College Football Recruiting 2015: 5 Classes Coming on Strong to Finish the Year

National signing day is rapidly approaching, and a handful of schools around the country are preparing for a huge close to the 2015 cycle.

Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide are once again sitting in the pole position atop the 247Sports Team Rankings.

However, with a number of top prospects still undecided, teams have a chance to make a move over the next few weeks. 

Which programs have classes that are coming on strong as signing day nears?

*Schools listed in alphabetical order.

Auburn

Brynn Anderson/Associated Press

With the arrival of new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp, perhaps no school in the country will receive a bigger boost in the next few weeks than Auburn.

Gus Malzahn and the Tigers already have 20 commitments in a class that ranks No. 10 in the nation.

However, adding Muschamp could help them gain the upper hand for notable prospects such as 5-star offensive tackle Martez Ivey, 5-star defensive end Byron Cowart and 4-star linebacker Jeffery Holland.

Closing out strong on the defensive side of the ball is pivotal for Auburn’s class, and the addition of Muschamp figures to ensure that the Tigers meet their needs by signing day.

Florida State

Mike McCarn/Associated Press

No team in the country is as hot as Florida State on the recruiting trail. 

Considering that the last three pledges in the ‘Noles 2015 class—which currently sits at No. 2 behind Alabama—were from prospects ranked among the Top 40 players overall in the 2015 class, Jimbo Fisher and his staff are on a roll similar to what Saban has done over the years.

The ‘Noles are far from being done, as illustrated by Steve Wiltfong of 247Sports. 

With FSU having a chance to repeat as national champions on the field, the ‘Noles are in a strong position to reap the rewards of being the nation’s hottest program.

LSU

USA TODAY Sports

LSU is another powerhouse quietly lurking in the shadows.

Les Miles and the Tigers have 15 commitments in a class rated No. 17 nationally, but there are several stud prospects who are still considering spending the next four years in Baton Rouge.

The Tigers are still in the running with top-flight talents such as 5-star receiver Tyron Johnson, 5-star linebacker Malik Jefferson and 4-star athlete Donte Jackson.

Considering that the Tigers have had Top-10 classes in five of the last six years, expecting Miles and his staff to close strong is a logical assumption.

Ohio State

USA TODAY Sports

Another school that has gained steam toward landing a top-rated class is Ohio State. 

Urban Meyer and his staff have put together a 24-man class that currently occupies the No. 5 spot in the 247Sports Team Rankings.

The Buckeyes still have a number of top targets on the board, including 5-star running back Damien Harris and 4-star defensive tackle Neville Gallimore.

Meyer has long been recognized as one of the best closers in the country, and he has the Buckeyes in position to pull one of the nation’s best hauls in the 2015 cycle.

USC

Perhaps the biggest winner in the final stages of the 2014 recruiting cycle was USC. 

The Trojans finished with a huge flurry on signing day to net a Top-10 class.

Steve Sarkisian and his staff are poised to try and duplicate that feat this year.

USC’s class currently ranks No. 9 in the country, and it is heavily involved with stud prepsters such as 5-star corner Iman Marshall, 5-star defensive tackle Rasheem Green and 4-star linebacker John Houston.

With another strong finish down the stretch, the Trojans can secure the Pac-12’s top class for the second consecutive season.

Sanjay Kirpalani is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.

Follow @SanjayKirpalani