college football early signing period Open on Wednesday with most of 2026 recruiting class Committed. This added some extra drama for teams who were chasing some extras and changes in the final minutes.
The coaching changes at the end of this cycle had a huge impact Virginia Tech adding eight commitments Since the appointment of James Franklin. golden brown color And arkansas Everyone saw movement in their classes after the coach’s appointment on Sunday.
Here’s a look at the winners, the events that were missed on Wednesday and the questions that are still being played in the 12-hour period on the 2026 cycle after more than 12 months of recruitment:
jump to: texas hauling , carousel effect
cfp boost , overachiever , impact qb
Texas’ five-star achievement is impressive
Some teams had multiple five-star prospects, but none had more prospects than the Longhorns. This class fills needs but also has extremely talented players in influential positions.
On defense, linebacker tyler atkinson (No. 17 overall) has a combination of skill and production that can’t be ignored. He recorded 550 tackles in his prep career and had three double-digit sack seasons. He is a versatile and explosive defender, whether rushing the edge or in coverage. He is associated with the defensive end Richard WesleyNo. 8 overall. After the Longhorns did some leaning in the transfer portal last offseason to remodel their defensive line, Wesley will be a key player who projects to be versatile within their front, with the strength and heavy hands to set the edge and the ability to slide inside and highlight his rushing mismatches.
Offensively, QB lamp bellThe sixth overall prospect may be the best round-up, having been a multi-year starter and consistently playing at a high level of competition. Although he’s not exactly a dual-threat, he can still create second chances and be effective when asked to run. As a passer, his basketball background has helped him develop pocket movement and he has a good handle on the deep ball. running back derek cooperTexas has a future replacement for Quintrevion Wisner. Cooper’s initial impact may be limited, but he brings similar qualities, including the ability to be a 1,000-yard rushing threat and rank among UT’s most productive pass catchers. Again, Texas has set itself up to replace a productive player with a prospect with even greater impact potential. , craig haubert
Coaching changes lead to losses to Auburn, Penn State and Oklahoma State
Traditionally, in-season firing is the first domino of class implosion. Such moves did not impact Florida and LSU in the 2026 recruiting process. But amid a historic coaching carousel, the recruiting classes at Auburn, Penn State and Oklahoma State were among the classes that felt the full force of their school’s respective coaching changes in recent months.
Auburn’s newest class has held strong in the weeks since the Tigers fired Hugh Freeze on Nov. 2. In fact, four of the program’s five decommitments since then occurred only when Auburn hired Alex Golesh from South Florida on Sunday. But the departures themselves were important. four star security bralon womack (No. 39 overall), the Tigers’ top-ranked 2026 commitment, and quarterback peyton falzon (No. 225) Each withdrew their pledge on Monday. And while the signing from four-star wide receiver jace matthews (No. 258 overall) and a trio of ESPN 300 linebackers still give Auburn a foundation of 2026 talent, the Tigers’ incoming class lacks starpower.
defensive tackle danny beal (No. 108 overall) and running back kaydin jones (No. 25 RB) marked Oklahoma State’s star addition to a surprisingly strong start to the 2026 cycle. Both left the Cowboys’ class between the departure of Mike Gundy in September and the arrival of North Texas coach Eric Morris on November 25. After another series of decommitments over the past week and a half, Morris is ready to begin his rebuild in Stillwater with a thin array of early signees.
However, Auburn and Oklahoma State’s recruiting declines appear to be tempered by developments that have unfolded around Penn State’s 2026 class since mid-October.
As of Wednesday morning, there were only two commits left in the Nittany Lions class, which ranked 17th nationally after the school fired the coach james franklin On 12 October. One of the high-profile departures from Penn State since then: offensive tackle kevin brown (No. 78), wide receiver davion brown (No. 109), running back messiah mickens (No. 141) and longtime quarterback pledge troy huhn (No. 198) To add insult to injury, 10 of the Nittany Lions’ total of 21 decommitments ultimately landed at Virginia Tech with Franklin all signing with the surging Hokies 2026 on Wednesday, while Penn State’s coaching job is still vacant in early December. , eli lederman
Which teams improved their CFP chances?
35 commitments
ESPN 300 commit: 18, two five stars
USC is coming close and lost a game at Oregon, which likely would have pushed it into the CFP in 2025. The class is filled from top to bottom, even including JUCO prospects. However, to take the next step, the Trojans must continue to strengthen the trenches. They took out a four-star defensive tackle jamion winfield Out of Texas, landed a defensive end in the state simote katoanga and traveled to Utah to catch offensive linemen Esun TafaThe Trojans look to bolster the offensive line, kenny pepe Out of IMG Academy. He has size at 6-foot-7 and 320 pounds, but he is light on his feet as well as physically and can become a standout tackle. five star cornerback albert hill Give the spotlight to skill-position players. Hill has elite speed, which has been measured at over 22 mph while playing the game.
25 commitments
ESPN 300 commit: 12, a five star
Michigan has quietly had a very successful season, winning five consecutive games before a loss to Ohio State despite several offensive injuries to running backs and a true freshman QB. bryce underwoodThis category includes six players who are in the top 10 at their respective positions, Michigan bolsters its backfield by landing running back No, 2 sevion hitterA runner with a good mix of size (6 feet, 200 pounds), strength and speed who can also catch the ball out of the backfield. After losing two defensive linemen in the first round of the NFL Draft, Michigan added several in this class, including four-star titan davis, machele blade And tariq boneyMichigan also has a commitment from a five-star carter meadowsA rangy edge defender who can impact QBs. , Tom Luginbill
Which teams have overachieved?
18 commitments: one five star, 17 three star
Coach Willie Fritz has made major strides in his second season in Houston and recruiting has boomed as a result.
This class has been headlined by five-star quarterbacks for several months kesin hendersonThe No. 1 dual-threat QB in the country. Henderson could become a program-defining prospect that will propel the Cougars into Big 12 championship contenders for years to come. Henderson has also remained a loyal commitment throughout the process, despite apparent offers from other major programs to flip him. He is dynamic as a runner and a rusher as a passer.
UH’s class also ranks sixth in the country Jayvion MartinThe 250-pounder is a complete blocker and receiver who can play inline in the run game, He also competes in track and field, The Cougars also nabbed a top-25 athlete in Paris Melvin, who could project at cornerback or wide receiver and is a dangerous return man, who ran a 10,86 100 meters in the spring of 2025, Is one of the more underrated running back prospects in the class John HebertA Ryan Switzer-Type Scatback/Utility weapon. He ran a 4.54 40-yard laser in the spring and recorded a top speed of 21.3 mph.
This class is full of high-end three-star prospects, and perhaps no coach in the country has a better track record of developing prospects than Fritz.
21 Commitments: six four stars
SMU is now racing with the big dogs not only on the field, but in recruiting circles as well. The Mustangs have added several offensive linemen, none bigger than Sam Utu, an ESPN 300 player with tackle athleticism and guard power. The Mustangs also selected Evan Goodwin, a towering presence at 6-7 and 320 pounds. evan goodwinA massive presence at 6-7 and 320 pounds, and guard at state Drew EversA compactly built and strong blocker who can catch up and control defenders. Rhett Lashley knows it’s the trenches that will elevate the program.
Taking advantage of the rich talent base in Texas, SMU has added several prospects to the state, including a SC Next 300 back. Christian RhodesRhodes, an explosive runner who has been recorded to run a top speed of better than 21 mph in a game, also brings a physical running style to the 6-1, 200-pounder, high three star Aljour Miles IIA tall receiver with good athleticism and body control is another good in-state addition. Another goal scored with big-play potential, jakai andersonDriven out of Louisiana. While the target isn’t that big, he brings a good mix of speed and elusiveness and can be productive in the return game as well.
On defense, defensive end Hudson Woods Shows some savvy as a pass rusher, with active hands and good bends. linebacker kenneth goodwin The out of California is a versatile, physical defender who can rush the pass.
12 commitments: Six ESPN 300 prospects, eight overall four-stars
Despite the firing of coach Hugh Freeze and some late defections, this class still has major talent upgrades committed, especially on defense. The class isn’t large, but it is filled with top-tier talent overall. Four players are in their respective positions among the top 11 players in the country and two are in the top three.
Adam Balogun-Ali He is the No. 1 inside linebacker in the country and has had significant growth due to his long frame. He can play inside and outside as an edge rusher and excels in space due to his speed and agility. The Tigers also have a commitment from the No. 3 inside linebacker in the class, Shadarius ToodleToodles is just a step behind Balogun-Ali in terms of overall pace and is a downhill gap plugger in the middle of the field,
New head coach Alex Golesh has a good base going into the final period and attacking the transfer portal for more additions in January. , luginbill
These 2026 QBs could start early
jake fete, Arizona State Sun Devils: assume Sam Levitt Heading into the portal, Fette, the No. 4-ranked dual threat, brings several great attributes to the Sun Devils’ offense. He’s super athletic and dynamic, always keeping his eyes down the field as he moves. Fette is similar to Levitt in his emphasis on protecting his arms and legs. Fette also has good touch and anticipation on short to midrange throws. Coach Kenny Dillingham will systematically challenge the defense with numerous transitions, motions and backfield action that will maximize Fette’s dynamic skills in and out of the pocket.
oscar rios, Arizona Wildcats:Rios is the Wildcats’ highest-rated pocket passer signee in the ESPN 300 era. How immediate the effect will be depends on noah fifita Returning for the 2026 season. If Fifita chooses to return, Rios could redshirt as a true freshman and be the favorite to become the starter in 2027. Rios’ quick release and great arm strength should lead to big numbers under coordinator Seth Doege in Tucson. , billy tucker
