Countdown to National Signing Day - Big Ten Top 25 Update

With less than 48 hours remaining until prospects tie the knot with schools nationwide, ESPN has taken a final stab at ranking the presumptive class entries.  Here's a quick sweep of Big Ten talent in the Top 25.

Ohio State, with its megaton brand recognition and 25 commits (7 ESPN 150) continues to headline the Big Ten arms race, sitting in Fourth Place nationally.  If this class had a theme I'd be reload.  The Buckeyes will look to RB Jaamal Berry and LBs Jordan Whiting and Adam Homan to replace departees Chris "Beanie" Wells, Marcus Freeman, and the omnipresent James Laurinaitis.

Hated Rival Michigan, meanwhile is climbing -- 20 commits (4 ESPN 150), including DE Craig Roh, figure to boost the Wolverine's overall prowess as they land at No. 14 nationally.  If this class had a theme I'd be recast.

Penn State is somewhat of a sleeper on this list -- nestling up to the maize and blue at 15th overall -- a roster of 26 commits (2 ESPN 150) that features a new quarterback (Kevin Newsome) and golden laces (Anthony Fera, No. 2 kicker overall).  If this class had a theme I'd be return.

Michigan State matches the Nittany Lions on elite ESPN 150 talent and commits, but its 21st ranked class is geared towards the stable.  If this class had a theme I'd be repower.  Two Top 25 running backs balance out new edition top-five TE Dion Sims. 

Finally, Illinois swings in at 22nd nationally -- keeping things in-state and in the family, via ESPN 150 wide-receiver tandem Kraig Appleton and Terry Hawthorne.  If this class had a theme I'd be remind.