UPDATE: The early signing period has concluded, revealing dramatic shifts in college football recruiting across the West. As of December 5, USC has secured the top recruiting class in the nation, while Colorado faces significant challenges after a lackluster performance.
The chaos surrounding coaching changes, including three California powerhouses and future Pac-12 schools, has made this recruiting cycle one of the most unpredictable in recent memory.
USC, under coach Lincoln Riley, successfully locked in a class that features three players ranked No. 1 in their respective states. This includes standout receiver Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, who chose to stay in Southern California rather than commit to Ohio State. With a powerful spring and summer behind them, the Trojans have solidified their top position with a lineup that includes five-star tight end Mark Bowman and elite tackle Keenyi Pepe.
Meanwhile, Oregon finished with the No. 3 class nationally, despite losing offensive coordinator Will Stein to Kentucky. The Ducks still made headlines by signing several five-star recruits, including Jalen Lott, who delayed his commitment but ultimately joined the team.
In a significant victory for BYU, head coach Kalani Sitake chose to remain at the school, flipping commitments from in-state rivals. The Cougars secured the top quarterback in California, Ryder Lyons, who had previously faced uncertainty due to an impending LDS mission.
On the flip side, Colorado had a disappointing signing period, finishing at No. 95 nationally. With only 11 signees, their focus on transfers hindered their high school recruiting efforts. However, the hiring of offensive coordinator Brennan Marion from Sacramento State offers a glimmer of hope for future recruiting success.
In a mixed performance, Cal managed to retain local standout Nemyah Telona despite losing some top commitments following the dismissal of coach Justin Wilcox. The Bears aim to rebuild under new leadership with the hiring of Tosh Lupoi.
The Utah Utes also faced setbacks, losing the Pula twins to BYU. However, they successfully flipped cornerback Salesi Moa from Tennessee and secured commitments from top recruits in Idaho and Michigan.
With Stanford’s recent hiring of head coach Tavita Pritchard, the Cardinal managed to flip commitments from several players, including four-star receiver Zion Robinson, despite initial losses due to the coaching vacancy.
As the dust settles on this recruiting cycle, all eyes will be on how these programs adapt and evolve in the coming months. The implications of these signings will undoubtedly shape the landscape of college football in the West. Stay tuned for updates as developments continue to unfold.
