Jeffrey Okudah Names Top 3: Odds on Where 5-Star Lands

The long list of suitors for 5-star safety Jeffrey Okudah has been whittled to three, and a decision date is rapidly approaching. 

The 6'1", 190-pounder from South Grand Prairie High School in Texas, who rates as the nation's top safety and the No. 12 player overall in the 2017 cycle, will commit on Jan. 7 at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

Florida State, Ohio State and Oklahoma represent the three schools that are still battling it out for his commitment. 

What are the chances for each of Okudah's three remaining finalists?

Let’s take a look at the odds on where he eventually lands.

Oklahoma: 12-1

The first school to get an official visit from the Lone Star State standout was Oklahoma back on Sept. 17. 

The Sooners also have an appealing depth chart, with two seniors set to depart after the season and another two players who are heading into their senior season in 2017, as illustrated by Ourlads.

As Bleacher Report’s Damon Sayles noted, Okudah prides himself on being a versatile defender who can play any position in the secondary.

With the potential for early playing time to be up for grabs in Norman, the Sooners are hoping to sell Okudah on the opportunity to make an instant impact should he commit to head coach Bob Stoops and his staff.

Florida State: 10-1

If there is one player who Okudah models his game after, it’s current Jacksonville Jaguars rookie corner Jalen Ramsey.

As Okudah told Sayles in the spring, he studies how Ramsey was used during his three-year college career at Florida State.

"I look at what Jalen Ramsey does," Okudah said. "He set the tone for playing all three positions [cornerback, safety and nickelback] at a high level, and it's about to pay off for him when he'll be drafted in the top three or four picks." 

The Seminoles are pitching Okudah on the idea of following in Ramsey’s footsteps in Tallahassee.

Okudah visited Tallahassee officially for the 'Noles contest against Clemson and was blown away by the atmosphere inside Doak Campbell Stadium, according to Steve Wiltfong of 247Sports.

While FSU has positive momentum in their pursuit of Okudah, it would still be considered an upset at this point if he opts to commit to the Seminoles.

Ohio State: 5-1 

The longstanding favorite in the Okudah sweepstakes is the Ohio State Buckeyes, as detailed by Sayles.

As he told E.J. Holland of 247Sports [via Bill Kurelic of Bucknuts], Okudah credits the job head coach Urban Meyer and his staff have done in making him feel like a priority in this class. 

"I think they did a pretty good job recruiting me," Okudah said. "They’ve done a pretty good job of recruiting my whole family, making them feel comfortable, more so than some schools that are closer in proximity."

Furthermore, Okudah thoroughly enjoyed his official visit to Columbus to see the Buckeyes score a thrilling overtime win over rival Michigan.

What may put the Buckeyes over the top is their combination of athletics and academics. As Okudah told Sayles, he wants to select a school that has a strong business program and one that will help him network to find success for his career after football.

Given his bond with the Buckeyes coaching staff and the fact that they have been his leader throughout the process, it would be a shock if Okudah heads anywhere other than Columbus when he makes his final decision.

Sanjay Kirpalani is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotes obtained firsthand and all recruiting information courtesy of Scout.com.