National Signing Day 2015: Announcement Schedule, Predictions and More

Before the sporting world fully commits to potential NBA trades, NFL free agency and the draft, the top collegiate football prospects in the world take center stage on the 2015 iteration of national signing day.

The grueling recruiting process produced plenty of twists and turns for the top programs in the country, but things come to a head Wednesday, February 4, as the best of the best announce their intentions.

Similar to recruiting itself, along with other timely events such as Super Bowl media day, national signing day continues to evolve.

Now one of the marquee events on the sporting calendar, ESPN will broadcast 11 hours of the action and report from 14 different campuses that read like a laundry list of who's who in the recruiting world.

Before the spectacle unfolds, be sure to become familiar with which way a few of the top prospects figure to lean.

2015 National Signing Day Schedule

When: Wednesday, Feb. 4 from 8 a.m. ET to 7 p.m. ET

Television: ESPNU from 8 a.m. ET to 7 p.m. ET, ESPN from 2-3 p.m. ET.

Live Stream: WatchESPN

Predictions for Top Prospects

Byron Cowart, SDE

Byron Cowart, a 5-star defensive end who occupies the strong side, seems set to pick between Auburn and Florida.

Barring a third party pulling off a surprise, either program will get a major boost.

The Armwood High School product weighs in at 6'4" and 250 pounds, a frame that combines with his explosive athleticism to allow him to contribute at the next level right away.

The Seffner, Florida, native recently took to Twitter to hint at which program has an advantage:

"

I'm not going anywhere this weekend .....

— Byron Cowart (@ByronHawkStar99) January 27, 2015"

Good luck figuring out where he lands.

Cowart seems to love the idea of remaining in Florida, but a large part of his affinity for the Gators ties to former coach Will Muschamp, who was canned and then took up the defensive coordinator spot at Auburn, hence the two favorites.

Fellow defensive end CeCe Jefferson suggests that three of the top players from the state will stick together, per Donovan James of rsenreport.com:

At this point, it seems Florida will be the big winner. Auburn is more competitive and features Muschamp, but the fate of three prospects may outweigh one's desire to play for a particular coach.

Look for Cowart to stay local with those he has a close bond with and help to rebuild the Gators.

Prediction: Cowart signs with Florida

CeCe Jefferson, SDE

Credit: 247Sports

Jefferson is much of the same story. 

A 5-star defensive end at 6'2" and 275 pounds, the Saint Mary, Florida, native and Baker County Senior High School standout will help a collegiate program right away.

Do not sleep on the Gators for Jefferson, although things certainly look bleaker than before the staff overhaul. 

As his father, Leo, told Luke Stampini of GatorBait, the new staff in Florida, headed by head coach Jim McElwain, is a bit of an unknown.

"I don't know him, this is my first time meeting him," the elder Jefferson told Stampini. "I've talked to him on the phone several times, but basically it's my first time physically seeing him."

Ole Miss figures to stand a strong shot at Jefferson, too, but his commitment to playing with the other prospects at the next level, paired with little chatter about Cowart and the Rebels, means Florida is the likely destination.

There has to be some allure to both the Gators' scheme and the chance to replace Dante Fowler Jr., who figures to be a first-round pick after a successful run with the Gators.

The history for the position, paired with other prospect's decisions, will land Jefferson in Gainesville.

Prediction: Jefferson signs with Florida

Soso Jamabo, RB

Credit: 247Sports

The offensive side of the ball does not take a backseat on national signing day despite what the top-prospects list looks like. 

Soso Jamabo is a 5-star running back who comes in at 6'2.5" and 210 pounds with great 4.55 40-yard dash speed.

For the Plano West High School star, it appears the decision will come down to Texas and UCLA, although he certainly has a sense of humor on the topic:

As a player who rushed for 2,279 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2014 alone, it only makes sense that major programs are in on Jamabo.

It is interesting to watch Jamabo's trajectory throughout the process, though, as Texas seemed to back off after the hiring of Charlie Strong.

This may be a case of too little, too late, though. UCLA continues to hang around, and Notre Dame has been in the running for a while now, too, so last-ditch efforts by Texas may prove futile unless his family weighs heavily on his staying local. 

The Bruins have been there from the start. For Jamabo, an opportunity to be the lead back on a competitive roster with Jim Mora at the helm seems too good to pass up.

Prediction: Jamabo signs with UCLA

Player rankings based on 247Sports' composite ranking system. All recruit measurements and stats courtesy of 247Sports.