Football star Jabrill Peppers is scheduled to announce Sunday on ESPNU which college he will attend. Peppers’ decision, and the ability to make it on such a large media stage, underscores the increasing popularity and coverage of high school recruiting, and its importance to the multibillion-dollar business of intercollegiate athletics.

This year’s list reflects the brutally competitive nature of certain industries and the importance of not falling behind in efficiency, innovation or financing.