As the dust settles on the National Signing Day for 2024, college football programs across the nation are reflecting on their recruiting successes and failures during the early signing period. This year, the early signing period, which took place from December 20 to December 22, 2023, saw a flurry of activity as high school athletes committed to their future schools, setting the stage for the upcoming college football seasons. This article breaks down the winners and losers of the early signing period, highlighting the teams that excelled in securing top talent and those that fell short of expectations.
**Winners of the 2024 Early Signing Period**
1. **Georgia Bulldogs**: The reigning national champions continued their dominance in recruiting, securing the top-ranked class in the nation. With a staggering 10 five-star recruits, including standout quarterback prospect Dylan Raiola, Georgia solidified its reputation as a powerhouse. The Bulldogs’ ability to attract elite talent is a testament to their recent success on the field and the allure of their championship culture.
2. **Alabama Crimson Tide**: Nick Saban’s squad maintained its status as a recruiting juggernaut, finishing with the second-best class. Alabama’s haul included five five-star recruits, headlined by defensive end James Smith. The Tide’s consistent performance and ability to develop players into NFL prospects continue to make them a top choice for recruits.
3. **Ohio State Buckeyes**: Ohio State rounded out the top three with a strong class that featured several high-profile commits, including wide receiver Brandon Inniss. The Buckeyes’ emphasis on offensive skill positions has made them a favorite among playmakers, and this class is no exception.
4. **Texas Longhorns**: Texas made headlines by securing a top-five class, showcasing the resurgence of the program under coach Steve Sarkisian. With a focus on both offensive and defensive line prospects, the Longhorns are positioning themselves for a strong future in the Big 12.
5. **USC Trojans**: Lincoln Riley’s recruiting efforts have paid off, as USC landed a top-10 class that includes several high-impact players. The Trojans are looking to return to prominence in the Pac-12, and this recruiting class could be pivotal in that journey.
**Losers of the 2024 Early Signing Period**
1. **Michigan Wolverines**: Despite their recent success on the field, Michigan struggled to keep pace with their rivals in recruiting. The Wolverines finished outside the top 15, raising concerns about their ability to maintain competitiveness in the Big Ten.
2. **Florida Gators**: The Gators had a disappointing signing period, finishing with a class ranked in the mid-20s. With the pressure mounting on head coach Billy Napier, this lackluster performance could have significant implications for the program’s future.
3. **Oregon Ducks**: After a promising start to the recruiting cycle, Oregon faltered during the early signing period, landing a class that failed to meet expectations. The Ducks are at a crossroads, needing to regain momentum in future recruiting efforts.
4. **Penn State Nittany Lions**: Despite a solid season, Penn State’s recruiting class fell short of the top-tier talent expected. With several key in-state recruits opting for rival programs, the Nittany Lions must refocus their strategy moving forward.
5. **Nebraska Cornhuskers**: Nebraska’s struggles continue as they finished with one of the lowest-ranked classes in the Big Ten. The program’s inability to attract top talent remains a significant hurdle for head coach Matt Rhule as he attempts to rebuild the storied program.
**Conclusion**
The early signing period of National Signing Day 2024 has provided a glimpse into the future of college football. Programs like Georgia and Alabama continue to assert their dominance, while others like Michigan and Florida face critical challenges ahead. As teams prepare for the traditional signing day in February, the landscape of college football recruiting remains as competitive as ever. The impact of these recruiting classes will undoubtedly shape the fortunes of these programs in the coming seasons.
**Sources**:
– 247Sports.com
– Rivals.com
– ESPN.com
– CollegeFootballNews.com
