Pac-12 Teams Sure to Finish in the Top 25 Recruiting Class Rankings

Earlier in this 2014 recruiting cycle, the Pac-12 was not doing well in the recruiting rankings. However, several programs are now on the verge on signing elite classes.

The conference, which is deeper than it's given credit for, features several excellent head coaches. Chris Petersen is now at Washington due to Steve Sarkisian taking over at USC. Stanford head coach David Shaw is one of the best in the business, UCLA head coach Jim Mora loves coaching college players and both Arizona schools also have excellent coaches.

That's why recruiting in the Pac-12 is so competitive and also why the following programs should be extremely proud of the recruiting classes they are about to sign.

*All recruiting totals are from 247Sports.

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

Solid Chance: Arizona

Kevin Casey/Getty Images

Current 247Sports recruiting ranking: 26th

Armed with a 28-man class, Arizona head coach Rich Rodriguez is putting the finishing touches on another solid haul in the desert.

Cornerback Cameron Denson leads a class that has six 4-star recruits. Marquis Ware and Jamardre Cobb are 4-star linebackers who are high school teammates at Los Angeles Bishop Mora Salesian. Running back Nick Wilson is a great 4-star recruit, while 4-star offensive lineman Jordan Poland has big upside.

Andrew Mike, a 3-star offensive tackle from Arizona, and 3-star linebacker Jabril Frazier are the Wildcats' top remaining targets. 

Solid Chance: Arizona State

Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press

Current 247Sports recruiting ranking: 22nd

Arizona State has 25 commitments, with seven being 4-star prospects.

Among the 4-star recruits who can be considered the headliner of the Sun Devils' class are linebacker Derik Calhoun, quarterback Manny Wilkins, defensive end Connor Humphreys and receivers Tyler Whiley and Jalen Harvey.

Without a doubt, ASU's top remaining recruiting priority is 4-star offensive tackle Casey Tucker. 

Oregon

Ted S. Warren/Associated Press

Current 247Sports recruiting ranking: 21st

Set to finish with one of the better recruiting classes in the country, Oregon has a 16-man group that has seven 4-star prospects.

Haniteli Lousi is a 4-star JUCO guard who will likely play early in Eugene, while 4-star cornerback Arrion Springs has the potential to be an All-Pac-12 defensive back. Other notable 4-star recruits include linebacker Jimmie Swain, receiver Jalen Brown and running backs Tony James and Royce Freeman.

Oregon is also trying to add recruits such as 5-star athlete John Smith, 4-star defensive tackle Poona Ford and 3-star safety Mattrell McGraw to its class. 

USC

Jae C. Hong/Associated Press

Current 247Sports recruiting ranking: 20th

With seven 4-star recruits in its 17-man class, USC is on pace to finish this recruiting cycle strong.

The top player in the assembly is 4-star guard Viane Talamaivao, but 4-star tight end Bryce Dixon, 4-star JUCO defensive end Claudeson Pelon and 4-star offensive lineman Toa Lobendahn can also claim that honor.

Adoree' Jackson, a 5-star cornerback/receiver, 5-star athlete John Smith and elite 4-star offensive lineman Damien Mama are the Trojans' top remaining recruiting targets.

UCLA

Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press

Current 247Sports recruiting ranking: 18th 

UCLA is on the verge of bringing in a third consecutive class that finishes in the Top 25 recruiting rankings under head coach Jim Mora.

The Bruins have 16 commitments, with half of them being 4-star prospects. Watch out for elite 4-star talents such as safety Jaleel Wadood, cornerback Adarius Pickett, running back Nathan Starks and linebackers Zach Whitley and Dwight Williams.

Cornerback Adoree' Jackson, receiver Malachi Dupre  and athlete John Smith are the 5-star recruits the Bruins have the most realistic shot at landing. UCLA is also in the mix for 4-star offensive lineman Damien Mama, 4-star linebacker Kenny Young and 4-star athlete Michiah Quick, among others. 

Stanford

TONY AVELAR/Associated Press

Current 247Sports recruiting ranking: 16th

Stanford has 17 commitments, with seven of them being 4-star recruits. The Cardinal received a commitment late last week from 4-star tight end Dalton Schultz, according to 247Sports. 

However, 4-star quarterback Keller Chryst is the best player in the class, as he is one of the top passers in the country.

Head coach David Shaw also has commitments from 4-star prospects such as defensive lineman Nifae Lealao, safety Brandon Simmons, running back Christian McCaffrey and linebackers Bobby Okereke and Joey Alfieri.

Stanford's top remaining recruiting targets are 5-star defensive end Solomon Thomas and 4-star offensive lineman Casey Tucker. 

2014 Bleacher Report College Football Recruiting Heat Map

Several commitments and remaining recruiting targets for the Pac-12 schools with best chance to finish with Top 25 recruiting classes are featured on the 2014 Bleacher Report College Football Recruiting Heat Map!

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.