National Signing Day 2016: Announcement Schedule, Predictions and More

We are a long way from the start of the 2016 college football regular season, but the biggest event of the offseason is upon us with this year's national signing day. 

The day itself has become a spectacle with high school players taking advantage of their time in the spotlight to announce their decision, often in the most ridiculous way possible. While many enjoy watching the creativity and sometimes goofiness of each player, the event is also meaningful as each team tries to bring in the best possible class.

With the future landscape of college football up in the air, you want to make sure to tune in to the full-day event. A full announcement schedule will be revealed later, per ESPN MediaZone, but here is a look at the current information available:

National Signing Day Television Schedule

Date: Wednesday, Feb. 3

TV: ESPNU (8 a.m.-1 p.m. ET); ESPN2 (1-5 p.m. ET); ESPNU (5-7 p.m. ET)

Live Stream: WatchESPN 

Player	Pos.	Announce Time (ET)	Prediction
Rashan Gary	DT	1 p.m.	Michigan
Derrick Brown	DT	3 p.m.	Auburn
Ben Davis	ILB	TBD	Alabama
Mique Juarez	OLB	TBD	UCLA
Mecole Hardman Jr.	ATH	8:30 a.m.	Georgia
Demetris Robertson	WR	TBD	Notre Dame
Mack Wilson	OLB	2 p.m.	Alabama
Trayvon Mullen	CB	9 a.m.	LSU
Nate Craig-Myers	WR	11 a.m.	Auburn

Times courtesy of ESPN MediaZone, MaxPreps, 247Sports and assorted personal announcements.

Top Battles to Watch

Rashan Gary, DT

EJ Holland of 247Sports was one of many who came away impressed after the Under Armour All-America Game:

Rashan Gary was named MVP of that all-star showcase and appears likely to make an early impact no matter where he goes. While everyone wants him, the defensive tackle is down to Michigan, USC, Ole Miss, Auburn and Clemson.

Although the superstar hasn't made an announcement, Adam Friedman of Rivals.com explained why Michigan has been the favorite for a long time:

"

The Wolverines have been the favorite for a long time and for good reason. Gary’s former high school coach Chris Partridge is on the staff as the linebackers coach, he knows dozens of players on the team and in the recruiting class, and Gary and his family feel comfortable on campus and in that environment. The defensive scheme is something Gary really likes and he sees how much of an impact he can have.

"

USC is definitely a team that can make a late charge, but this seems like Michigan's race to lose.

Lyndell "Mack" Wilson, OLB 

It appears to be down to Florida, Alabama and Georgia, with each spot having its draw. The Crimson Tide are obviously difficult to turn down after seeing them win yet another championship this season, especially with Mack Wilson being a lifetime fan of the school.

"Since I was a young’n, I have dreamed about playing for Alabama," the linebacker told Chris Kirschner of SEC Country.

The local player could easily stay home and continue the trend of elite linebackers on this defense. However, the relationship with former Alabama defensive coordinator and current Georgia head coach Kirby Smart could sway his decision. Wilson recently visited Athens and came away impressed. 

"It went great," the linebacker told Derek Tyson of ESPN. "I just had a chance to see it for my first time and I felt like it was a great place and a great football town to play in. I’d give the visit a 10. We had a good time, we just talked football, hung out, ate and chilled. It was great overall."

He still has a chance to take a trip to Florida as well, although despite all of this, it might be difficult to get him to leave the state. Alabama remains the favorite and the best guess for the talented player. 

Derrick Brown, DT

This class might not have many elite offensive skill players, but what it does have is defensive linemen who are almost sure things to contribute at the next level. Georgia native Derrick Brown is one of those players in the impressive class.

While no one is sure about where Brown will end up, we do know he will be playing in the SEC based on his final five:

Georgia was certainly the favorite for much of the recruitment process, but 247Sports' Crystal Ball predictions have started to trend toward Auburn with seven of the last eight picks going to the Tigers. The first pick in this stretch was Wesley Sinor of AL.com, who stated a few weeks ago he expected the big man to make a "surprise" commitment to Auburn.

Tennessee remains in contention, and you can never count out Alabama when it comes to bringing in defensive studs. But Auburn has made up a lot of ground in this recruitment and could end up on top when all is said and done.

Follow Rob Goldberg on Twitter for year-round sports analysis.