Early Signing Period Kicks Off for College Football Recruits
City: The early signing period for college football has officially begun, running from Wednesday, December 4, to Friday, December 6. This three-day event allows high school recruits across the nation to finalize their commitments and sign with universities, potentially changing the landscape of college football for years to come.
Who is Involved?
High school football players and their families are at the center of this signing period, as well as college coaches and recruitment staff from various programs. These recruits include some of the nation’s top talents, aiming to secure their futures and influence the direction of college football teams.
What is Happening?
During this period, many of the top recruits in the 2025 class are officially committing to their respective schools. This year’s signing period has been shifted to allow schools to finalize their recruiting classes before the transfer portal opens on December 9. The early signing window typically sees most recruits making their decisions, although the traditional National Signing Day will still occur on February 5.
Where is this Taking Place?
The signing event is taking place across various universities in the United States as recruits sign their National Letters of Intent (NLI) at their chosen schools. Various forms of announcements and celebrations are taking place through social media and press conferences as recruits confirm their commitments publicly.
When is it Happening?
The early signing period started on December 4 and will continue through December 6. This timeline has been moved up from last year’s December 20 start and the previous year’s December 21, which coincided with the transfer process.
Why Does this Matter?
The early signing period represents a crucial moment for college football programs, giving hope to teams recovering from tough seasons and marking the potential start of new dynasties. The players who sign during this event will have the chance to enroll early, allowing them to prepare and integrate into their teams ahead of the spring semester.
Key Signings from Day One
The first day of signing has already showcased significant commitments. Michael Fasusi, the No. 13 overall prospect and No. 2 offensive tackle, has officially signed with Oklahoma despite interest from Texas A&M and Texas. Javion Hilson, an edge rusher from the state of Missouri, surprised many by committing to Missouri over Texas and Syracuse.
More highlights include Jahkeem Stewart, a 5-star defensive lineman who chose USC over several other high-profile schools, signaling a significant victory for Coach Lincoln Riley. Meanwhile, Lagonza Howard and Madden Faraimo have also committed to Florida and Notre Dame, respectively, highlighting positive momentum for these programs.
Stunning Flips
One of the standout moments this year includes Na’eem Offord, the No. 11 overall prospect, who flipped his commitment from Ohio State to Oregon. This move could reshape expectations for both teams. Similarly, quarterback Jaron Keawe Sagapolutele switched his commitment from Cal to Oregon, indicating a strong pull for the Ducks.
In other notable developments, Julian “JuJu” Lewis signed with Colorado, as Coach Deion Sanders secures a promising quarterback. Husan Longstreet, another top prospect, confirmed his signing with USC, further solidifying the Trojans’ recruiting success.
Expectations Moving Forward
With the early signing period only just beginning, college programs are eager to see how the remainder of the days unfold. Many fans, as well as coaches, are eagerly anticipating updates on commitments, potential flips, and the overall outcome of the 2025 recruiting class. The days ahead promise excitement and potential upheaval in the recruiting landscape.
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
