National Signing Day is an exhilarating time for college football, as schools across the nation prepare to welcome new talent to their programs. Scheduled for Wednesday, this day marks the beginning of a crucial period where Division I programs can sign players until April 1, while Division II programs have until August 1. With anticipation building, let’s dive into what this year’s signing day holds.
The top recruiting classes in 2025
As we approach National Signing Day, the competition among colleges is fierce. According to ESPN, the top-ranked recruiting classes for this year belong to Texas, Georgia, and Oregon. Leading the pack, Steve Sarkisian’s Texas Longhorns boast an impressive 18 commits from the ESPN 300 list. Not far behind are Kirby Smart’s Georgia Bulldogs with 15 commits and Dan Lanning’s Oregon Ducks with 16.
It’s worth noting that many schools have already secured commitments through the early signing period in December, capturing a significant portion of the top 100 prospects in the Class of 2025. This early signing period, introduced by the NCAA in 2017, has changed the landscape of recruiting, allowing schools to solidify their classes before the traditional signing day.
What changes happened to National Signing Day in 2025?
The evolution of National Signing Day has been significant. Traditionally held on the first Wednesday of February, the NCAA made changes in 2017 that established a signing period and introduced an early signing window in December. This year, however, a groundbreaking change has taken place. In October 2024, the NCAA abolished the practice of National Letters of Intent (NLIs), which had been a staple for high school seniors indicating their commitment to a program.
Instead, players will now receive written offers of athletic financial aid from their prospective schools. This shift is rooted in ongoing legal debates surrounding college sports and the potential for a revenue-sharing model between schools and student-athletes. The Class of 2025 will be the first since 1964 to navigate this process without the traditional NLIs, marking a historic moment in college football recruiting.
Last-minute drama on National Signing Day
While many players have already made their commitments, National Signing Day is notorious for last-minute surprises. Coaches and fans alike hold their breath as top prospects may still choose to flip their commitments or announce unexpected decisions. The excitement of potential twists and turns adds an extra layer of thrill to this already significant day in college football.
OT Ty Haywood: the key player to watch
Among the players generating buzz this signing day is four-star offensive tackle prospect Ty Haywood. He stands out as the most important commitment yet to be finalized. Previously committed to Alabama, Haywood did not sign during the December period and officially decommitted in January. This has left many wondering where he will land.
Just a week after his decommitment, Haywood visited Michigan, and analysts are leaning toward the Wolverines as his likely destination. However, Florida State and Texas Tech are also in the mix, vying for his talent. Haywood is set to announce his decision on Monday, and fans are eager to see where he will ultimately choose to play.
The impact of early signing periods
The introduction of early signing periods has transformed the recruiting landscape. Schools now have the opportunity to secure commitments from top prospects before the traditional signing day, allowing them to focus on filling remaining roster gaps. This shift has led to a more strategic approach to recruiting, as programs aim to build their classes early and effectively.
With a majority of top prospects already signed, the pressure is on for schools to finalize their classes and make the most of National Signing Day. The excitement surrounding these commitments can energize fan bases and set the tone for upcoming seasons.
As National Signing Day approaches, all eyes will be on the players, coaches, and schools involved. The decisions made on this day can shape the future of college football programs and influence the trajectory of young athletes’ careers. Whether it’s the thrill of a last-minute commitment or the satisfaction of securing top talent, National Signing Day is a pivotal moment in the world of college football.
With so much at stake, it’s no wonder that fans, coaches, and players alike are filled with anticipation. Who will rise to the occasion, and which programs will solidify their futures? One thing is for sure: the excitement of National Signing Day is palpable, and the impact of these decisions will be felt for years to come.
