We’re just under 24 hours from finally learning where John Simpson will play college ball.

For months now, we’ve painted the picture that Florida was the biggest threat to Clemson, and it certainly appears that the Gators are in position to potentially pull off a major coup.

At this point, it’s a close call. Maybe too close to say with absolute certainty.

Clemson has long been considered as the front-runner. They’ve been on him the longest, back to his freshman year at Stall High School. Interest ratcheted up after he transferred to Fort Dorchester.

LSU was always an entertaining option. Simpson usually mentioned LSU as a place he wanted to visit before narrowing down his options and/or making a final decision. Those Tigers did receive an official visit in the fall, but that ship has sailed.

Simpson is down to Clemson and Florida. It’s been that way for a while, longer than what’s been discussed in public.

What could be a factor as we move closer to Wednesday afternoon is playing time. The state of Florida’s offensive line has been in flux since Jim McElwain arrived and the right side of last season’s starting five is gone. The Gators are signing three offensive linemen with the 2016 class, all of whom are carry lower rankings/ratings than Simpson.

Clemson will also be down two starters from last season, but the Tigers’ returning depth is far greater than a lot of folks, not just Florida. The state of the offensive line in Tigertown is better than it’s been in a long time, if not ever.

After his official visit to Clemson last month, it appeared that Simpson was on track and heading where most thought he was already headed. A day before Signing Day, the conversation has changed and it’s not so clear-cut.

Again, it’s a close call, so close that, as of the time of publication, TheClemsonInsider is not planning to attend his 12:30 announcement at Fort Dorchester. Those plans, obviously, can change between now and Wednesday morning.