Final Predictions for CFB's Biggest Winners and Losers of 2021 Signing Window

December's early signing period has stolen the flash of February's traditional signing day, but most college football teams are hoping for a late boost to their 2021 recruiting class.

Despite the relatively low number of top prospects available, a few programs can still generate some positive headlines. Two in particular are unsurprising, since the schools just hired new coaches. You'd be guessing correctly with Auburn and Texas.

However, a couple of SEC schools—which find themselves on opposite sides of the perception spectrum—may be on the opposite end of celebrations on signing day.

Again, it's critical to remember that a strong majority of 2021 prospects have signed. The list is focused on what happens from from now until next Wednesday and is not an overall assessment of a team's class.

Winner: Ohio State Buckeyes

Although it's unclear if J.T. Tuimoloau will reveal his choice on Feb. 3—recruits have until April 1 to sign a letter of intent, or not sign anything—the possibility must be discussed.

Considered the No. 3 prospect in the class, Tuimoloau has narrowed his list to Alabama, Ohio State, Oregon, USC and Washington. Given his potential, all five finalists will gladly wait as long as necessary for Tuimoloau's decision.

But as of Jan. 27, all six predictions on the 247Sports' Crystal Ball for Tuimoloau read in favor of the Buckeyes. He'd be the sixth 5-star of Ohio State's class and third top-10 talent.

His commitment alone would be a huge win for the Buckeyes.

Winner: USC Trojans

Alex Gallardo/Associated Press

Among other frustrations of his tenure, Clay Helton rightfully caught criticism for poor recruiting in the 2020 cycle. USC signed only two of California's 36 blue-chip prospects.

But the Trojans have rebounded nicely in 2021.

Led by No. 1 overall player Korey Foreman, USC could sign as many as 11 of the state's 33 players with a 4- or 5-star billing. USC recently landed a verbal pledge from 4-star cornerback Ceyair Wright and is the unanimous Crystal Ball favorite for 4-star linebacker Raesjon Davis, the third-best uncommitted player available.

This class is already a success for Helton, but landing Davis while officially adding Wright would be an ideal finish.

Loser: Alabama Crimson Tide

Michael Ainsworth/Associated Press

Let's be clear: Do not confuse Alabama's status here as a criticism of the nation's top-ranked class. Absolutely nothing that happens on signing day can minimize what the Crimson Tide have accomplished with seven 5-stars and 15 4-stars.

It's also fair to suggest that an 0-of-3 finish would be disappointing. Not crushing or problematic or worrying. Just disappointing.

While the Buckeyes are in a good position to land Tuimoloau, Florida and LSU are the Crystal Ball leaders for 4-star safety Terrion Arnold and 4-star receiver Brian Thomas Jr., respectively.

The main source of good news for the Tide could be 5-star running back Camar Wheaton officially signing his letter of intent. He's the only committed, unsigned player in Alabama's class.

Winner: Texas Longhorns

Vasha Hunt/Associated Press

While the Longhorns push for 4-star running back LJ Johnson, they're in excellent position to bolster the trenches.

New head coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff are pursuing two defensive ends: 4-star David Abiara and 3-star Garfield Lawrence, who is committed to Kansas. Texas is also pursuing 3-star offensive tackle Austin Uke.

Plus, 4-star cornerback Ishmael Ibraheem and 3-star receiver Keithron Lee are expected to officially join the roster.

No matter if Johnson picks Texas or Texas A&M, the Longhorns are in line for a productive signing day.

Loser: Tennessee Volunteers

Butch Dill/Associated Press

The fallout from dismissing Jeremy Pruitt is not over.

Along with losing a handful of starters to transfers, Tennessee is dealing with a large number of recruits going a different way.

Nine commits have backed off a pledge since Thanksgiving, including 4-star receiver Jordan Mosley and 3-star offensive tackle Colby Smith after Pruitt's firing. Additionally, 4-star defensive end Dylan Brooks has asked for a release from his letter of intent, according to Keith Niebuhr of 247Sports.

Throw in 4-star defensive tackle Tywone Malone likely choosing Mississippi and 3-star safety Juwon Gatson not really a possibility, and the Vols probably won't have an enjoyable Wednesday. That's to be expected in this circumstance, but it still stings.

Winner: Auburn Tigers

Mark Humphrey/Associated Press

Perhaps the biggest winner of signing day will be Auburn, which is partially a product of a rough recruiting cycle due to Gus Malzahn's tenuous job security and eventual dismissal as head coach. As of Jan. 27, the Tigers' class ranked 48th in the country.

The remaining list of targets, though, is extensive.

Auburn is a prime contender for 4-star linebacker Trevin Wallace, Gaston, 3-star cornerback Dontae Balfour and 3-star running back Jarquez Hunter. New head coach Bryan Harsin has clearly made a strong push since taking over for Malzahn in late December.

The Tigers are also in the running for former Tennessee commit Colby Smith and likely would be for Brooks if the Vols released him from the letter of intent.

As long as Auburn lands most of them, it'll provide a decent finish to an underwhelming cycle.

All recruiting information via 247Sports. Stats from NCAA.com, cfbstats.com or B/R research. Follow Bleacher Report CFB Writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.