Winners
National Signing Day 2024 Recap: Winners, Losers, & Team Rankings
National Signing Day for the 2025 college football recruiting cycle made waves this week, setting a record as the earliest signing period ever. The day fell smack-dab in the middle of conference championship weekend and days before Selection Sunday for the College Football Playoff and the opening of the transfer portal on Dec. 9. In a recruiting landscape dominated by the transfer portal, the day was a reminder that high school talent remains the lifeblood of college football. The signing day showcased the next generation of stars, with top prep players committing to colleges across the country.
As the Director of Scouting for 247Sports, I witnessed the ebbs and flows of this year-round process. Here are some of the standout teams from National Signing Day, based on the day’s events as well as recent weeks’ developments. The rankings mentioned below are accurate as of 5 p.m. ET on Wednesday.
Oregon: Class rank: No. 4
Oregon emerged as one of the big winners of the day, making significant moves by flipping five-star cornerback Na’eem Offord from Ohio State and four-star quarterback Jaron Keawe Sagapolutele from California. The Ducks also secured long-time five-star wide receiver commit Dallas Wilson, fending off late interest from Florida and Miami. Tobi Haastrup, a boom-or-bust pass rusher, also joined the fold. Oregon’s already strong recruiting class received a further boost, establishing them as a national powerhouse.
Texas: Class rank: No. 1
Texas solidified its position at the top with a stellar recruiting class under Steve Sarkisian’s leadership. The Longhorns’ class is on track to be the program’s highest-ranked since 2012, propelled by the additions of star prospects like four-star cornerback Kade Phillips and utilityman Michael Terry III. Terry, reminiscent of former UT star Ja’Tavion Sanders, became the third five-star recruit from Texas to join the Longhorns’ ranks, underscoring their dominance in the recruiting scene.
Florida: Class rank: No. 10
The DJ Lagway effect was evident as Florida’s recruiting class surged from obscurity to near the top 10 in a matter of weeks. Despite missing out on some targets, Florida’s momentum in acquiring top talent was undeniable, signaling a positive shift under Billy Napier’s leadership. The Gators’ rise in the rankings showcases the impact of late-season performances on recruiting outcomes.
South Carolina: Class rank: No. 20
South Carolina made significant moves on signing day, flipping top prospects like Zavion Hardy from Mississippi State and Christian Ingram, beating out USC and Michigan. The Gamecocks’ focus on front-seven defenders highlighted their commitment to building a strong defensive unit, setting them up for success in the coming seasons.
In total, South Carolina signed 10 front-seven defenders on Wednesday, reinforcing their defensive prowess in the SEC.
These standout teams exemplify the competitive nature of college football recruiting and the strategic moves that shape the future of the sport. Each program’s success on signing day reflects their dedication to securing top talent and building winning teams for the seasons ahead.