Ah, National Signing Day. It’s the only day on the calendar when every single program is in action (quote-unquote), and not a single one of them loses. Amazing, isn’t it?
Here some key story lines to watch heading into tomorrow’s festivities:
1. How do Harbaugh and McElwain close? Michigan currently ranks 72nd nationally in Rivals’ ratings, one spot below Western Michigan. The Wolverines have only 10 commitments, and one of them is a kicker. Florida’s situation isn’t quite as dire, ranking 55th with 16 pledges. But that in and of itself kind of shows the dire straits the Gators find themselves, doesn’t it? Florida ranks 55th nationally and the first reaction is Well, it could be worse.
2. Can Alabama hold on to the top spot? I’ll admit I have no idea how Rivals calculates its rankings, but I do know the Tide’s run of recruiting national championships could be in some trouble. Alabama has signed four straight No. 1-rated classes, and never has the No. 2 team ever been closer than 140 points. As of this writing, Alabama again leads the pack, but USC trails by just 125 points, and the Trojans are closing fast.
3. The hat game. It’s hard to remember a year with more of the bluest of the blue chips waiting until Signing Day to make a decision. Defensive end Byron Cowart, the nation’s top recruit, will choose between Florida and Auburn shortly after 9 a.m. on ESPNU, No. 3 recruit Iman Marshall, a safety from southern California, will announce for either USC or Florida State at 4 p.m. ET on ESPNU, and No. 4 recruit Martez Ivey, an offensive lineman from Florida, will pick between Florida or Auburn at 11:30 a.m. ET on ESPNU. Fellow five-stars offensive lineman Drew Richmond, defensive end CeCe Jefferson and running back Soso Jamabo will also announce their destinations on Wednesday.
4. Lone Star Showdown. They don’t play on the field anymore, which means recruiting battles between Texas and Texas A&M have become even more competitive. Charlie Strong won round 1 by nabbing five-star linebacker Malik Jefferson in December, then Kevin Sumlin struck back by holding on to four-star quarterback Kyler Murray last week. Now it’s down to four-star defensive tackle Daylon Mack. The latest intel says Texas A&M is sitting in the driver’s seat, but anyone who’s followed this recruitment will tell you that means Mack may be ready to change lanes again and sign with the Longhorns. Or maybe Mack shocks everyone and signs with TCU.