College football recruiting: Four key storylines to follow during National Signing Day 2024

Signing Day arrives Wednesday, Dec. 4, earlier than ever in NCAA history. It begins the three-day Early Signing Period, which will run through Dec. 6. Thanks to significant changes in 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 detailed previously.

These are the cliff-notes big-picture storylines you should catch up on before the festivities begin. 

What will they sign?

Prepare yourself for a few acronyms. With the NCAA eliminating the national letters of intent, recruits will now sign financial aid agreements. Pending approval of revenue-sharing measures expected to begin with the 2025-26 school year, recruits may soon also be signing contracts outlining expected revenue from their respective universities.

Name, Image, Likeness deals continue to be a driving factor, and this class is no exception. Embedding NIL into official contracts could reduce post-signing 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 allegations.

Who will finish No. 1?

Georgia currently leads the 247Sports Composite Team Recruiting Rankings heading into the early signing period. Familiar names Alabama and Ohio State follow close behind.

Rounding out the top five are Texas and Auburn. While Georgia is likely to hold onto the top spot, Alabama has historically closed strong under Nick Saban. This year, head coach Kalen DeBoer and general manager Courtney Morgan are managing their first full class in Tuscaloosa, and the Crimson Tide could make a late…

Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/college-football-recruiting-four-key-storylines-to-follow-during-national-signing-day-2024/

Author : Brandon Huffman

Publish date : 2024-12-02 21:06:00

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