College football's early signing period is less than a week away and some of the highest-ranked recruits are set to announce their decisions.
This is the week coaches and prospects have been working toward all year, in an unusual recruiting cycle that had a year-long dead period that prevented recruits from taking visits until June.
Currently, six of the 15 five-stars are still uncommitted and 67 ESPN 300 recruits have yet to announce a commitment. And as is the case every year, just because some prospects are already committed, it doesn't mean there won't be some late drama with flips and decommitments.
To get you ready for next week, here are predictions for some of the prospects likely to announce commitments within the next week, as well as a few recruits who could be on flip watch.
Hot board
CB Domani Jackson
Santa Ana, California
ESPN 300 rank: 6
Schools in the mix: Alabama, USC
When Clay Helton was fired at USC, Jackson was committed to the Trojans, and his original plan was to stay committed until a new head coach was brought in. Jackson ended up decommitting on Nov. 14, though, and took visits to Michigan and Alabama. It seemed as though Michigan might be able to get in the mix, but Jackson eventually cut his list to just Alabama and USC. Lincoln Riley was hired as the Trojans new coach and is going to bring Jackson on campus for a visit. This visit could determine where he ends up, either at USC or at Alabama, depending on how it goes.
Prediction: USC
S Kamari Wilson
Bradenton, Florida
ESPN 300 rank: 14
Schools in the mix: Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Texas A&M
Wilson is one of the top uncommitted recruits left and has named a top four of Florida State, Georgia, LSU and Texas A&M. Georgia has been in the driver's seat for a while, but there's a possibility the Seminoles have made a push. He took a visit to Florida State in November after a visit to Georgia in October. Georgia is probably a good bet, but Florida State could be the surprise.
Prediction: Georgia
WR Shazz Preston
Saint James, Louisiana
ESPN 300 rank: 15
Schools in the mix: Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Texas
Preston is from Louisiana and is one of the six uncommitted five-stars in the class. He's the No. 1 recruit in the state, and before the coaching change at LSU, it seemed very likely he would join the Tigers program. Alabama got in the mix, though, and Preston took an unofficial visit to see the Crimson Tide in person. He's also visiting officially this weekend. With Brian Kelly taking over at LSU, it seems like this is a race between LSU and Alabama, with Kelly trying to catch up. Alabama is the pick right now, but it seems like it could go either way next week.
Prediction: Alabama
DT Khurtiss Perry
Montgomery, Alabama
ESPN 300 rank: 56
Schools in the mix: Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Texas and UCF
Perry is the No. 3 recruit in the state of Alabama and one that is being targeted by both Alabama and Auburn. Perry recently said Auburn is his leader, but you can't ever count Nick Saban out when he wants a recruit this close to signing day. Perry took a visit to UCF and still has some in-home visits left, so this could change before he makes his decision public on Dec. 15.
Prediction: Auburn
S Zion Branch
Las Vegas, Nevada
ESPN 300 rank: 76
Schools in the mix: Ohio State, Oklahoma, USC
Branch is in an interesting situation given that two of his top schools just went through coaching changes and they involved similar people. Riley left Oklahoma for USC and the Sooners brought in former Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables. Ohio State is the most stable situation among the schools, but Riley has built a lot of excitement at USC in a short amount of time. Riley built the culture that existed at Oklahoma and brought defensive coordinator Alex Grinch with him to USC.
Prediction: USC
Flip watch
DB Khamauri Rogers
Lexington, Mississippi
ESPN 300 rank: 41
Committed to: Miami
Rogers has been committed to Miami since June, but there has been a coaching change and other programs are trying to pull Rogers away from the Hurricanes. He's the highest-ranked prospect in Miami's class, and with head coach Manny Diaz being fired, there is a window of opportunity for schools like Ole Miss and Mississippi State to swoop in. Rogers is from Mississippi and the two in-state schools have been in contact even prior to Diaz being let go. Rogers just took a visit to Mississippi State, and the Bulldogs could be in good shape, unless new Miami coach Mario Cristobal can convince him to stay.
OL Kiyaunta Goodwin
Charlestown, Indiana
ESPN 300 rank: 70
Committed to: Kentucky
Goodwin is the highest-ranked commit in Kentucky's class and has been committed since April. However, there are quite a few programs still after him. He has taken visits to Alabama, Florida State, Texas A&M and Michigan recently, and he is also supposed to visit Michigan State. He doesn't have a time frame for when he'll make a final decision and said he's not sure yet if he'll sign in the early signing period.
LB DeMario Tolan
Orlando, Florida
ESPN 300 rank: 194
Committed to: LSU
Tolan has been committed to LSU since July, but replacing Ed Orgeron with Kelly has helped create uncertainty. Tolan is one of the top prospects in Florida and has had quite a few schools after him. He has taken visits to Auburn, Georgia, Miami and Tennessee, but is still committed to the Tigers. Kelly will have a chance to get him on campus and convince him to stay in the class, though, so it's not over for LSU.