Here’s what needs to happen to decide the No. 1 recruiting class for 2021
4 min read
With this being the fifth year of the early signing period taking place in December, much of the drama reserved for February’s traditional National Signing Day has shifted a few months earlier. And while the amount of early signees has increased each year, the lack of a spring evaluation period (for the second straight year amid COVID-19) — coupled with late-spring official visits being limited to just June and then a wild coaching carousel — has added far more intrigue to this year’s early signing period.
In fact, because of all those developments, more players may sign in February than we’ve been used to seeing since the debut of the December period. So while a program may hold the distinction of having the No. 1 class at close of business on Wednesday, this race may not wrap until the traditional National Signing Day on Feb. 2.
The No. 1 team in the nation on the field also sits atop the team recruiting rankings at this time as Alabama holds 21 commits, just ahead of Georgia. No. 1 for much of the season on the field, the Bulldogs are right behind the Crimson Tide at No. 2 in the 247Sports Composite team rankings. Meanwhile, Texas A&M, Ohio State and Penn State round out the top five with Notre Dame pushing for that final spot. The Fighting Irish could push for that spot if they close strong.
But we are here to discuss the race for No. 1. Alabama and Georgia will be tough to catch, but Texas A&M is the one team that could shake up the top of the rankings. Here’s how it should go down on Wednesday.
Join us on Wednesday, Dec. 15 at 9 a.m. ET for Signing Day Live on CBS Sports HQ as our 247Sports experts cover all the ins and outs of the early signing period. From live commitments to updated class rankings and everything in between, Signing Day Live will be your one-stop shop for live coverage as the top programs in the nation sign the Class of 2022.
