College Football Recruiting Rankings 2018: Projecting Top Classes and Programs

It's time for the biggest date on the college football recruiting calendar: national signing day.

Wednesday's edition will likely be tamer than in years past, with the NCAA instituting an early signing period in December. But that doesn't mean there won't be drama.

For instance, for the first time since 2010, it appears Alabama won't finish with the top overall recruiting class. As of Tuesday night, the Crimson Tide were No. 6 in 247Sports' Composite Rankings for the various recruiting classes, trailing Ohio State, Georgia, Texas, Penn State and Miami.

It's possible the Crimson Tide could still ascend to the top of the ranks, namely if 5-star prospects like cornerbacks Patrick Surtain Jr. and Tyson Campbell and offensive tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere decide to Roll Tide. 

On the other hand, Alabama could potentially see linebacker Quay Walker, defensive tackle Bobby Brown and athlete Vernon Jackson all decommit on Wednesday, per Barton Simmons of CBS Sports. That would be a blow for the class. Wednesday will be very interesting for Alabama, but the school's streak of top recruiting classes will come to a close.

Instead, look for Georgia to take home the top class. The Bulldogs would appear to have the edge heading into Wednesday, with Campbell and 4-star linebackers Quay Walker and Otis Reese as prospective signees. The Buckeyes could make a major splash if they land Petit-Frere and 4-star tackle Rasheed Walker, and the day could include surprises as well.

But for now, it looks like the Bulldogs will be the belles of the recruiting ball. 

USC will climb well up the rankings from the No. 12 position where they currently reside. The Trojans are still in the hunt for 4-star talents such as cornerbacks Isaac Taylor-Stuart and Olaijah Griffin, wideout Devon Williams, guard Penei Sewell and linebacker Solomon Tuliaupupu.

Of all the teams in or around the top 10, USC will leap up the rankings the furthest and may even sneak into the top five.

It seems unlikely there will be too much drama for many of the other teams hovering around the top five in the rankings, however. The Texas Longhorns already put in work in their home state and don't seem likely to make a huge splash Wednesday. Penn State is still in the running for Rasheed Walker and 4-star receiver Solomon Enis, with Walker likely to head to Happy Valley and Enis a wild card. 

And Miami head coach Mark Richt acknowledged that the major work for the Hurricanes was already done.

"We're trying to finish up this class. It's a little bit different in that a lot of the heavy lifting is done," he told Christy Cabrera Chirinos of the Sun Sentinel. "We spend a lot more time on '19 and '20 and '21s. We always try to integrate it this time of year, but it's just been a lot more time to do it. It's been good."

The director of recruiting for 247Sports, Steve Wiltfong, agreed with that assessment.

"They did a great job because the [early signing period] has become the main signing day and Miami already has a top-five class," he told Cabrera Chirinos. "The bulk of the work was done leading up to December, so they did a fantastic job."

For most teams, Wednesday won't be a day off, but it won't be the crazy, make-or-break spectacles for their recruiting class, either. Less drama, a little more relaxation.

Finally, here are my predictions for the top-five recruiting classes at the end of national signing day:

1. Georgia

2. Ohio State

3. Alabama

4. Texas

5. USC

All recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.