Power Ranking the Top 5 Non-SEC Recruiting Classes

The SEC not only dominates college football rankings in the polls, its schools also annually occupy a good portion of the final recruiting rankings. However, while the league is as competitive as it is popular, there are many people who wonder what life would be like without the SEC.

Well, those people are about to get their wish granted, at least recruiting-wise. Among the non-SEC programs, there are several impressive classes being put together for 2014 recruiting.

Notre Dame doesn't have a sexy group, but it still belongs with the nation's best. A pair of ACC squads should be proud of their classes, while the Big Ten is also represented.

All recruiting information based on 247Sports' totals.

Player evaluations are based on review of tape at Scout.com, Rivals and 247Sports.

5. Miami

Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Total commitments: 26

Miami will sign a large class in February, as it has 26 commitments right now. Head coach Al Golden has done a good job of finding talented players to help the Hurricanes in the coming seasons.

Chad Thomas, a 5-star defensive end from Miami, is the top commitment for Golden. However, 4-star running back Joseph Yearby and 4-star offensive tackle KC McDermott are not far behind.

Anthony Moten is a 4-star defensive tackle who could play early, while 4-star safety Kiy Hester should develop into one of the better players in the ACC. Trevor Darling, a 4-star offensive lineman, can play guard or tackle.

Golden also has a pledge from 4-star quarterback Brad Kaaya, while 3-star receiver Braxton Berrios should provide a spark to Miami's passing attack. Miami has one 5-star pledge, plus seven 4-star commitments.

4. Notre Dame

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Total commitments: 22

Inside Notre Dame's class of 22 commitments are 16 4-star prospects. The headliner is 4-star linebacker Nyles Morgan, who hails from Illinois.

However, 4-star cornerback Nick Watkins and 4-star receiver Corey Holmes have the talent to become elite players in South Bend. Tyler Luatua is one of the country's best tight ends, as the 4-star recruit is among California's top players.

A sleeper in this class is 4-star prospect Drue Tranquill, who can work as a linebacker or safety. Other notable 4-star talents include offensive linemen Quenton Nelson, Alex Bars and Sam Mustipher, plus linebacker Richard Yeargin III and defensive lineman Andrew Trumbetti. 

3. Michigan

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Total commitments: 16

The class that Michigan head coach Brady Hoke is bringing in is better than many realize. Sure, 5-star athlete Jabrill Peppers is one of the best prospects in the last 10 years, but there's more to this group.

Drake Harris is a 4-star receiver with excellent ball skills, while 4-star defensive tackle Bryan Mone could help right away. Mason Cole is a 4-star guard who'll help in the trenches, plus 3-star offensive tackle Juwann Bushell-Beatty has a chance to be an All-Big Ten player.

Lawrence Marshall could be the most "underrated" 4-star recruit in the country, while 4-star receiver Freddy Canteen and 4-star linebacker Michael Ferns do not get enough shine. Ian Bunting is a 4-star tight end who plays like a receiver, plus don't sleep on 3-star linebacker Chase Winovich .

Michigan has seven 4-star recruits, plus one 5-star commitment.

2. Florida State

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Total commitments: 29 

Florida State has a class of 29 commitments that is home to 14 4-star prospects. However, the best player in the group is shifty 5-star running back Dalvin Cook.

Cook, who is one of the best overall players in the country, will be a superstar in Tallahassee. Receiver Travis Rudolph is a 4-star stud who will make plays, while 4-star athlete Treon Harris is the wild card of the bunch.

JUCO 4-star offensive lineman Chad Mavety should be ready to go in 2014.

Kain Daub and Delvin Purifoy are solid 4-star linebackers, while Jacob Pugh is a 4-star outside 'backer who actually plays like a defensive end. Trey Marshall, a 4-star safety, should keep FSU's tradition of great defensive backs alive. 

Other notable 4-star commitments include guard Corey Martinez, quarterback JJ Cosentino, tight end Mavin Saunders and defensive linemen Dexter Wideman, Lorenzo Featherston and Demarcus Christmas. 

1. Ohio State

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Total commitments: 21 

With 21 pledges, Ohio State has a recruiting class that is packed with quality football players. The headliner is 5-star linebacker Raekwon McMillan, a rugged defender who hails from Georgia.

Damon Webb and Marshon Lattimore give the Buckeyes two more 4-star cornerback prospects, while Erick Smith is a 4-star safety. Curtis Samuel, Johnnie Dixon and Parris Campbell are speedy 4-star offensive skill-position players.

Keep an eye on 4-star athlete/receiver Noah Brown. 

Sam Hubbard, Kyle Berger and Dante Booker are athletic 4-star linebackers, plus 4-star defensive end Jalyn Holmes has great quickness. Finally, the offensive line class features 4-star blockers Kyle Trout, Jamarco Jones and Demetrius Knox.

2014 Bleacher Report College Football Recruiting Heat Map

While the SEC dominates recruiting, the 2014 Bleacher Report College Football Recruiting Heat Map does feature a ton of recruits headed to non-SEC schools!

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.