Early National Signing Day 2023: Announcement Schedule, Predictions and More
The start of the 2023 bowl season is the story of the weekend, but college football programs are hard at work preparing for the early signing period.
Wednesday, Dec. 20, marks the opening of a three-day window for athletes to sign a national letter of intent. While most players have announced a verbal pledge, some marquee prospects are still on the board—or still entertaining options, even if committed.
The flair of National Signing Day has dwindled since its peak in the 2010s, to be sure. Nevertheless, there will be a little bit of drama as the 2024 recruiting cycle reaches the beginning of the end.
All ratings are based on the 247Sports Composite Rankings.
Announcement Schedule
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More announcements will undoubtedly be added in the coming days. As of now, two 4-star prospects have a scheduled time.
The first is wide receiver Courtney Crutchfield, who recently backed off a verbal pledge to Arkansas. While the Razorbacks remain in consideration for the state's top prospect, they're trying to fend off Missouri.
Crutchfield, the No. 57 prospect in the 2023 cycle, will reveal his decision on Dec. 19 at 11 a.m. ET.
Then on Dec. 21 at 9 p.m., defensive lineman Jericho Johnson will choose between soon-to-be former Pac-12 programs Oregon, USC, Utah and Washington. He's ranked 107th overall nationally.
5-Stars on Watch
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Few stories make as much signing-day noise than a 5-star prospect flipping teams at the buzzer. Last year, for example, quarterback Dante Moore jumped from Oregon to UCLA.
Dylan Raiola may spark a similar frenzy.
The cycle's second-best QB prospect, he's been committed to Georgia since May—after backing off a pledge to Ohio State last December. Nebraska is trying to steal Raiola, who's the son of program legend Dominic and current NU offensive line coach Donovan.
Raiola is far from alone in this discussion, which also features the country's top-rated player: wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.
While he's still committed to Ohio State, in-state programs Florida State, Miami and Florida are pushing for Smith.
Miami is also chasing Georgia pledge and top cornerback Ellis Robinson IV. Florida is trying to keep defensive lineman LJ McCray from Auburn, FSU and Miami, along with safety Xavier Filsaime out of Texas' grasp.
Among others, more 5-star prospects to watch are wide receiver Ryan Williams (Alabama), offensive tackle Jordan Seaton (Colorado), defensive linemen Armando Blount (Florida State), Dominick McKinley (Texas A&M) and safety KJ Bolden (Florida State).
Prediction: Raiola Flips to Nebraska
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It's only sensible that a quarterback flipping to a new school leads to more changes. Only one QB can play at a time, after all.
Last year, UCLA swiped Dante Moore from Oregon, which swiped Austin Novosad from Baylor, which ultimately pivoted to Sawyer Robertson in the transfer portal. That kind of movement is destined to follow if Raiola pulls off the UGA-to-Nebraska move.
Three-star Daniel Kaelin, a current Nebraska pledge, is slated to visit Michigan State on the final weekend before NSD. That would be a logical backup plan for Kaelin, pending Raiola's decision.
Don't expect a massive domino effect, though.
Georgia holds a pledge from 4-star Ryan Puglisi, who is ranked 206th nationally. Starting quarterback Carson Beck is expected to return next season, along with former top prospect Gunner Stockton.
Because of Brock Vandagriff's recent transfer to Kentucky, the Dawgs may poke around the portal for a backup. However, since they won't be without a QB in the 2024 class if Raiola leaves, UGA won't need to throw around its hefty recruiting weight to flip someone else.
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