The Most Important College Football Games Left on the Recruiting Calendar

With less than a month remaining in college football’s regular season, there are precious few opportunities for recruits to visit some of their favorite schools while witnessing a festive atmosphere.

The calendar still has a handful of games that should have plenty of top recruits filling up the stands down the stretch. 

For example, a number of top rivalries headline the nation’s most anticipated upcoming showdowns.

Which games left on the recruiting calendar are the most important contests left in the regular season?

USC at UCLA, Nov. 22

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This weekend’s slate of games is merely an appetizer in comparison to the number of anticipated matchups that headline next weekend’s slate. 

While rivalry weekend will crank up next weekend, the game between UCLA and USC will be a marquee event for some of the nation’s top recruits.

As B/R’s Tyler Donohue notes, as many as four 5-star prospects—including California products Iman Marshall, Rasheem Green and Christian Kirk—are scheduled to attend the matchup between the heated cross-town rivals.

With both the Bruins and the Trojans fighting to make a run toward a top-10 class and both fighting over a number of top prospects, the team that emerges with a win is likely to enjoy a boost with the spoils potentially coming on national signing day.

Auburn at Alabama, Nov. 29

After the thrilling finish in last year’s edition of the Iron Bowl, next weekend’s showdown between Alabama and Auburn is sure to be a coveted invitation amongst the nation’s top recruits. 

Nick Saban and his staff figure to roll out the red carpet for a number of top prospects and current commitments. 

Headlining the list of 2015 targets include 5-star running Damien Harris and 4-star linebacker Adonis Thomas—both of whom were on hand for the Tide’s huge win over Mississippi State last weekend. 

Additionally, the Tide will look to wow other potential targets and official visitors such as 4-star linebacker Rickey DeBerry and 4-star athlete DeAndre McNeal. 

A couple of noted underclassmen who are scheduled to attend include 2016 5-star athlete and Alabama pledge Demetris Robertson, 2016 4-star corner Chad Clay and 2017 4-star athlete Deangelo Gibbs.

The Iron Bowl is always one of the most anticipated spectacles in all of college football, and next weekend’s meeting between the Tide and the Tigers is sure to present a ton of talent, who will be eagerly watching in the stands.

Florida at Florida State, Nov. 29

The last time Florida State had a big-time matchup at home was against Notre Dame last month in a nailbiter that produced one of the most electric atmospheres of the 2014 season.

While FSU’s meeting with its in-state hated rivals Florida may not carry as much weight nationally, the ‘Noles are hoping to present a similar atmosphere to a loaded group of recruits in their final home game of the season.

Among the scheduled group of visitors for the showdown amongst Sunshine State powers include 4-star offensive lineman Jalen Merrick, 4-star corners Holton Hill and Kris Boyd and 4-star running back pledge Jacques Patrick. 

However, the headliners in attendance will be a pair of 5-star defensive ends in Byron Cowart and Terry Beckner Jr.

Considering that this game represents Will Muschamp’s last game as head coach of the Gators and the fact that FSU is in position to close a second consecutive unbeaten regular season, there will be plenty of anticipation in the stands from fans, players and recruits in Tallahassee next weekend.

Michigan at Ohio State, Nov. 29

Urban Meyer and the Ohio State Buckeyes are another school capable of making a run at the No. 1 spot in the 247Sports Team Rankings.

The Buckeyes also head into their annual tussle with the Michigan Wolverines with a ton of momentum on the field as they try to claim a spot in the College Football Playoff. 

There will be plenty of Meyer’s top targets on hand for the regular-season finale, including 4-star defensive tackle Neville Gallimore, 3-star receiver Lawrence Cager and 4-star offensive lineman and Ole Miss pledge Drew Richmond.

With Brady Hoke’s future at Michigan being uncertain at best, this is another game that will provide plenty of intrigue for the recruits who are headed to Columbus next weekend.

Notre Dame at USC

One of the biggest storylines in the 2014 recruiting cycle was the arrival of Steve Sarkisian at USC and the Trojans’ subsequent strong finish on national signing day. 

USC’s contest this weekend at UCLA is sure to be a hard-fought contest, but its home date against Notre Dame next weekend is another big game with huge implications on the Trojans' 2015 class.

Among the visitors that USC’s staff will be paying close attention to are 4-star linebacker Porter Gustin, 4-star defensive tackle Tim Settle and 4-star tight end and current Michigan pledge Chris Clark.

With several high-profile recruits scheduled to see the Trojans up close and personal over the next two weekends, Sarkisian’s club has a tremendous opportunity to create a buzz in the months leading up to signing day.

Sanjay Kirpalani is a national recruiting analyst for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all recruiting information is courtesy of 247Sports. 

Follow @SanjayKirpalani