There are 28 five-stars in the class of 2017 and at this point 13 of those prospects have already made college commitments. But as followers of recruiting know, five-star players flip schools every year.
So which five-stars are on flip watch in this year’s class? We break down the four most likely candidates, including the nation’s No. 1 overall player.
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The biggest threat: Pac-12 schools - mainly Cal, UCLA and possibly USC - seemed like the likeliest contenders here but in the past few months that has changed. Michigan is now the biggest threat to Alabama in keeping Harris and the Wolverines don't seem to be giving up.
Why he might flip: If Michigan wins the national championship, or if Harris is convinced Jim Harbaugh's offense would be the best fit for him, then he could change his mind. If Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin gets a head coaching job and Harris isn't certain Alabama is the best fit any longer, it could happen as well. The only other factor at this point is if Harris decides staying closer to home and playing in the Pac-12 is better for him but that hasn't been an issue so far.
Why he will stick: It's Alabama. The Crimson Tide put running backs in the NFL all the time, Derrick Henry being the latest, and Harris has all the tools to be special in Tuscaloosa. At this point, there have been no serious indications that Harris is super serious about any other programs and his commitment to the Crimson Tide remains strong. - Rivals.com National recruiting analyst Adam Gorney
The biggest threat: Alabama. The Tide have had Shelvin in their crosshairs for quite sometime, even before the coaching change at LSU.
Why he might flip: The news of Les Miles' firing hit Shelvin and his family hard, especially since the head coach had been very involved in his recruitment. Shelvin had already talked about taking other visits, and the uncertainty in Baton Rouge could be the opening other schools need to steal him away.
Why he will stick: Shelvin has been committed to the Tigers for more than a year and as a Louisiana native it’s clear he loves the school. As long as the coaching situation is settled in early December, the new staff will have plenty of time to keep Shelvin in the fold. - Rivals.com Southeast recruiting analyst Woody Wommack
The biggest threat: Alabama
Why he might flip: It was once thought that Florida, not Alabama, posed the biggest threat to Ohio State when it comes to Wade. That seems to be an old talking point at this juncture. The Tide offer Wade a chance to stay in the Southeast and compete for a championship. He's never totally ruled out the possibility of a change of heart, making Wade one to watch down the stretch.
Why he will stick: Wade has been committed to Ohio State for some time and his bond with the staff is a strong one. He's seen the campus and feels at home in Columbus. The roots he's already placed at Ohio State will be tough to pull. - Rivals.com Southeast recruiting analyst Rob Cassidy
The biggest threat: USC or Michigan
Why he might flip: Leatherwood was once high on Florida State but has cooled on the Seminoles in recent months. These days, USC and Michigan seem to be the biggest threats to flip Leatherwood. He recently visited Michigan and will likely make his way to USC, which he has already visited once, before National Signing Day. Getting Leatherwood to actually change his mind won't be easy, but he'll certainly flirt with other school into the winter.
Why he will stick: Leatherwood seems likely to stick with Alabama. Then again, stranger things have happened in recruiting. USC holds appeal for Leatherwood, as does Michigan, which is making serious in-roads in Florida. - Cassidy
