NCAA Football

5 Teams That Became Contenders After National Signing Day 2015

5 Teams That Became Contenders After National Signing Day 2015

Steve Sarkisian USC Trojans
Cary Edmonson, USA TODAY SPORTS

College football's National Signing Day can have major implications on teams. Filling needs and upgrading talent are always important factors in signing classes. Certain teams did more for themselves than others on Wednesday. Here's a look at five teams that became contenders after the 2015 signing day.

5. Missouri Tigers

Gary Pinkel Missouri Tigers
Kim Klement, USA TODAY SPORTS

5. Missouri Tigers

Gary Pinkel Missouri Tigers

The Tigers are already two-time defending SEC East champions, which helped them land an outstanding class. Defensive tackle Terry Beckner, Jr. was one of the nation's top recruits and he should contribute for Gary Pinkel right away.

4. UCLA Bruins

Jim Mora UCLA Bruins
Kirby Lee, USA TODAY SPORTS

4. UCLA Bruins

Jim Mora UCLA Bruins

The Bruins were on the cusp of contending last season, and must replace quarterback Brett Hundley, but this class is solid. Running back Soso Jamabo is the highest-rated recruit of Jim Mora's class.

3. Tennessee Volunteers

Butch Jones Tennessee Volunteers
Mark Zerof, USA TODAY SPORTS

3. Tennessee Volunteers

Butch Jones Tennessee Volunteers

Butch Jones has done an amazing job of recruiting since arriving in Knoxville. This season is no exception, as he had a Top 10 class to add to the talent already on the roster. Look for the Vols to return to contending in the SEC very soon.

2. Auburn Tigers

Gus Malzahn Auburn Tigers
John David Mercer, USA TODAY SPORTS

2. Auburn Tigers

Gus Malzahn Auburn Tigers

The Tigers got the biggest prize of them all, defensive lineman Byron Cowart. Thanks to Gus Malzahn and new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp, Auburn assembled a class that will have them in the hunt in 2015.

1. USC Trojans

Steve Sarkisian USC Trojans
Kirby Lee, USA TODAY SPORTS

1. USC Trojans

Steve Sarkisian USC Trojans

Steve Sarkisian will have his team in the hunt for a College Football Playoff bid after cleaning up on Wednesday. This class has some immediate impact players, which will propel the Trojans toward their lofty traditional standing.

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