URGENT UPDATE: The early signing period has just concluded, revealing seismic shifts in college football recruiting across the West Coast. The 2023 recruiting cycle has seen USC seize the top class nationally, while BYU and Oregon celebrate significant wins. Meanwhile, Colorado faces challenges, barely breaking into the top 100.
In a stunning turn of events, USC has officially secured the No. 1 recruiting class in the nation, adding to their momentum with a key commitment from Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, who opted to stay in Southern California, spurning Ohio State. Coach Lincoln Riley‘s strategic recruiting efforts have paid off, featuring three players ranked No. 1 in their states.
Meanwhile, Oregon finished the period with a strong showing, landing two five-star recruits, including impactful receiver Jalen Lott. Despite losing key coordinators to other programs, head coach Dan Lanning kept the Ducks competitive, finishing with the No. 3 class overall and No. 2 in the Big Ten.
In Provo, BYU celebrated a successful signing period, retaining head coach Kalani Sitake and flipping two four-star recruits from Utah. The Cougars also secured top quarterback prospect Ryder Lyons, easing concerns over previous speculation about his commitment.
Conversely, Colorado faced a rocky signing period, finishing at No. 95 in national rankings. Despite signing two four-star recruits, including linebacker Carson Crawford, the Buffaloes’ strategy of prioritizing junior college talent has drawn criticism. The hiring of offensive coordinator Brennan Marion signals a potential shift in approach, bringing hope for future recruiting success.
The University of Washington also made headlines, securing the No. 1 recruit in California, five-star offensive tackle Kodi Greene. The Huskies flipped several other high-profile recruits, ending with a strong No. 12 class nationally.
In a mixed bag for Cal and Utah, the Bears managed to retain key local talent despite losing committed prospects due to coaching changes. The Utes experienced a bittersweet signing day, losing notable recruits while also flipping highly-rated cornerback Salesi Moa from Tennessee.
As the dust settles, the implications of these recruiting decisions will resonate throughout the upcoming college football season. Stay tuned for more updates as programs continue to adjust and strategize leading into the 2024 season.
This early signing period has not only shaped the future of these programs but has also set the stage for an intense offseason filled with coaching changes and recruitment wars. Keep an eye on these developments, as they’ll undoubtedly impact the landscape of college football in the coming year.
