Busy recruiting period called ‘total chaos’

The first Wednesday of February used to be the biggest day on the calendar for college football recruiting. Now it is an afterthought.

The December signing period, which is now when nearly all major prospects finalize their plans, is still relatively new but is causing enough headaches for busy coaches that many are trying to think of an alternative.

“It’s become the primary signing period for football,” American Athletic Conference Commissioner Mike Aresco said. “February is seemingly now when they plug holes. It’s a secondary thing.”

Indeed, over 95% of the nation’s top 250 high school senior prospects had signed with schools before Wednesday, according to composite rankings of recruiting sites compiled by 247Sports. That continues a trend that began as soon as the early signing period arrived in December 2017.

The difference now is that the transfer portal has made December busier than ever. The early signing period for this class began Dec. 21, a little over two weeks after the portal window opened and just as bowl games were starting.

Before the College Football Playoff championship game, Georgia’s Kirby Smart and TCU’S Sonny Dykes both called for changes to the crowded college football calendar. Smart noted the arrival of a 12-team playoff in 2024 will only make things busier.

“I think with the playoff system coming up, it’s going to be really interesting to see what happens: Are you going to be playing games while you’re trying to sign guys in the early signing period in December?” Smart said. “It’s gotten more competitive than ever.”

Southeastern Conference Commissioner Greg Sankey, who was critical of the early signing period when it first took effect, has said it should be moved to clear up that December schedule.

Todd Berry, the executive director of the American Football Coaches Association, said a “high majority” of coaches have recommended moving it. Berry said coaches like having an early signing period but want it at a different time.