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Signing day arrives Wednesday, December 4, earlier than ever in NCAA history. This begins the three-day early signing period, which runs through December 6. Thanks to significant changes to the Division I recruiting calendar, this year’s signing period isn’t just about circling a date; it’s about navigating a perfect storm of pressure, opportunity and chaos, as CBS Sports has previously detailed.
These are the big storylines you need to catch up on before the festivities begin.
What will they sign?
Be prepared for a few acronyms. Now that the NCAA has eliminated national letters of intent, recruits will now sign financial aid agreements. Pending the passage of revenue-sharing measures expected to begin in the 2025-2026 school year, recruits will also soon be able to sign contracts detailing the expected revenues of their respective universities.
Name, image and likeness deals remain a driving factor, and this class is no exception. Embedding NIL into official contracts could reduce post-signature drama.
Once a player signs an FAA, schools are prohibited from contacting them unless the player is released from the agreement or enters the transfer portal. Schools caught contacting a signed recruit could face tampering charges.
Who will finish number 1?
Georgia currently leads the 247Sports Composite Team Recruiting Rankings heading into the early signing period. Well-known names Alabama and Ohio State follow closely.
Rounding out the top five are Texas and Auburn. While Georgia likely to retain the top spot, Alabama has historically been close under Nick Saban. This year, head coach Kalen DeBoer and general manager Courtney Morgan will lead their first full class in Tuscaloosa, and the Crimson Tide could make a late attempt to claim the No. 1 ranking. Keep an eye on coveted wide receiver Derek Meadowsan LSU commit looking around.
Where will the Terrys land?
The top two free agent recruits in the class of 2025 — Justus Terry And Michael Terry III (no relation) – are at the center of the speculation.
Justus Terry, the No. 2 defensive lineman and No. 9 overall pick, is leaning toward Georgia in the state. If the Bulldogs land him, they will likely retain the No. 1 ranking. He is expected to announce a decision on December 6.
Michael Terry, the No. 1 athlete and No. 24 overall prospect, appears headed to Texas. A commitment from Terry could push the Longhorns past Ohio State into third place, resulting in an SEC-heavy top three.
More QB flips?
USC recently flipped long-time Texas A&M commitment Husan Longstreet after losing their own long-time commitment, Julian Lewis, to Colorado. Could there be more quarterback drama in store?
One to watch is Jaron Keawe Sagapolutelethe No. 1 recruit from Hawaii. A Cal commit since July, Sagapolutele received an offer from Oregon in September, and the Ducks are gaining momentum.
Sagapolutele grew up an Oregon fan and idolizes left-handed quarterback Dillon Gabriel, whose Hawaii state records he broke. Oregon’s pursuit brings back memories of another Hawaiian left-hander, Tua Tagovailoa, who the Ducks famously missed.
Can Oregon close the deal, or will Cal keep its top recruit from the Justin Wilcox era? Here’s a little more on that topic.