Early National Signing Day 2023: List of 5-Star Recruits Committed to Each School

One player does not make or break any recruiting class, but the main prize for a college football team is landing a 5-star prospect.

The widespread popularity of recruiting began to grow in the early 2000s, largely thanks to the good ol' Internet. In that time, an undeniable trend has emerged: These touted players are objectively the most likely to succeed at the college level.

Heading into the early signing period, 18 programs held a commitment from a 5-star talent.

When the dust settled on a busy Wednesday, however, Florida State saw both of its top-tier pledges sign elsewhere. Several others are still waiting for a signature on a national letter of intent, too.

The battle for a 5-star is never finished until the paperwork is in.

Full 5-Star Commit List

Parentheses include the player's overall national ranking.

Alabama: QB Julian Sayin (5), WR Ryan Williams (12, unsigned), ATH Jaylen Mbakwe (18)

Auburn: WR Cam Coleman (4), WR Perry Thompson (31)

Clemson: LB Sammy Brown (16), WR Bryant Wesco (21)

Colorado: OT Jordan Seaton (11, unsigned)

Florida: QB DJ Lagway (10), DL LJ McCray (35)

Georgia: CB Ellis Robinson IV (3), LB Justin Williams (8), S KJ Bolden (14), DL Joseph Jonah-Ajonye (32)

Miami: DL Justin Scott (15), DL Armando Blount (22)

Missouri: DL Williams Nwaneri (2)

Nebraska: QB Dylan Raiola (6)

Notre Dame: WR Cam Williams (29)

Ohio State: WR Jeremiah Smith (1), WR Mylan Graham (23), DL Eddrick Houston (26), CB Aaron Scott (34), QB Air Noland (36)

Oklahoma: DL David Stone (9)

South Carolina: Edge Dylan Stewart (17), OT Josiah Thompson (28)

Tennessee: WR Mike Matthews (20), Edge Jordan Ross (33)

Texas: Edge Colin Simmons (13), WR Ryan Wingo (24), OT Brandon Baker (25), S Xavier Filsaime (30)

Texas A&M: ATH Terry Bussey (19, unsigned), DL Dominick McKinley (27, unsigned)

Texas Tech: WR Micah Hudson (7)

Florida State's No Good, Very Bad Day

James Gilbert/Getty Images

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 25: Head coach Mike Norvell of the Florida State Seminoles looks on during the first half of a game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 25, 2023 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)

As if the College Football Playoff selection committee's cruel decision to leave undefeated Florida State out of the Top Four wasn't enough of a gut punch, the program took an uppercut on Wednesday.

Early on, safety KJ Bolden flipped to Georgia. Then, defensive lineman Armando Blount rejoined Miami's class.

Oh, what could've been for the 'Noles.

Hard-charging UGA swiped Bolden at the buzzer, edging both FSU and Auburn for the 5-star defender. Miami, meanwhile, continued to recruit Blount hard after he flipped from the 'Canes to Florida State in October and brought him back into the ACC's top-ranked class.

Keeping it all in perspective, FSU still signed a top-10 haul. But there's no question the 'Noles would've appreciated a better day.

Gone Flipping

Did your favorite team receive a 5-star pledge early in the cycle? Neat! The dreaded "spatula season" may have altered that commitment.

In late November, defensive lineman Justin Scott jumped from Ohio State to Miami. Then, wide receiver Cam Coleman backed off a Texas A&M pledge to join Auburn's class.

The early signing period only accelerated the flips.

Shortly before December's window, quarterback Dylan Raiola made the high-profile change from Georgia to Nebraska—where his father Dominic starred and uncle Donovan is currently the offensive line coach. Also, safety Xavier Filsaime exited Florida's class in favor of Texas.

And it's not over yet.

Florida State had the misfortune of two departures—Bolden and Blount to Georgia and Miami, respectively—on Wednesday.

Additionally, four 5-stars remain on the board.

Alabama commit Ryan Williams is expected to sign in February, but Colorado verbal Jordan Seaton and Texas A&M pledges Terry Bussey and Dominick McKinley are both considering other options.