Early National Signing Day 2024: Odds, Predictions for Top Football Recruits

Auburn is just one of several dozen high-profile programs across the country watching closely ahead of Early National Signing Day in college football as top recruits put pen to paper.

Head coach Hugh Freeze has his eyes on several players, including one of the nation's top uncommitted recruits.

Who is it and will he get his man?

Which players have already committed and who is the other extraordinary talent yet to make that decision?

Find out with this preview, including predictions for both uncommitted stars.

ESPN's Top 20 Recruits

According to ESPN, the following are the Top 20 recruits of 2025, with many already committed with the school of their choice.

1. Bryce Underwood, QB, committed to Michigan
2. Julian Lewis, QB, committed to Colorado
3. Dakorien Moore, WR, committed to Oregon
4. Na'eem Offord, CB, committed to Ohio State
5. David Sanders, OT, committed to Tennessee
6. Elijah Griffin, DT, committed to Georgia
7. Justus Terry, DT, uncommitted
8. Jonah Williams, ATH, committed to Texas
9. Michael Fasusi, OT, committed to Oklahoma
10. Devin Sanchez, CB, committed to Ohio State
11. Jahkeem Stewart, DE, uncommitted
12. S.J. Alofaituli, OG, committed to Miami
13. Solomon Thomas, OT, committed to Florida State
14. Keelon Russell, QB/DT, committed to Alabama
15. Douglas Utu, OT, committed to Oregon
16. D.J. Pickett, ATH, committed to LSU
17. Tavien St. Clair, QB/PP, committed to Ohio State
18. Ty Haywood, OT, committed to Alabama
19. Isaiah Gibson, DE, committed to Georgia
20. Blake Woodby, CB, committed to Auburn

Justus Terry

Justus Terry is one of the top defensive tackles in the game and the top uncommitted player among recruits entering 2025.

Director of Scouting for 247 Sports Andrew Ivins wrote, "Big, rugged run-stopper with the length and athleticism to play in a variety of different alignments up front. Measured 6-foot-5, 275 pounds spring before junior season and came in with some longer arms. Constantly moves people at the line of scrimmage, winning with strength and power. Plugs gaps with quick-shed capability and can frequently defeat double teams."

In a college game in which defense is becoming more important with every year, as evidenced by Oregon and Ohio State's success in 2024, Terry's abilities make him that much more appealing to teams looking to solidify themselves as national title contenders.

An uber athlete who has succeeded in every position he has played on the field, including a three-catch, 100-yard, one-touchdown game at tight end in 2023, he earned his place on 247 Sports' Freaks List.

The question is which school will be able to convince him to commit.

Steve Wiltfong of ON3 Recruits reported that Terry does not have stronger relationships in college football than the ones he has at Auburn. Couple that with proximity to this hometown of Manchester, Georgia (only 35 minutes from campus), and there is reason to believe the Tigers have as great a chance as the home state Georgia Bulldogs, who are also among the favorites.

Taking that into consideration, and the fact that the Tigers were his most recent visit on November 23, Auburn gets the nod here.

---

Prediction: Terry commits to Auburn

Jahkeem Stewart

At one point, Jahkeem Stewart was slated to be part of the 2026 class but after switching to 2025, is now the apple of several teams' eye, including USC, Ohio State, LSU, and Oregon.

Stewart is a big, "enormous framed" defender, as Gabe Brooks of 247 Sports wrote. More impressively, he is still growing into his size, which should terrify opposing players and coaches.

Brooks continued, "Periodic segmentation in movement patterns reflects the growth still ongoing into the frame, but flashes serious straight-line juice for such a big body at this stage. Capable pass rusher from the interior and the edge, thanks in part to hand violence and point-of-attack power."

For which team will Stewart physically overwhelm opponents with his size, speed, and ferocity, though?

Wiltfong logged his expert prediction, naming the Trojans as the favorite to sign the big man.

LSU remains an option, and Ohio State has the final visit with Stewart slated for November 29-30, meaning either of those two schools could swoop in and sway his opinion. Whether they can undo the strong push USC made for the five-star lineman, though, is the question.

Especially with Rivals' Sam Spiegelman also predicting that Stewart ends up in southern California.

---

Prediction: Stewart commits to USC, despite a strong push from Ohio State to wrap up his recruitment visits