Published by: Bear Acuda
The early signing period for college football’s national recruiting day is underway, running from Wednesday to Friday. During this time, high school athletes are signing their national letters of intent, committing to their chosen colleges for at least the upcoming year.
This year’s build-up to signing day has been somewhat subdued, yet there’s potential for surprises. Notably, five-star quarterback Dylan Raiola switched his commitment from Georgia to Nebraska, and there are ongoing speculations about other top recruits, such as safety K.J. Bolden, receiver Jeremiah Smith, and quarterback D.J. Lagway.
Currently, Georgia leads the 2024 class rankings, with close competition following. Most teams are expected to secure the bulk of their recruits this week, though the recruitment process is far from complete. Athletes who don’t sign by Friday will have another chance on the next national signing day, starting February 7, 2024.
Bleacher Brothers will keep you updated on the latest breaking news throughout Wednesday. As of noon ET, here are the schools with the Top 300 recruits for the 2024 class:
- Georgia: 19 recruits
- Oregon: 15 recruits
- Ohio State: 14 recruits
- Florida State: 13 recruits
- Alabama, Texas, and Florida: 12 recruits each
Notable Signings:
- The rich get richer: Alabama Crimson Tide Boosts Defense
Jaylen Mbakwe | Ranked No. 2 in ESPN 300
Committed to: Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama Strengthens Defense: The Alabama Crimson Tide fortifies its defensive lineup, particularly in the cornerback position, with the signing of Jaylen Mbakwe. Mbakwe’s arrival is timely, as Alabama is set to bid farewell to two potential first-round NFL draft picks, Terrion Arnold and Kool-Aid McKinstry. As the second-ranked player in the ESPN 300, Mbakwe’s addition is a significant gain for the team.
Overview of Mbakwe’s Talents: Standing at 6 feet, Mbakwe is known for his remarkable speed, clocking a 10.46 in the 100-meter dash, coupled with exceptional skills in ball handling. His ability to swiftly change direction and transition on the field is notable, along with his rapid recovery speed. Mbakwe demonstrates not only talent as a receiver with sharp instincts for tracking the ball in the air but also shows a readiness to contribute to run support, a vital skill for his role at Alabama.
- Auburn Secures Dynamic Receiver Cameron Coleman
Cameron Coleman | Ranked No. 6 in ESPN 300
Committed to: Auburn Tigers
Auburn’s New Addition: The Auburn Tigers have successfully recruited Cameron Coleman, formerly committed to Texas A&M. Known as “Mini-Megatron,” reminiscent of the famed receiver Calvin Johnson, Coleman brings a remarkable combination of size and speed to the team. Ranked as the top receiver and the sixth overall recruit, Coleman is among the most athletically impressive receivers recently seen.
Evaluating Coleman’s Skills: Standing at an imposing 6-foot-4 and weighing 185 pounds, Coleman is not only large and fast but also remarkably agile for his size. He excels in aerial battles, consistently winning jump balls, and is adept at making catches in tight coverage. His ability to leap and reach over defenders, combined with his excellent coordination and body control, makes him a formidable vertical threat on the field. Although he may require some fine-tuning technically, Coleman’s natural talent is expected to make him a key player for big plays from his very first game at Auburn.
- Texas Tech Secures Top Talent in Micah Hudson
Micah Hudson | Ranked No. 13 in ESPN 300
Committed to: Texas Tech Red Raiders
Texas Tech’s New Addition: The Red Raiders have secured their most highly-rated recruit since the inception of the ESPN 300 era. Hudson, a standout as the second-highest recruit from Texas and the nation’s fifth-ranked wide receiver, is expected to be an immediate key player for the team. His exceptional skills suggest a smooth transition to college football.
Overview of Hudson’s Abilities: Hudson presents as a well-rounded athlete with a broad skill set. He may not be singularly elite in any one aspect but excels in various areas. Known for his speed, he poses a significant threat in deep-field plays. Perhaps his most notable skill is his route running. Hudson executes his breaks with precision, effectively creating space from defenders. He’s adept at handling congested areas, possesses the strength to shrug off tackles post-catch, and excels at high-point catches with his impressive ball-handling skills. His agility allows him to evade tackles and consistently advance the ball, making him a valuable asset for moving the chains.
Other college football significant signings include:
- Four-star wide receiver DayDay Farmer flipping from UCF to West Virginia.
- Perry Thompson, No. 44 in ESPN 300, signing with Auburn.
- Texas A&M commit Dominick McKinley, a four-star defensive tackle, postponing his signing until February.
- Four-star wide receiver Jeremiah McClellan flipping from Ohio State to Oregon.
- Oregon signing four-star defensive end Elijah Rushing, the No. 5-ranked DE in the class.
- Clemson adding four-star offensive guard Elyjah Thurmon.
- Vanderbilt welcoming three-star quarterback Whit Muschamp, son of Georgia defensive coordinator Will Muschamp.
- Notre Dame signing three-star safety Kennedy Urlacher, son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher.
- UCF adding four-star running back Frankie Arthur, brother of former NFL star Adrian Peterson.
