable commitments include recruits such as 4-star quarterback D.J. Gillins, 4-star defensive tackle Craig Evans and 4-star athlete Dareian Watkins. Defensive lineman Conor Sheehy, guard George Panos, running back Taiwan Deal and defensive end Billy Hirschfeld are solid 3-star prospects.

The Badgers would be wise to close their 2014 class with commitments from 4-star offensive lineman Frank Ragnow, 3-star receiver George Rushing and 3-star defensive end Uriah Leiataua. 

Solid Chance: Penn State

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Current 247Sports' recruiting ranking: 19th

James Franklin is the new head coach at Penn State, which should bode well for recruiting in Happy Valley. Franklin attacks the trail with passion, which is why he should be able to keep the Nittany Lions' class of 21 commitments together.

The group is led by 4-star recruits such as defensive tackle Thomas Holley, quarterback Michael O'Connor, tight end Mike Gesicki and receivers DeAndre Thompkins and Chris Godwin.

Derrick Nnadi, a 4-star defensive tackle, 3-star guard Jared Cohen, 3-star safety Shawn Boone and non-rated kicker Troy Stivason would be good prospects to land to finish strong. 

Michigan

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Current 247Sports' recruiting ranking: 13th

Michigan has a class of 16 commitments that is led by 5-star athlete Jabrill Peppers. The group also features players such as 4-star receiver Drake Harris, 4-star defensive tackle Bryan Mone, 4-star tight end Ian Bunting and 4-star offensive lineman Juwann Bushell-Beatty.

Head coach Brady Hoke has done another great job on the trail, which is why his class should finish with a high ranking. He will likely try to close with 4-star defensive lineman Malik McDowell. 

Ohio State

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Current 247Sports' recruiting ranking: Second

Urban Meyer has recruited exceptionally well since becoming head coach at Ohio State, and this class may be his best yet.

With 21 commitments, the Buckeyes have prospects such as 5-star linebacker Raekwon McMillan, 4-star receiver/running back Curtis Samuel, 4-star receiver Johnnie Dixon, 4-star cornerback Marshon Lattimore and 4-star linebacker Dante Booker in the fold, plus a sea of others.

Meyer still has Ohio State in the recruiting pots of 5-star athlete John Smith, 5-star defensive lineman Solomon Thomas, 4-star defensive lineman Malik McDowell, 4-star defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi and 4-star receiver Trevion Thompson. 

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.