National Signing Day 2018: Predictions and Rankings for Top Uncommitted Recruits

The final 24 hours of the recruiting process will not only be stressful for some of the nation's top high school football players, it will also be a nervy period for the coaches invested in their respective futures.

During Wednesday's national signing day festivities, nine top-50 recruits will announce their respective college choices, while countless others will round out impressive classes put together by the nation's top programs.

Ohio State is the owner of 247Sports' top spot in the class of 2018 rankings entering Wednesday, but with the teams below it in the market for a few of the top unsigned recruits, that title could be up for grabs.

Top 10 Recruiting Classes

1. Ohio State

2. Georgia

3. Texas

4. Penn State

5. Miami 

6. Alabama

7. Oklahoma

8. Clemson

9. Notre Dame

10. Auburn

Top 10 Unsigned Recruits and Predictions

1. Patrick Surtain Jr., DB, American Heritage (Plantation, Florida); LSU

2. Nicholas Petit-Frere, OT, Berkeley Prep (Tampa, Florida); Florida

3. Tyson Campbell, DB, American Heritage (Plantation, Florida); Georgia

4. Olaijah Griffin, DB, Mission Viejo (Mission Viejo, California); USC

5. Isaac Taylor-Stuart, DB, Helix (San Diego); Tennessee

6. Jaylen Waddle, WR, Episcopal (Bellaire, Texas); Texas A&M

7. Devon Williams, WR, Antelope Valley (Lancaster, California); Oregon

8. Justyn Ross, WR, Central (Phenix City, Alabama); Alabama

9. Tanner McKee, QB, Centennial (Corona, California); Alabama

10. William Barnes, OT, Apopka (Apopka, Florida); North Carolina

Which Program Will Finish on Top of Rankings?

Ohio State, Georgia and Texas all have a chance to top the class of 2018 rankings once the dust settles on what should be a busy Wednesday. 

The Buckeyes can solidify their current No. 1 position if they lure offensive tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere away from his home state of Florida, but they face fierce competition from Alabama, Florida, Michigan and Notre Dame. 

With 24 players already enrolled, signed or committed, the Buckeyes won't be at the forefront of Wednesday's action outside of Petit-Frere's decision.

Kirby Smart's Bulldogs could make a splash with the addition of defensive back Tyson Campbell and wide receiver Tommy Bush. If they land one of the two coveted prospects, the Bulldogs should challenge the Buckeyes for the No. 1 spot.

After receiving the commitment of offensive lineman Christian Jones on Monday, the Longhorns could be set for a massive Wednesday in which they leap over the Buckeyes and Bulldogs, but it will take a perfect day to do so.

Bush, quarterback Tanner McKee and defensive end Joseph Ossai are among the targets for Tom Herman and Co. that could choose to wear burnt orange for the next several years.

It's rare to call Alabama a dark horse in recruiting, but keep an eye on the Crimson Tide on Wednesday as they could land one or more of the unsigned top-10 recruits.

If Petit-Frere, Campbell, defensive back Olaijah Griffin or wide receiver Jaylen Waddle commit to Nick Saban's program, it would give the Crimson Tide more top-30 recruits in the class of 2018. Defensive end Eyobi Anoma, who is fourth overall, is the only recruit in the top 30 who has committed to Alabama.

LSU Is The Favorite for Top Unsigned Recruit

LSU isn't near the top of the class of 2018 rankings, but it could make the biggest splash of national signing day if it solidifies the commitment of defensive back Patrick Surtain Jr. 

The top unsigned prospect has had LSU as the leader in his recruitment for quite some time due to his family's ties to Louisiana.

However, the son of former NFL defensive back Patrick Surtain will have hats from Alabama, Miami and Clemson present on Wednesday morning in addition to LSU.

Surtain gave insight on why he likes LSU, defensive backs coach Corey Raymond in particular, while talking to Sam Spiegelman of SEC Country:

"The environment ... I felt the atmosphere and I felt comfortable with it. I've got a great relationship with the coaches and I've got a lot of family there, so that's one other reason. Because of my relationship [with the staff] and my Louisiana ties with my family being there ... Coach Raymond and I have a great relationship and I feel like I can ball and have a great influence in Louisiana, too."

As we've learned on countless occasions, no recruiting process is ever officially done until a national letter of intent is sent to the school.

Keep an eye on Alabama, who is also in the hunt for Surtain's high school teammate, Tyson Campbell, as it needs to fill a massive gap in the secondary left by a departing group featuring safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.

Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90.

Recruiting information obtained from 247Sports.