By: David Wasson (FanHouse.com) — In the final push toward National Signing Day 2011 on Feb. 2, FanHouse.com will examine the recruiting efforts of a major conference in twice-weekly notebooks. As always, recruiting is an always-changing landscape — and there are several high-profile players who remain uncommitted. That said, here is FanHouse’s review of the Big Ten.

The Best

OHIO STATE BUCKEYES

Total commitments (as of Jan. 5): 20

Five- and four-star commitments: 9

The 411: The Buckeyes broke their streak of losing against the SEC in bowl games earlier this week, and appear bound for a Top 10 national recruiting class as well. Building a virtual wall around Ohio certainly helps, but coach Jim Tressel and his staff have also landed commitments from OL Brian Bobek (6-2, 278, Palatine, Ill., Fremd HS) and LB Ryan Shazier (6-3, 205, Plantation, Fla., HS) from outside the state.

Grade: A

IOWA HAWKEYES

Total commitments (as of Jan. 5): 19

Five- and four-star commitments: 4

The 411: The Hawkeyes are another emerging national recruiting force, landing solid commitments from Florida, Ohio and Texas. Among the top potential Iowa players in 2012 and beyond are ATH Rodney Coe (6-3, 230, Edwardsville, Ill., HS) and OL Austin Blythe (6-3, 280, Williamsburg, Iowa, HS). Iowa also picked up junior-college transfer OL Dan Heiar (Council Bluffs, Iowa, Iowa Western CC) to immediately bolster its offensive line.

Grade: A-

The Contenders

MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS

Total commitments (as of Jan. 5): 16

Five- and four-star commitments: 1

The 411: Coach Mark Dantonio and his Spartans might have been embarrassed by Alabama in their bowl game, but Michigan State is making up for it on the recruiting trail. The best commitment of the bunch is undoubtedly five-star LB Lawrence Thomas (6-4, 232, Detroit, Mich., Renaissance HS) – who committed to the Spartans nearly a year ago over offers from Alabama, Florida, Miami (Fla.), Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Penn State and Southern Cal.

Grade: B+

WISCONSIN BADGERS

Total commitments (as of Jan. 5): 19

Five- and four-star commitments: 2

The 411: Bret Bielema and his assistants still have a few finishing touches to make on the 2011 class, the commitments of LB Jake Keefer (6-4, 215, Baldwin, Wisc., Baldwin-Woodville HS) and DE Austin Traylor (6-4, 210, Columbus, Ohio, Walnut Ridge HS) give Wisconsin a solid grade.

Grade: B

MINNESOTA GOLDEN GOPHERS

Total commitments (as of Jan. 5): 22

Five- and four-star commitments: 0

The 411: Minnesota has gone for numbers over pure talent so far in the 2011 recruiting effort, and it has paid off. Among the best future Golden Gophers are……

READ THE REST OF THE ARTICLE DIRECTLY FROM THE SOURCE PAGE AT FANHOUSE.COM BY CLICKING HERE.

Related posts:

1. 5-Star Cornerback Doran Grant Commits To Ohio State Over Michigan State
2. (2) Ohio State (13-0) at Indiana (9-5)
3. Iowa drops Ohio State to avoid losing early ground in Big Ten
4. What Is Next For Jim Tressel’s Ohio State Buckeyes?
5. Buckeye commit suffers bone break in all-star game