2018 National Signing Day: 3 Winners, 3 Losers and 3 final thoughts

Biggest stories

1. Jimbo Fisher vs Nick Saban

One of those new coaches that was able to make a statement was Jimbo Fisher. He guided the Aggies from outside the top 30 to a top 20 class, beating Nick Saban on mutiple fronts to do it.

The Aggies flipped two Alabama commits on National Signing Day: 4-star athlete Vernon Jackson and 4-star defensive tackle Bobby Brown. They split two other head-to-head battles with the Tide, landing 3-star tight end Glenn Beal and missing out on 4-star wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. That’s 3-1 against Alabama on the recruiting trail so far for Fisher.

2. Early Signing Period

The Early Signing Period is still a work in progress. The after effects are still being understood, but it has certainly accelerated the recruiting calendar. Several programs have already begun stocking up on 2019 talent, even before their 2018 recruits had signed. It’s possible the shortened cycle is going to lead to a longer recruiting process.

3. Fewer fireworks

Whether it was from the reduced number of commitments or not, the National Signing Day theatrics weren’t up to par this year. Most of the top recruits opted for the typical hat ceremony or took of a jacket to reveal their school selection.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft - First round

The most exciting commitment moment didn’t come from a player at all. Jacob Copeland, who picked the Florida Gators over the Alabama Crimson Tide saw his mom get up and leave the stage in disgust. She’d come back and hug him later, but the awkwardness was entertaining.