The early signing period is now in the rearview, and the picture for the 2021 class is becoming much clearer with nearly 90% of the prospects in the ESPN300 signed as well at least three-quarters of this entire class putting pen to paper during that three-day stretch.
Heading into this period, Alabama and Ohio State were in a fierce battle for the top-rated class and while the Buckeyes are still in contention, the Crimson Tide were able to create a little bit of space. Nick Saban and staff added two more ESPN300 prospects to their class, led by top-10 WR JoJo Earle, and they now have a nation-leading 19 ESPN300 signees.
Texas A&M started the month of December ranked outside the top 15 but has been able to pick up steam on the recruiting trail and bust into the top 10. Close to securing a third straight top-10 class, Jimbo Fisher closed out the early signing period with a big in-state pickup, signing No. 5 OG Bryce Foster and giving the Aggies 10 ESPN300 signees, including two on the offensive line.
Memphis has assembled one of the best Group of 5 classes and was able to climb a few spots higher with the addition of WR Tyrese Johnson. The one-time Arizona verbal can be a versatile offensive weapon for the Tigers with big strong hands and the quickness to make defenders miss.
While a large portion of this class now has college destinations locked in, there are still many talented prospects undecided and, with several weeks to go until the start of the final signing period in February, shake-ups within the class rankings are still to come.