National Signing Day Wrap-Up: Winners and Losers of 2025 Class
It’s a bustling day in Indianapolis, filled with excitement, stress, and the promise of new beginnings as National Signing Day has come and gone. For most college football programs, this day is like Christmas morning. Coaches, recruits, and fans are all buzzing, waiting to see who’s going where and who’s going to be wearing their team colors in the next few years. Let’s break down some of the big highlights, and yes, those not-so-good moments.
Unexpected Champions
Surprise, surprise! Arkansas came out swinging this signing day, and who would’ve thought? Signing four-star quarterback Madden Iamaleava—one of the best quarterbacks in the country—was a huge score that dropped right into their lap late in the day. Adding versatile four-star recruit Ja’Kayden Ferguson was a significant early win, but it really caught fire when Iamaleava decided Arkansas was the place for him. On the flip side, some other programs had a harder time.
Auburn’s Rollercoaster Ride
Meanwhile, in a much sunnier spot, Coach Hugh Freeze of Auburn was all smiles, particularly on a FaceTime call with recruit Deuce Knight. He managed to hold on to some key recruits like four-star defensive end Jared Smith and cornerback Donovan Starr, keeping them from jumping ship to rival schools. But it wasn’t all sunshine, as they lost out on five-star cornerback Na’eem Offord, who surprised many by choosing to head to Oregon instead.
Florida’s Highs and Lows
Florida is celebrating a rollercoaster ride of its own. They flipped four-star defensive back Lagonza Hayward from Tennessee, which was a standout moment for them. However, striking out on several key receivers and a four-star tight end was a tough pill to swallow. The Gators need to remain positive because their recruiting class just turned around dramatically in the weeks leading up to signing day.
Florida State’s Redemption
After a dismal 2-10 record this past season, many might’ve written off Florida State. However, they pulled off quite the comeback on signing day! Coach Mike Norvell managed to flip several talented players from other schools, including four-star cornerback Shamar Arnoux from Auburn and running back Ousmane Kromah from Georgia. Losing out on five-star offensive guard Solomon Thomas to LSU was a bummer, but it didn’t overshadow their overall strong performance.
Michigan Stuns Rivals
On the other hand, Michigan is riding high after snatching five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood from LSU. Following a strong season with a big win over Ohio State, their recruitment continued the momentum with additional flipping of players, including five-star linebacker Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng and key defensive backs. They’re clearly competing at a whole new level!
Oregon’s Big Day
And don’t forget about Oregon. They performed like pros on signing day, flipping five-star cornerback Offord from Ohio State. It was a strategic win that cements Oregon as a powerhouse in recruiting this year. They also managed to flip quarterback Jaron Sagapolutele from Cal, which shows their clout in the recruiting game.
Sneak Peek into Other Programs
While teams like South Carolina secured some impressive interior defensive line talent, Tennessee flashed signs of life too by landing four-star defensive end Isaiah Campbell. But not everyone fared as well. Miami had a rough go with crucial decommits that might shadow their future prospects.
Conclusion: The Aftermath
This signing day, while not as dramatic as those in years past, definitely had its share of surprises and heartaches. With commitments flying left and right, coaches and fans alike had their hearts racing through every announcement. As we reflect on who came out on top and who has some work to do, one thing is clear: college football’s future is bright, and the game keeps evolving.
