College Football Teams Most in Need of a Big National Signing Day
The debut of the early signing period in December helped many programs secure a majority of their 2018 recruiting class, but there's still plenty of work to be done ahead of the traditional National Signing Day.
While most of the teams eyeing a productive close to this cycle recently hired a new head coach, a couple of established bosses need a jolt in February.
In addition to a new coach, the most understandable reason for this predicament is key targets have not yet decided which school they will attend—or they simply didn't sign in December. However, it could also be a result of a coaching staff not closing well enough with top prospects.
The list is organized in ascending order based on current rating in the 247Sports' composite rankings.
Texas A&M
1 of 7
Current 247Sports' composite ranking: 35
Texas A&M lost 4-star defensive tackle Bobby Brown to Alabama in the early signing period, and 4-star outside linebacker DaShaun White flipped to Oklahoma in January. Additionally, 4-star receiver commit Jalen Preston is unsigned.
Closing time will be a critical stretch for Jimbo Fisher.
The marquee target is Isaac Taylor-Stuart, a 4-star cornerback. But there are more 4-stars to pin down: wideouts Jaylen Waddle and Jacob Copeland, running back Jashaun Corbin, safety Leon O'Neal Jr. and defensive end Jeremiah Martin. Alabama commit Vernon Jackson, a 4-star linebacker, will visit in February.
Although the Aggies are in decent shape to land a couple of those prospects, anything less than three would be a disappointment.
UCLA
2 of 7
Current 247Sports' composite ranking: 17
First and foremost, Chip Kelly and Co. must protect unsigned commit Dorian Thompson-Robinson. The 4-star quarterback is likely the future of the position after 2018.
UCLA snagged commitments from 4-star offensive guard Chris Murray and 4-star defensive tackle Tyler Manoa and is working to have similar success with a few more valued prospects. That's no guarantee, though.
Devon Williams, a 4-star receiver, unofficially visited but seems to have greater interest elsewhere, and 4-star tight end Spencer Webb will likely stick with Oregon. Solomon Tuliaupupu, a 4-star linebacker, visited in mid-January but is linked with USC, and UCLA is fighting Notre Dame for 4-star offensive tackle Jarrett Patterson.
Michigan
3 of 7
Current 247Sports' composite ranking: 16
This isn't the haul Michigan expected, and the possibility of losing Otis Reese—their highest-rated unsigned commit—makes for a nervous buildup to signing day. Missing on 4-star defensive tackle Tyler Friday in January stung, too.
And there aren't a whole bunch of targets remaining.
The Wolverines are pursuing Reese as well as two coveted offensive tackles in 5-star Nicholas Petit-Frere and 4-star Jarrett Patterson. Otherwise, Michigan is extremely limited on legitimate high school targets. (Shoutout to kicker Jake Moody.)
For Jim Harbaugh and Co., a "big" finish would be an efficient one.
Update: Patterson will pick between UCLA and Notre Dame, per Tom Loy of 247Sports.
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Florida State
4 of 7
Current 247Sports' composite ranking: 15
Beyond aiming to keep five unsigned commits—including 4-stars Christian Meadows and Camren McDonald—Florida State has more than a dozen targets remaining on the board.
It's clear first-year coach Willie Taggart wants to pad the class with receivers. The 'Noles are eyeing 4-stars Jaylen Waddle, Joshua Moore and Antoine Green to join recently committed Warren Thompson.
Athlete Tre'Shaun Harrison, quarterback James Foster and defensive end Malcolm Lamar are valued targets. FSU hopes an official visit will help the staff swipe 4-star defensive end Andrew Chatfield, a Miami lean. Jashaun Corbin is on the board.
And that's not all. Taggart and Co. have a terrific opportunity to sign a quality class, especially given his December arrival.
Oregon
5 of 7
Current 247Sports' composite ranking: 14
Oregon is looking for playmakers to complete the class.
The ultimate prize is 4-star wideout Devon Williams, but the Ducks will also have to stay vigilant when it comes to securing 4-star receivers Jalen Hall and Isaah Crocker, both of whom have committed but not signed. Former commit Miles Battle remains in the picture, too.
Mario Cristobal, who served as the offensive line coach prior to being promoted to head coach, is trying to close on 4-star tackle Penei Sewell. Cristobal and Co. will attempt to keep seven unsigned commits—most notably Eli'jah Winston and Spencer Webb—in the fold, too.
Stealing cornerback Olaijah Griffin on NSD would be a huge boost for Oregon.
LSU
6 of 7
Current 247Sports' composite ranking: 13
LSU's need for a strong finish is heightened because losing a key target also probably means he's headed to a rival school.
Patrick Surtain Jr., a 5-star cornerback and the highest-rated uncommitted player, has several finalists but is considering Alabama. Receiver JaMarr Chase, a 4-star recruit, visited Auburn in mid-January, and 4-star athlete Mario Goodrich went to Georgia.
Plus, the coaches are also working to sign committed 4-star safety Kelvin Joseph and add 4-star quarterback James Foster.
The last thing Ed Orgeron needs for his LSU tenure is these prospects coming back to haunt him in a year or two.
USC
7 of 7
Current 247Sports' composite ranking: 11
USC already has an impressive star-studded class, yet Clay Helton and his coaching staff are far, far from finished in 2018.
Two 5-stars—quarterback JT Daniels and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown—are pledged but unsigned, as are 4-star defensive tackles Tuli Letuligasenoa and Trevor Trout. But the Trojans' larger focus is attracting highly valued uncommitted targets.
Devon Williams is a 4-star receiver. Cornerbacks Olaijah Griffin, a 5-star recruit, and Isaac Taylor-Stuart, a 4-star player, are both available. And Penei Sewell and Solomon Tuliaupupu are top-100 prospects.
If the Trojans close as well as possible, they'll soar in the rankings.
All recruiting information via 247Sports. Stats from NCAA.com, cfbstats.com or B/R research. Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow Bleacher Report CFB Writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.
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