National Signing Day 2015: Rumors and Predictions for Top Available Recruits

With Ohio State taking home the national championship, college football fans can now look toward the future and, specifically, national signing day.

Although predicting what is going on in the mind of a teenager with almost limitless options is extremely difficult, these choices are certain to make a major impact on the sport for the next few years. Considering how many top players are still undecided, expect some seismic shifts in the recruiting rankings when the commitments roll in.

A lot can obviously change between now and Feb. 4, but here are the latest rumors concerning some of the top recruits in the nation.

CeCe Jefferson, DE

It has become clear the strength of the 2015 class is in the defensive line. Players like Byron Cowart, Trent Thompson, Terry Beckner and others will help shape the national landscape regardless of where they go.

Right near the top of this list is defensive end CeCe Jefferson. The Florida native is considered the No. 5 overall recruit in the nation, according to 247 Sports, and he has the athleticism necessary to be an impact player right away wherever he lands.

According to John Garcia and Yancy Porter of Scout.com, that destination appears to be Ole Miss:

Barton Simmons of 247 Sports reported Florida had been the leader for a long time, but he quoted the youngster about his change of heart at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl:

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Ole Miss, I would say Ole Miss is my top school right now. Ole Miss is great man. Coach (Hugh) Freeze, what he has going is amazing. I took my official when they played Bama and it was like no other. They treated me well. The program's great. The guys are great and I just know if I go there I'll get taken care of and they'll get me prepared for the next level and I'll get a great education. And plus I know Coach Freeze is going to be there for a while, great stability.

"

The Rebels had the No. 1 scoring defense in the nation this season thanks in large part to former 5-star recruit Robert Nkemdiche. Jefferson can learn from the talented defensive end and play with him to help create an even more imposing defensive front.

Jefferson is still set to visit Auburn and LSU, and has already taken officials to Alabama and Cincinnati. While each of these programs represents a quality option for Jefferson, it seems like he has already seen what he wants to see in a college.

Prediction: Ole Miss

Aliz'e Jones, TE

Credit: 247Sports

The tight end spot is often an afterthought for college coaches, but Aliz'e Jones is forcing people to pay attention. The UCLA commit has the size at 6'4.5" and athleticism to be a true mismatch for defenders not only in college but possibly in the NFL.

Mike Craven of Rivals was impressed by the player's performance in practices for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl:

While this would ordinarily make Bruins fans extremely excited for the future, it seems like his commitment is not set in stone. In fact, Steve Wiltfong of 247 Sports explains that Notre Dame could end up with the talented player:

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Sources continue to indicate that Notre Dame is the team to beat for the nation’s top-ranked tight end Aliz'e Jones, although that one is expected to go to the end for the current UCLA commit. Jones spent a lot of time with the five Irish commitments in San Antonio, building on past experiences he’s had with those guys during two different visits to South Bend since September.

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For a player considered the best at his position by 247 Sports, a flipped commitment could make a major impact for both recruiting classes. To make things more interesting, each squad has brought in a top quarterback for 2015 (Brandon Wimbush for Notre Dame and Josh Rosen to UCLA).

In the end, though, it seems most likely he stays with his decision and stars for the Bruins.

Prediction: UCLA

Martez Ivey, OT

Although offensive linemen don't always get the most publicity, they have a major impact on college football games. This is why everyone is trying to get Martez Ivey, the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2015 class, according to 247 Sports.

At 6'5.5", Ivey has the frame to be a massive force at the next level once he puts on more strength in a collegiate weight program. He also already has the technique to be an elite blocker on both pass and run plays.

The question is which team will be able to get the game-changing player. It appeared like Florida was the front-runner, but Justin Hokanson of 247 Sports notes Auburn could be the new favorite:

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One source that spent some time with Ivey at the Army Bowl thought it would be Auburn in the end, citing Ivey’s teammate in Chandler Cox, saying he believed the blue-chipper would go play with his 'brother.' At the Top Gun camp this summer in Dublin, Ohio, players that hung out with Ivey thought it would be the Tigers in the end.

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Playing with Auburn commit Chandler Cox seems likely to be a big draw for Ivey, who could follow in the path of players like Greg Robinson for the run-first Tigers.

After delaying his decision, Auburn appears to have moved into the top spot for the elite player.

Prediction: Auburn

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