College Football National Signing Day 2025: Top Commits, Flips, and Key Moments Shake Up Recruiting Landscape
The 2025 College Football National Signing Day, which officially began with the early signing period on December 4, delivered dramatic roster changes and major recruiting shifts impacting top programs nationwide. As the dust settles, Georgia leads the rankings with the No. 1 class, while Michigan and Texas made significant moves, including high-profile flips of elite prospects.
Early Signing Period Sparks Major Commitments and Flips
The signing day featured dozens of high school recruits locking their commitments to schools across the country for the 2025 cycle. Notably, Bryce Underwood, the No. 1 overall prospect in the ESPN 300, flipped his commitment from LSU to Michigan in a highly impactful move that reshaped the outlook for both programs. Julian Lewis, ranked No. 2 in the ESPN 300, also decommitted from a long-term pledge, adding to the day’s intrigue.[1]
Oregon and LSU were credited with securing several major flips, giving their recruiting classes important boosts. Meanwhile, USC rallied late to land five-star defensive end Jahkeem Stewart, a key defensive target considered one of the top remaining recruits in the nation.[1]
Team Ranking Highlights and Standout Recruits
| Rank | Team | Notable Recruit Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Georgia | 16 ESPN 300 commitments, top-ranked recruiting class |
| 2-3 | Texas, Michigan | Major flips, including Underwood to Michigan |
| Other Top 10 | Alabama, Ohio State, Oregon, Auburn, LSU, Tennessee | Strong overall classes with strategic acquisitions |
According to the recruiting rankings, the SEC and Big Ten conferences dominate the top classes, continuing their historic influence in college football. Michigan’s acquisition of five-star offensive tackle Ty Haywood and Texas securing quarterback Deuce Knight after a key flip from Notre Dame exemplify the high stakes of this day.[3]
Remaining Uncommitted Elite Prospects and Late Activity
Although the majority of elite prospects have signed, a few key recruits remain uncommitted well into the signing window. Four-star defensive end Zahir Mathis and cornerback J’Vari Flowers, who recently reclassified into the 2025 class, are among the notable prospects yet to make their decisions. These late decisions could influence mid-cycle dynamics if commitments shift.[2][4]
Bill Belichick, leading the North Carolina program, wrapped up a successful late recruiting push, retaining blue-chip pledges and securing 15 commitments between late December and early February, solidifying the Tar Heels’ class depth.[2]
What This Means for the 2025 College Football Season and Beyond
The National Signing Day marks the close of the 2025 recruiting cycle’s initial phase, leaving college football programs to prepare for the impact of fresh talent arriving next season. Georgia’s leading class could maintain their dominance, while Michigan’s big-name flips signal a reinvigorated competitive stance. Programs like USC, Oregon, and LSU look to leverage their late acquisitions to stay relevant in the battles within and beyond their conferences.[1][3][6]
With most elite players now committed, attention will soon shift to the next recruiting cycle while analysts dissect the winners and losers from the 2025 cycle. The transfer portal and late signees may still alter some rosters, but for now, college football’s recruiting landscape for 2025 is mostly set.
Key Moments Summary
- Bryce Underwood, No. 1 national recruit, flips from LSU to Michigan, reshaping recruiting power.
- Oregon and LSU pull off multiple high-profile flips enhancing their recruiting classes.
- USC signs five-star defensive end Jahkeem Stewart late in the period.
- Georgia leads with 16 ESPN 300 commits to claim the No. 1 national class.
- Several top prospects remain unsigned, including Zahir Mathis and J’Vari Flowers.