In less than eight hours, the three-day early signing period begins, and college football prospects can begin putting their plans on paper and securing their futures. Many will rush to sign at 7 a.m. to be the first player in their class to officially step in. Others will wait until their school press conference to get their John Hancock on the paperwork. Then you'll still have trouble making it to the last one with your handful.
That makes it one of the most exciting days in college football, and 247Sports has you covered on where things stand with many of the country's most sought-after recruits.
Rapid fire!
- The information continues to say 247Sports is the No. 1 prospect and five-star receiver Jeremiah Smith will sign with Ohio State. He is not expected to do so before lunchtime. Miami and Florida State continue to push.
- It's looking good for Florida to sign a five-star quarterback DJ Lagway, the No. 4 prospect in the Top247. USC is still having a dialogue. I think the Aggies are doing well with the passer they signed Miles O'Neil.
- Also, think the Gators are holding on to 247Sports' No. 6 pick LJ McCray. Auburn and Florida State worked hard to hang on, but like Lagway, Florida seemed to be able to weather any late storms.
- We'll see about 247Sports' No. 1 offense Jordan Seaton does. He committed on Dec. 7 during a live national broadcast of FoxSports' “Undisputed” in Colorado. Mike Locksley and Maryland have a long-term relationship and still hang out at the end. I don't think Oregon is included. I was told Tennessee wasn't included. Alabama, Florida and Ohio State were his other finalists.
- (Update 11:56 EST) Mizzou makes one final run at Texas, signing Ryan Wingo.
- When Florida State received a commitment from 247Sports, the safety was ranked No. 1 KJ Bolden in August they beat Auburn, Georgia and Ohio State, among others. There was always a confident mood in Tallahassee at this time. Coming back late to this recruitment, Bolden could certainly still see himself at FSU, but Georgia ended up getting a lot of buzz here. That was the excitement that engulfed Auburn a few days earlier. It may end up being fluid, but the vibe I feel speaks for Georgia.
- Sounds like Auburn would do well to keep its five-star receiver Perry Thompson.
- I don't expect a five-star defensive lineman and a commitment to Texas A&M Dominick McKinley sign. LSU, Oklahoma and Texas are moving forward, and I expect Ohio State to back off as well.
- Speaking of Ohio State, the information continues to suggest that they are sticking with Buford (Ga.) High Top247 defensive lineman Eddie Houston. I thought about it a bit last night after saying I felt good this morning, but the Buckeyes seem content with Alabama remaining the threat.
- Auburn is confident they feel they can turn around the Clinton (NC) High Top247 defensive lineman Amaris Williams from Florida, but the Gators continued to do what they had to do to hang on. Ohio State got back into the game, but around dinner time on Tuesday it wasn't enough in my opinion.
- I still believe in Top247's defensive lineman Armondo Blount will transfer from Florida State to Miami.
- Longview (Texas) Pine Tree Top247 Defensive Lineman Dealyn Evans is considering completing the process and signing with Texas A&M.
- Buzz is starting to favor Alabama and Miami for the Daytona Beach (Florida) Mainland Top247 receiver Zavier Mincey. Beyond that, I'm not sure what he's doing, and Mincey won't make his decision public until Jan. 6 during the live broadcast of the All-American Bowl on NBC.
- I still think Ohio State is holding on to top 247 receiver St. Louis (Mo.) Christian Brothers Jeremiah McClellan but Oregon will continue to perform. Another pass catcher the Ducks have been eyeing lately is USC Pledge Ryan Pellum.
- The 247Sports Crystal Ball favors Arkansas for Hoover (Ala.) High Top247 linebacker Bradley Shaw Who else could wait until the All-American Bowl to announce it?
- The 247Sports Crystal Ball is still in Oregon for Armijo Top247 Defensive Lineman from Fairfield (Calif.). Jericho Johnson.
- There is still a feeling that Arkansas is holding on to the Ridge Point Top247 receiver from Missouri City (Texas). Ashton Bethel novel.
- Still, Alabama has turned over the top 247 running back from Tuscaloosa County (Ala.). Kevin Riley from Miami.
- South Carolina and Mississippi State are two that continue to be strong positions for the Meridian (Miss.) High Top247 running back Daniel Hill and Alabama is also lurking in its pursuit to sign two defensive linemen.
- 247Sports National Analyst Greg Biggins says Calabasas (Calif.) is a top-247 athlete Aaron Butler could delay his decision. Arizona is considered the frontrunner, but that could change to Texas or Washington at any time.
- Wisconsin still has Towson (Md.) Concordia Prep Top247 Defensive Lineman Ernest Willor Jr.
- I give Texas A&M perhaps the slimmest lead over Alabama for the Carrollwood Day Top247 edge rusher in Tampa (Florida). Solomon Williams, but this isn't over yet. I predicted Georgia Tech for his teammate, the running back Anthony Carrie and the Aggies are still in the process of turning over Florida's receiver commit Izaiah Williams.
- Auburn has been the favorite for Katy (Texas) High Top247 offensive tackle in recent weeks Coen Echols But a visit to the dream school LSU at the weekend gave a bleak picture.
- The 247Sports Crystal Ball prediction is in favor of Michigan for District Heights (Md.) Bishop McNamara Top247 lead Lugard Edokpayi.
- Miami appears to be good at replacing Largo (Florida) High Top247 linebackers Adarius Hayes from Florida.
- Do you have Missouri for Hoschton (Ga.) Mill Creek Top247 Cornerback Trajen Greco before his Jan. 6 commitment to the All-American Bowl.
- Florida's effort to turn around the Top247 Catholic defense in Tampa (Florida). Jameer Grimsley from Alabama onwards.
- Acclaimed offensive lineman Prefer Edwin seemed to be heading towards Florida. Alabama was the program he moved away from and Auburn was the program before that. We'll see who's left standing in the end.