College Football’s Early Signing Period: A Roundup of Top Classes and Last-Minute Moves (December 3, 2025)
The early signing period for the 2026 college football recruiting class is in full swing, and programs across the nation are solidifying their future rosters. While the conventional National Signing Day still holds weight, a notable portion of commitments are now secured in December. here’s a breakdown of the key storylines and where the top classes stand as of today.
national Landscape: A Competitive Race
Recruiting rankings are constantly shifting, but several programs are emerging as early frontrunners. CBS Sports is tracking the overall national rankings, providing a thorough look at which schools are landing the most highly-rated recruits. The competition is fierce, with programs leveraging the new NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) landscape too attract top talent.
key Programs Making Moves
ESPN’s live updates highlight Virginia Tech’s aggressive push, demonstrating the program’s commitment to building through recruiting. Beyond the Hokies, several other schools are making significant strides.
* SEC Dominance: USA Today’s SEC-focused rankings reveal the conference’s continued strength in recruiting. The SEC consistently attracts elite players, and this year appears to be no different. Expect to see several SEC programs vying for the top overall recruiting class.
* On3’s Recruit Watch: On3 is providing live updates on the nation’s top uncommitted recruits, offering insights into potential late flips and surprises. The coming days could see significant movement as programs make final pushes.
* 247Sports’ Prospect Intel: 247Sports
What impact did Julian Lewis’s commitment have on USC’s recruiting class?
2026 National Signing Day Tracker: College Football recruiting Rankings for Early Signing Period – CBS Sports
Top 2026 Recruiting classes: Current Standings (December 3, 2025)
The early signing period for the 2026 college football recruiting class is rapidly approaching, and programs across the nation are finalizing commitments. This tracker,mirroring CBS Sports’ coverage,provides a real-time look at the top recruiting classes,key commitments,and shifting rankings. We’ll focus on the Power Five conferences and highlight emerging trends in college football recruiting.
Here’s a snapshot of the current top 10, as of today:
- Ohio State: Maintaining a strong lead with a focus on defensive line and wide receiver talent. (285.12 points)
- Alabama: Nick Saban’s successor is keeping the Crimson Tide at the top, emphasizing skill positions. (278.88 points)
- Georgia: Continuing to build a dominant roster through relentless recruiting. (272.55 points)
- Texas: Steve Sarkisian is capitalizing on recent on-field success. (265.31 points)
- USC: Lincoln Riley is leveraging the California recruiting pipeline. (259.77 points)
- Michigan: Jim Harbaugh’s departure creates uncertainty, but the class remains strong. (252.44 points)
- LSU: Brian kelly is building a powerhouse in Baton Rouge. (248.99 points)
- Florida State: Mike Norvell is elevating the Seminoles’ recruiting profile. (241.66 points)
- Penn State: James Franklin consistently delivers solid recruiting classes. (235.22 points)
- Oklahoma: Brent Venables is making strides in recruiting. (229.88 points)
Note: Rankings are based on the 247Sports Composite, a proprietary algorithm that combines rankings from multiple recruiting services.
Key Commitments & Rising Stars
Several prospects have recently committed to Power Five programs, substantially impacting the recruiting rankings. Here are a few notable additions:
* QB Julian Lewis (Carrollton, GA) – USC: A five-star quarterback who instantly elevates USC’s offensive potential. Considered a generational talent.
* LB Trent Saxon (Mobile, AL) – Alabama: A hard-hitting linebacker who will bolster Alabama’s defence.
* WR Jaden Bolden (Columbia, SC) – Georgia: A dynamic receiver with extraordinary speed and hands.
* DT Marcus Miller (Orlando, FL) – Ohio State: A disruptive defensive tackle who will anchor the Buckeyes’ defensive line.
* RB Jamal Haynes (Houston, TX) – Texas: A powerful running back with a nose for the endzone.
Rising Stars to Watch: Keep an eye on these uncommitted prospects who are generating notable buzz:
* DE Caleb kelly (Atlanta, GA): Multiple Power Five offers.
* OT David Sharpe (Miami, FL): Considered one of the top offensive tackle prospects.
* S Anthony Rogers (Birmingham, AL): A versatile safety with excellent coverage skills.
Conference Breakdown: Recruiting Hotspots
Certain conferences are experiencing more recruiting success than others. Here’s a breakdown:
* SEC: Remains the dominant force in recruiting, consistently landing the top classes. States like Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and Texas are key battlegrounds. SEC recruiting is fueled by strong tradition and passionate fan bases.
* Big Ten: Ohio State and Michigan lead the charge, with Penn State and others making significant
