Each Friday during college football season the experts at Recruiting Nation will weigh in on the probable destinations of a selection of the nation's top uncommitted prospects. This week's selections include three major West Coast targets -- defensive end Oluwole Betiku and wideouts N'Keal Harry and Theo Howard, as well as South Florida-based pass-catcher Binjimen Victor.
2015 Hot Board Archive:
Midseason Hot Board: All uncommitted five-stars
Week 7 Hot Board: Isaac Nauta, Shavar Manuel, Mique Juarez, Daelin Hayes
Week 6 Hot Board: Trayvon Mullen, Caleb Kelly, Derrick Brown, Quayshon Alexander
Week 5 Hot Board: Rahshaun Smith, Demetris Robertson, Jacob Mathis
Week 4 Hot Board: Devin Asiasi, Devin Duvernay, Tyrie Cleveland
Week 3 Hot Board: Mack Wilson, Ben Davis, Terrell Hall, Rashard Lawrence, Stephen Sullivan
Week 2 Hot Board: Antwuan Jackson Jr., Mecole Hardman, Jordan Elliott
Oluwole Betiku, DE, 6-4, 246, Junipero Serra/Gardena, CA, ESPN 300 No. 21
Prediction: Florida State
Confidence level: 10 percent
Toughest competition: Texas A&M
Others in the mix: Florida, Notre Dame, Penn State, UCLA, USC
Betiku made a commitment to UCLA in August, but it took just two official visits for him to reopen his recruitment last week. Those trips were to Florida State and Texas A&M, which is why the Seminoles and Aggies get the nod as being out front at the moment. But this is a recruitment that is only likely to ramp up as time goes along and more visits are taken. Florida and Notre Dame are the other officials scheduled, and since Betiku is originally from Nigeria, location won't matter much as Betiku has said he's looking forward to seeing various parts of the country. UCLA is still in the mix to reel Betiku back in the fold, and USC could still make a move depending on how the season plays out and who takes over as the new head coach. -- Erik McKinney
N'Keal Harry, WR, 6-3, 205, Chandler/Chandler, AZ, ESPN 300 No. 54
Prediction: Arizona State
Confidence level: 40 percent
Toughest competition: Texas A&M
Others in the mix: Arizona, Washington
Harry has taken official visits to Texas A&M and Washington, but this could be the first year since 2008 that Arizona State signs the top prospect in the state. Harry has been a top target of the Sun Devils for some time and it would make a big statement if Arizona State is able to land the receiver. But the Aggies did a great job with their pitch during Harry's official visit. -- Erik McKinney
Binjimen Victor, WR, 6-4, 174, Coconut Creek/Coconut Creek, FL, ESPN 300 No. 264
Prediction:: Ohio State
Confidence level: 40 percent
Toughest competition: Florida
Others in the mix: Tennessee, Louisville, Auburn, West Virginia, USC
Victor has already taken a visit to Ohio State and said he thoroughly enjoyed himself. He still has a few visits to take and a few schools could enter the mi,x the way USC recently did by offering Victor. As of now it seems Ohio State has his interest but depending on how the rest of his visits go, that could change. He has three official visits left, so which schools get those visits will obviously tell a lot about where the rest of the schools stand. -- Tom VanHaaren
Theo Howard, WR, 6-0, 174, Westlake/Westlake Village, CA, ESPN 300 No. 293
Prediction: UCLA
Confidence level: 90 percent
Toughest competition: USC
Others in the mix: Texas A&M
Howard made an early commitment to Oregon, but ever since he backed off that pledge, UCLA has appeared to be the team to beat. The Bruins have significant leverage with quarterback Josh Rosen, who will be around for at least two more years. Howard is set to commit on Sunday, and things look good for UCLA to add a dynamic pass catcher to this class. Howard has also taken an official visit to Texas A&M, and the Trojans could also be in the mix. USC has a terrific wide receiver class committed already, but Howard has long been a top target of the Trojans. -- Erik McKinney