College football early signing period 2023: Recruiting rankings, need to know

It's the most wonderful time of year, not only because Christmas is around the corner, or even because College Football Bowl Season has begun and is ongoing. But also because one of the most important dates on the annual recruiting calendar is drawing near: Yes, it's almost time for the Early Signing Period to begin for the 2024 cycle, and the nation's top recruits are set to make their announcements official.

Used to be, the National Signing Day was a bonanza set for the month of February, but back in 2017, the early signing period was introduced, giving prospects a chance to put their name on the dotted line. Here's what you need to know about the 2023-24 early period for college football.

College football 2023 early signing period

This year, the official Early Signing Period begins on Wednesday, December 20th and extends over three days, ending on Friday, December 22nd.

The introduction of the early signing period has not been met with universal acclaim, however.

By adding such a crucial date to the recruiting calendar at this particular time of year, the NCAA has placed immense pressure on coaches, assistants, and programs. Not to mention on the recruits, as well.

On the first day of December, a 15-day recruiting window opened up for coaches and personnel to contact and visit high school prospects. Then the winter transfer portal window opened on December 4th.

And that was just after the completion of Championship Weekend, Selection Sunday for the College Football Playoff and other bowl games, and the beginning of a month of postseason matchups to be played.

2024 college football recruiting rankings

1. Georgia. Of the 28 commitments picked up by the defending champs, 20 are four-star prospects, and four are five-stars.

2. Ohio State. 23 commitments, five 5-stars, 13 4-stars

3. Florida State. 23 commitments, two 5-stars, 15 4-stars

4. Alabama. 21 commitments, three 5-stars, 12 4-stars

5. Florida. 20 commitments, three 5-stars, 12 4-stars

6. Texas. 21 commitments, three 5-stars, 15 4-stars

7. Miami (Fla.). 26 commitments, one 5-star, 11 4-stars

8. Oklahoma. 28 commitments, one 5-star, 18 4-stars

9. Oregon. 23 commitments, no 5-stars, 19 4-stars

10. Notre Dame. 23 commitments, one 5-star, 15 4-stars