As college football teams get ready for their conference championship games, something just as important is happening in the background: the early signing period. This three-day window lets Division I football recruits officially sign with their chosen schools, shaping the future of league titles and playoff dreams.
With the early signing period now pretty much replacing the old National Signing Day in February, college football recruiting has changed in a big way. Here’s what you should know about the upcoming early signing period, including the key dates and which schools are landing the top recruits.
Understanding the Early Signing Period
The early signing period is a big deal for college football programs. Over three days in December, recruits can make their commitments official.
This window has quickly become the main signing event for top recruits, leaving the traditional February signing day in the dust. For the 2026 recruiting class, the early signing period kicks off on Wednesday, Dec. 3, and wraps up on Friday, Dec. 5.
Why the Early Signing Period Matters
The early signing period brings some real perks for both recruits and programs:
- Stability: Recruits can lock in their spots early, cutting down on the stress of a long recruitment process.
- Focus: Teams can turn their attention to bowl games and next season without recruitment hanging over their heads.
- Strategy: Coaches get a clearer picture of their rosters and can address needs before the traditional signing day.
Changes to the Transfer Portal Window
To keep things from overlapping with the transfer portal, the early signing period got bumped up two weeks starting in 2024. The NCAA also decided to move its transfer portal window to Jan. 2-16 for 2026, aiming to tidy up the whole process.
Top Recruiting Classes for 2026
With the early signing period coming up, a few programs are standing out with stacked recruiting classes. According to 247Sports’ Composite rankings, here are the top 10 classes heading into the early signing period:
- USC: 34 commits
- Georgia: 31 commits
- Alabama: 23 commits
- Notre Dame: 27 commits
- Oregon: 19 commits
- Ohio State: 28 commits
- Texas: 24 commits
- Tennessee: 23 commits
- Texas A&M: 26 commits
- Miami: 29 commits
Key Programs to Watch
Some schools just keep crushing it in recruiting. This year, that trend continues:
- USC: With 34 commits, USC is out in front, pulling in talent from all over the country.
- Georgia: Not far behind, Georgia’s 31 commits show they’re still a recruiting powerhouse.
- Alabama: Alabama’s 23 commits add even more strength to their already loaded roster.
Pageantry and Tradition
Signing day isn’t just paperwork—it’s a celebration. News conferences, rows of hats, and sometimes even live animals make for a wild scene.
For many recruits, it’s their first real taste of the spotlight. For programs, it’s a chance to show off the new talent coming in.
The Role of Technology
There’s something charmingly old-school about the early signing period—yes, fax machines are still in the mix. In a world where everything’s digital, this little tradition feels oddly comforting, doesn’t it?
Looking Ahead to National Signing Day
Most signings happen during the early period, but National Signing Day on Feb. 4, 2026, still matters. It’s the last shot for programs to snag remaining recruits and for undecided players to finally make a call.
Finalizing Recruiting Classes
Teams use this extra window to fill out their rosters, sometimes going after specific needs or adding more depth. For recruits, it’s a final chance to weigh their options and decide where they want to play.
Conclusion
The early signing period has really changed how college football recruiting works. It brings a bit more stability for recruits and programs alike.
As this big moment gets closer, there’s a buzz in the air—signing day always has that special energy, doesn’t it? It feels like the whole sport is looking forward to what comes next.
If you’re curious about the early signing period or want to keep up with the latest news, check out USA Today.
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