Early National Signing Day 2024: Grading Every Top 25 Team's Recruiting Class on Day

Wednesday's first day of the Early Signing Period hearkened back to the halcyon National Signing Days of old. There were so many wild-and-crazy twists and turns, it was difficult to keep up.

Flips happened left and right. Major prospects flew off the board to their schools of choice, including some incredible shockers that left everybody's mouth agape. Other top-tier talents elected not to put pen to paper, leaving fan bases in angst.

In other words, it was just like old times for those who have the love-hate relationship with recruiting.

Oregon and Florida had terrific days, while others like LSU, Auburn and USC won some and lost some. Truthfully, it was about like that for everybody. If your program didn't catch a stray bullet on a recruiting day to remember, count yourself lucky.

So, for the teams that are thriving on the gridiron this season, how did they fare in the early signing session?

Using the latest Associated Press rankings, we took a deeper look at the teams making noise this year in college football and graded their performance in living rooms for the 2025 recruiting cycle so far.

Buckle up as we try to make sense of some of the shenanigans.

No. 25 Memphis Tigers

Key signees: 4-star QB Antwaan Hill, 3-star WR Xavier Johnson, 3-star CB Xavier Thompson

Analysis: On one hand, Memphis' recruiting class is about in-line rankings-wise from where the Tigers' classes have been under coach Ryan Silverfield. It's third in the AAC, which isn't bad, and Hill is an elite, dual-threat talent and the kind of prospect who doesn't normally head to the Group of Five and could battle to replace Seth Henigan right away. This class is enjoyed a late flurry of pledges, and it's heavy on offensive skill-position talent like receivers and tight ends. Thanks to Hill, it's also ranked higher than previous years.

Grade: B-

No. 24 Army Black Knights

Key signees: 3-star QB Seth Shigg, 3-star WR AJ Johnson, 3-star DL Zachary Green

Analysis: It's extremely difficult to evaluate Army's football recruits since they obviously have different parameters than other programs, and they are going after young men who will be fighting for this country. But the on-field success coach Jeff Monken has experienced this year has translated to a class that is ranked 30 or so spots higher than normal. Shigg is a terrific athlete, and guys like Green are physically ready to compete immediately.

Grade: C-

No. 23 Syracuse Orange

Key signees: 4-star S Demetres Samuel Jr., 3-star ATH Jaylen Pray, 3-star ATH Quante Gillians

Analysis: There's no question that first-year coach Fran Brown and defensive coordinator Elijah Robinson are changing the recruiting trajectory of the program, and after beating Miami this weekend for their ninth win, they're doing it on the field, too. For the second cycle in a row, the Orange will firmly have a top-40 class, and flipping players like CB Kaylib Singleton—who was previously pledged to Rutgers and could have gone to LSU or Texas A&M—and holding off Michigan for Gillians is huge.

This is a massive class with more commits than any other FBS class, and it is full of guys who wouldn't have gone to the Orange in recent years.

Grade: B-

No. 22 Missouri Tigers

Key signees: 4-star QB Matt Zollers, 4-star Edge Javion Hilson, 4-star WR Donovan Olugbode

Analysis: Pulling in elite recruits is becoming the norm for Mizzou under coach Eli Drinkwitz, and they're doing it again this year with game-changing prospects like Hilson and Zollers, who could have gone anywhere. Jack Lange gives Mizzou a top-100 offensive tackle, but losing 5-star Lamont Rogers and 4-star RB Jamarion Morrow to Texas A&M on Wednesday hurt. Flipping star running back Marquise Davis from SEC rival Kentucky was a massive deal in the final week before signing day, and Hilson was a major win after a late official visit.

Coach Drink is firmly entrenched with his third top-25 recruiting class in the past four years in CoMo, and this is the Tigers' deepest and best. The crazy thing is that it's just good enough for 11th in the SEC.

Grade: A-

No. 21 Illinois Fighting Illini

Key signees: 3-star Edge Cameron Brooks, 3-star LB Grant Beerman, 3-star QB Jershawn Newton

Analysis: There's nothing flashy about Bret Bielema recruiting classes, but his formula is working in Champaign. This year's group is ranked in the same ballpark (top 50) and is balanced with players from most positions. Brooks is a good-looking edge-rusher, and Beerman is a traditional, hard-nosed Big Ten linebacker. Newton is the younger brother of former Illini star defensive tackle Jer'Zhan "Johnny" Newton and he will battle fellow incoming freshman Carson Boyd to be the Illini QB of the future. Flipping RB John Forster from Rutgers on Wednesday was a nice close.

Grade: C-

No. 20 Colorado Buffaloes

Key signees: 4-star QB Julian Lewis, 4-star IOL Chauncey Gooden, 4-star WR Adrian Wilson

Analysis: If you're looking for Colorado coach Deion Sanders to put together a top-10 class, keep waiting. That's not what the Buffaloes are trying to do, and while they will go after several elite prospects, Sanders believes in building through the portal, which is what they did this past offseason.

While losing Alex Graham to USC on Wednesday hurt, major wins like flipping Georgia signal-caller Lewis from USC and getting a strong receiver duo like Wilson and Quanell X Farrakhan Jr. will go a long way in keeping the Buffs near the top of the Big 12. This is class heavy on quality, even if it's not full of players.

Grade: C+

No. 19 UNLV Runnin' Rebels

Key signees: 3-star RB Kamran Williams, 3-star ATH Hayden Anderson, 3-star CB Josh Tuchek

Analysis: With coach Barry Odom's name swirling around several bigger vacancies, it will be interesting to see if the Runnin' Rebels keep a good class together that is currently tops in the Mountain West. The strength lies in the running back duo of Williams and Texas prep star Cornelius Warren, but there are other quality prospects, too. This group is very strong in the secondary, as well.

Grade: C

No. 18 Clemson Tigers

Key signees: 5-star DL Amare Adams, 4-star OT Brayden Jacobs, 4-star RB Gideon Davidson

Analysis: There's nothing wrong with a top-30 class, but if you're coach Dabo Swinney and not big on outfitting your roster from the transfer portal, it's just not good enough. This is not a deep group, even if there is value in the top-end talent.

Adams is one of the best defensive line prospects in the nation, and he could play right away, along with Ari Watford. The running back tandem of Davidson and Marquise Henderson is probably the best 1-2 punch in the nation in this class, and they will vie for carries right away. But a class with just four 4-stars and a 5-star isn't up to Clemson standards.

Grade: C+

No. 17 BYU Cougars

Key signees: 4-star OT Alai Kalaniuvalu, 3-star OT Austin Pay, 3-star ATH Lamason Waller

Analysis: BYU gave us one of the most impressive, unexpected starts to the season before falling off during the past month, and you'd think the uptick in the second year in the Big 12 would have a bigger impact on recruiting than it has. On one hand, the Cougars' class is very offensive line-heavy with five prospects, and that rarely helps rankings. There just aren't enough explosive players in this group to be impressive.

They need deeper groups to continuously contend in the Power Four, and as of press time, Kalaniuvalu had not signed his letter of intent yet.

Grade: D+

No. 16 Iowa State Cyclones

Key signees: 4-star LB Will Hawthorne, 3-star S Ethan Stecker, 3-star QB Alex Manske

Analysis: Really, the same thing can be said about Matt Campbell's class as BYU's, but the long-time Cyclones coach is winning despite not being able to consistently lure top-tier talent to Ames. The Algona (Iowa) duo of Manske and edge-rusher Jack Limbaugh is a quality combo that will do big things with the Cyclones. Manske especially has a high ceiling once he recovers from knee surgery.

There's nothing wrong with this class, and getting Hawthorne to commit on Wednesday was gargantuan for perception, but this group is light on projectable talent.

Grade: C-

No. 15 Ole Miss Rebels

Key signees: 5-star WR Caleb Cunningham, 4-star IOL Devin Harper, 4-star CB Maison Dunn

Analysis: It's been Flip-mas season early in Oxford, as coach Lane Kiffin got an elite in-state player in Cunningham as well as Harper in the fold after they were pledged to Alabama and LSU, respectively. Cunningham is a huge win who will pay immediate dividends because he is special.

While Kiffin missed out on flipping instate quarterback Deuce Knight, he still had a big Wednesday. Cornerback Dunn and receiver Winston Watkins Jr. committed to the Rebels, and they flipped Tyler Lockhart from Mississippi State, too. There's a lot to like about a class that has nine players who are at least 4-star prospects.

Grade: A-

No. 14 Miami Hurricanes

Key signees: 4-star edge Hayden Lowe, 4-star IOL Seuseu Alofaituli, 4-star RB Girard Pringle Jr.

Analysis: This is yet another strong class of talent put together by coach Mario Cristobal at The U, and while this season hasn't ended the way the Hurricanes have wanted in their one year with Cam Ward under center, it's still been a nice step forward that will continue with all the talent he's assembling.

With 11 4-star prospects, Miami may be lacking that one jewel of the class, but a group that features defensive dominators like Lowe and Herbert Scroggins will be just fine. I also love Pringle and WR Joshua Moore, who will play right away, but losing Hylton Stubbs to Florida and Gavin Nix to Oregon this week were tough blows.

Grade: A-

No. 13 South Carolina Gamecocks

Key signees: 4-star WR Malik Clark, 4-star S Kendall Daniels Jr., 4-star WR Lex Cyrus

Analysis: Shane Beamer's season at South Carolina started horrendously, but the Gamecocks are now one of the hottest teams in the nation. They aren't doing badly on the recruiting trail, either. This class is firmly in the top 25, and Carolina really did a good job with skill-position players.

Clark, Cyrus and Brian Rowe are a trio of 4-star pass-catchers who will be weapons for LaNorris Sellers soon. Beamer had a big Wednesday to add to the top-20 class, flipping former Georgia Tech 4-star OT Damola Ajidahun, top JUCO DL Zavion Hardy, former LSU TE recruit Mike Tyler and getting a commitment from DL Christian Ingram.

Grade: B

No. 12 Arizona State Sun Devils

Key signees: 4-star QB Cameron Dyer, 4-star TE AJ Ia, 3-star WR Cory Butler

Analysis: This certainly has been a banner year for Kenny Dillingham in Tempe, where he has the Sun Devils playing for the Big 12 title in just his second season as head coach and his team's first in the league. The recruiting class has improved a few spots from what we've seen in the previous few years, but it's still just sixth in the Big 12.

Still, there are some nice players, with Dyer leading the way as Sam Leavitt's heir under center. Ia and Butler, along with Chance Ables, are good-looking weapons to surround Dyer with, and Dillingham has some quality defensive pieces coming, too, such as the safety tandem of Benjamin Alefaio and Xavier Skowron.

Grade: C

No. 11 Alabama Crimson Tide

Key signees: 5-star QB Keelon Russell, 5-star IOL Michael Carroll, 5-star CB Dijon Lee

Analysis: Whoever said Alabama would suffer in recruiting without Nick Saban seriously underestimated Kalen DeBoer, who has put together an exceptional first class in his first full haul in Tuscaloosa. Even with some defections, this is still one of the nation's best.

Getting Derek Meadows to flip from LSU late Wednesday was a massive win.

Three 5-stars lead the way, and Russell is the most college-ready signal-caller in the class, even if Tavien St. Clair and Bryce Underwood perhaps have higher ceilings. Carroll will be road-grader for years to come. Nine additional four stars are in the class, too, but losing out on 5-star OT Ty Haywood and Donovan Starr signaled a rough finish to a great class.

Grade: A+

Key signees: 3-star Edge Jaden Williams, 3-star WR Qumonte Williams, 3-star WR Gavin Packer

Analysis

Supercharged by Heisman Trophy candidate running back Ashton Jeanty, Boise State coach Spencer Danielson has the Broncos back to competing for high-level hardware as they are the odds-on favorite to get the Group of Five automatic bid into the College Football Playoffs.

But while development is always going to be key for Mountain West programs, this year's class isn't up-to-speed with those old, elite Boise classes of years past. It's not even as highly ranked as last year's. It's still second in the Mountain West, however.

The receiver combination of Williams and Packer could be strong, and the latter flew a bit under the radar. Both of those guys could be in the mix for passes from Maddux Madsen next year.

There are other highlights such as Williams, a college-ready edge-rusher who has an NFL ceiling and the safety combination of Dominik Calhoun and Josiah Alanis, but there's no getting around the gut-wrenching, 11th-hour flip of Hezekiah Millender. Losing RB pledge Brendon Haygood to Mizzou on Wednesday was tough, too.

Millender is a 6'3", 210-pound athlete who was heading cross-country to Boise from his home in the shadow of Sanford Stadium, but he's instead staying home to battle for the Georgia Bulldogs' job. That's a big blow for Danielson and Co.

Grade: C-

Key signees: 4-star S Byron Baldwin, 3-star Edge Tyrone Burrus Jr., 3-star Edge Triston Abram

Analysis

If you think the grade below is a little high for a class that barely edged its way into the nation's top 45, you need to factor in just how the Indiana Hoosiers have done in recruiting in recent years.

It's been awful in the past, but this year's haul is much improved.

While it doesn't have a ton of elite players, it's still exceptional by IU's standards, and it's a nice first step for coach Curt Cignetti, who is hoping to parlay a shocking first-year trip to the College Football Playoff into success on the recruiting trail. You can bet he's going to hit the transfer portal hard as he did last year.

This group of high school recruits has plenty of potential, especially on the defensive side. Six of the top seven prospects play defense, led by potential immediate-impact safety Baldwin from powerhouse St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, a ball-hawking force who had several high-level offers.

Burrus, Jhrevious Hall and Abram are a trio of front-line defenders who can help the Hoosiers continue their success on that side of the ball.

While they aren't as highly rated, Davion Chandler, Blake Thiry and LeBron Bond are some quality targets for the future of the quarterback position to utilize in the future following Kurtis Rourke's departure.

Grade: C+

Key signees: 4-star OT Dramodd Odoms, 4-star QB Ty Hawkins, 4-star edge Chinedu Onyeagoro

Analysis

What a difference a year makes for coach Rhett Lashlee and the SMU Mustangs.

On Saturday, they will face Clemson in the ACC championship game, capping an incredible first season in the conference that could (and probably should) wind up in the College Football Playoffs, regardless of a win or loss.

On the recruiting trail, the quality grade below is because of such a massive turnaround. A year ago, SMU's class was ranked No. 107 nationally, dead-last in the ACC, and it was fair to question whether Lashlee would be able to recruit well enough to sustain Power Four success.

That's no longer a worry. SMU has the league's fifth-best class, and they were higher than that before a late Florida State surge. The Mustangs are doing a great job fortifying the trenches with stalwarts like Odoms, Onyeagoro, OG Abel Hoopii and Drew Hill and OT Devinn Farris.

Hawkins was a major commit after SMU lost Keelon Russell to Alabama. He may not be as explosive or college-ready as Russell, but the IMG Academy signal-caller plays elite competition and has plenty of ability in his own rights.

Offensive weapons like 4-star receiver Daylon Singleton, 3-star Jalen Cooper and Carterrious Brown, along with running back Dramekco Green prove the Lone Star State recruiting base (14 commits from the Dallas-Forth Worth metro area) has been very good to Lashlee this year. Recruits are taking notice of the resurgence.

Grade: A-

Key signees: 5-star QB Tavien St. Clair, 5-star CB Devin Sanchez, 4-star OT Carter Lowe

Analysis

There's no stopping the question marks and angst surrounding Ohio State coach Ryan Day's frustrating inability to beat Michigan on the gridiron, but there are no concerns about the recruiting machine the Buckeyes are with him at the helm.

They went out and got who they wanted in the transfer portal, and they have amassed yet another elite group of high school players.

St. Clair is the biggest win of the class, easily one of the nation's top three quarterback recruits and quite possibly the best. He's big, strong-armed and super-athletic, and even with Julian Sayin ready to take over for Will Howard, St. Clair is ready to battle for that job.

Signing Sanchez is major, especially considering the significant blow dealt by 5-star CB Na'eem Offord flipping to Oregon on Wednesday. Safety Faheem Delane is a terrific add-on to an already loaded secondary group.

Getting Anthony Rogers, who was previously committed to Alabama, to pair with Bo Jackson solidifies the offensive backfield, and offensive tackle Lowe helped ease the pain of failing to flip David Sanders Jr. from Tennessee. Sanders is still unsigned, but the buzz was he is likely sticking with the Vols.

Keeping Zion Grady and Tarvos Alford from flipping was a big deal Wednesday after late pushes, and Buckeyes got a flip of their own, convincing former UCLA edge Epi Sitanilei to sign to play in Columbus.

This class features seven top-100 and 12 top-247 players, so it's not only deep but talented. It's the type of class that could spearhead a championship run in the future.

[WRITE ABOUT NA'EEM OFFORD]

Grade: A+

Key signees: 5-star OT David Sanders Jr., 4-star DL Isaiah Campbell, 4-star TE Da'Saahn Brame

Analysis

This is the best class that Tennessee coach Josh Heupel has assembled since arriving on Rocky Top, even with the tough flip of Lagonza Hayward to Florida and Onis Konanbanny's decision not to sign early.

All eyes remain on Sanders, who chose not to sign on Wednesday, though the vibe from most national pundits is he ultimately will wind up on Rocky Top. If he does, he will help anchor the front for a nice-looking group of skill-position players like Brame, receiver Travis Smith Jr. and instate quarterback George Macintyre.

The signal-caller was identified early in the process by Heupel, and it was a big deal when he chose the Vols over Alabama and others.

With several departures along the defensive line expected, getting Mariyon Dye and especially Isaiah Campbell (who committed and signed on Wednesday) in the class was huge. Campbell was previously pledged to Clemson, and Tennessee convincing him to head to Knoxville rather than play instate for the Tar Heels was big.

The Vols flipped Miami safety commitment Tim Merritt and USC linebacker Jadon Perlotte on Wednesday, too, to give them a couple of much-needed pieces at positions lacking depth.

This is a deep, strong class with at least 14 players ranked 4 stars or higher.

Grade: A

Key signees: 5-star DL Elijah Griffin, 5-star LB Zayden Walker, 5-star Edge Isaiah Gibson

Analysis

Nobody does recruiting quite like Kirby Smart now that Nick Saban has retired, and even though 2024 was tougher-than-usual sledding for Georgia to get into the College Football Playoff, they're there and can make a bunch of noise.

Those couple of losses didn't knock the Dawgs down any rungs in recruits' minds, either.

This group was ranked first nationally until Wednesday's big showing from Texas and Oregon, but the Dawgs still have to be incredibly happy. This is the best group of D-linemen assembled in recent memory. If Justus Terry signs with the Dawgs on Friday, it will only add to an already-loaded embarrassment of riches.

Add Gibson, 5-star linebacker Walker, 4-star edge rushers Darrin Ikinnagbon and Chase Linton and linebacker Anthony Kruah, and this is a ridiculous group of talent.

Pass-catching tight end Elyiss Williams, receivers Talyn Taylor and CJ Wiley are elite, and the Dawgs have a pair of quarterbacks (Ryan Montgomery and Hezekiah Millender), but it was a major blow that 4-star running back Ousmane Kromah flipped to Florida State on Wednesday.

The Dawgs missed out on a couple of flips of their own when Kevin Wynn (Florida State) and Jeremiah McCloud (Florida) stuck with their original teams of choice.

Overall, UGA has six top-100 players and 13 in the top 247 (so far), and 19 players are at least 4-star prospects. This is why Georgia is at the top every single season.

Grade: A+

Key signees: 4-star OT Will Black, 4-star LB Madden Faraimo, 4-star S Jadon Blair

Analysis

Even though it looks on paper like the Notre Dame Fighting Irish don't have any 5-star prospects, they certainly do. Black is one of the nation's top two or three tackles, and he is a can't-miss star who would be the anchor of most classes, which is why everybody wanted him.

The biggest news of Wednesday was the Irish getting the signature of elite linebacker Faraimo, who most tabbed as heading to USC.

Despite the rumors of coach Marcus Freeman heading to the NFL, recruits didn't flinch at committing to the Fighting Irish. There wasn't as much late turmoil and issues with flipping in this year's class as in previous seasons under Freeman, though the loss of quarterback Deuce Knight was big.

James Flanigan looks like he will carry on the tradition of elite Notre Dame receiving tight ends, just like Black will on the blind side blocking. Black joins Owen Strebig and Cameron Herron rounding out a strong O-line class.

Defensive backs Blair, Dallas Golden, Mark Zackery IV and Antaveous Richardson anchor a quality class in the secondary, and there's a lot to love about several other guys in this deep, talented group heading to South Bend.

Grade: A

Key signees: 4-star IOL Malachi Goodman, 4-star CB Dariyus Dixson, 4-star LB LaVar Arrington Jr.

Analysis

It's hard to believe that the Penn State Nittany Lions' recruiting class is built on defensive talent, but Dixson and the speedy Arrington could potentially be in the rotation as early as 2025. And, yes, if the latter is anything like his father, he's going to be a star in Happy Valley.

Of the 13 defensive prospects, many have the look of quality players, and defensive lineman Yvan Kemajou, linebacker Cameron Smith and cornerback Jamir Joseph are just a few.

Though PSU has a pledge Bekkem Kritza at the quarterback position, the Lions may not be done there. Coach James Franklin is trying to get North Carolina commit Bryce Baker in Happy Valley following an official visit this past weekend. He isn't signing now in the early session, according to 247Sports' Don Callahan.

One thing the third-ranked Nittany Lions need are offensive weapons, and Matthew Outten leads a group that includes 4-star athlete Jeff Exinor Jr., who is projected to catch passes, as well.

Koby Howard, Lyrick Samuel and the tight-end trio of Matt Henderson, Brady O'Hara and Brian Kortovich give Franklin a group of options for the future. This is just a deep, quality group of playmakers even if there isn't a whole lot of flash.

If they can convince Baker to sign in the late session, it would be terrific for the Lions.

This is yet another stellar haul in Happy Valley.

Grade: A-

Key signees: 5-star S Jonah Williams, 5-star WR Kaliq Lockett, 4-star ATH Michael Terry III

Analysis

The Texas Longhorns seem to be right in the thick of being able to compete for championships every year. They're a major player for top-tier transfers, and they are signing quality recruiting classes under Steve Sarkisian.

The 2025 cycle is no different, as the 'Horns currently have the nation's best class.

Loaded with elite talent, the Longhorns are putting together another group of enviable playmakers. Getting Terry in the fold when Nebraska made a run for him to come to Lincoln was a terrific close for Coach Sark and flipping Kade Phillips from LSU was icing on the cake.

Terry is expected to play receiver where he will team with Lockett and Jaime Ffrench for a dynamic trio that rivals what Oregon has put together in the '25 class. They also dipped into Alabama to grab KJ Lacey as their quarterback of this cycle.

One of the best players in the class regardless of position, though, is Williams, a big-bodied, do-it-all athlete who can fortify the back end right away in Austin. He is the type of plug-and-play defender you don't see often and highlights a class with 13 top 247 players.

Front-seven defenders like edge-rushers Lance Jackson and Smith Orogbo, linebacker Elijah Barnes and defensive linemen Myron Charles and Josiah Sharma will help the 'Horns continue to play at an elite level on that side of the ball.

Now, Texas waits to see if Justus Terry stays with Georgia or heads to Austin (or Auburn) on Friday. The question is can they remain at the top of the rankings?

Grade: A+

Key signees: 5-star WR Dakorien Moore, 5-star WR Dallas Wilson, 5-star CB Brandon Finney, 5-star CB Na'eem Offord

Analysis

The early signing period really couldn't have gone a ton better for Oregon coach Dan Lanning, who is trying to balance the nation's only undefeated record heading into the Big Ten championship game with securing a top-tier recruiting class.

Not only did they keep Finney in the fold after Penn State made a run at the elite cornerback, but they also finally convinced Offord to leave his long-time pledge to Ohio State and sign to play in Eugene, where he will team with Finney for a dynamic duo. Cornerback Dorian Brew and safety Trey McNutt are elite secondary prospects, too.

Despite a frantic flurry from Florida in the 11th hour, Wilson stuck with Lanning's Ducks, too, and he will team with Dakorien Moore and compete to play right away. Moore is far and away the top pass-catcher in this year's class.

A big Wednesday saw Oregon flip fast-rising Cal quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, who On3 has as a 5-star prospect, along with Offord, after flipping LB Gavin Nix from Miami earlier in the week. They also signed 4-star edge Tobi Haastrup, and all that activity eased the pain of failing to flip elite TE Linkon Cure, who stuck with Kansas State.

Ziyare Addison, Zac Stascausky and Douglas Utu (whom they flipped from Tennessee) anchor a terrific offensive line class

With seven top-100 prospects and 16 of the top 247 players, this is the type of group who can sustain success at the top of the college football food chain.

Grade: A+