National Signing Day

National Signing Day timeline

November 6, 1869

Rutgers vs. Princeton

Rutgers University and Princeton University faced off in the first-ever game of intercollegiate football.

1964

NCAA Manages Letter of Intent

The NCAA started the management and administration of National Letters of Intent.

1981

Early Signing Days Prohibited

The NCAA decided to hold one official day when recruits commit to colleges.

2017

Early Signing Reinstated

The NCAA reinstates early signing in football.

National Signing Day FAQs

When is National Signing Day?

National Signing Day 2026 falls on Wednesday, February 4, marking the official date when high school football players can sign their National Letters of Intent with collegiate programs.

How many high school athletes sign National Letters of Intent?

Each year, thousands of high school athletes sign National Letters of Intent (NLIs) across various sports, with football representing a significant portion. While exact numbers vary, the NCAA reports that over 50,000 athletes sign NLIs annually.

What is the National Letter of Intent (NLI)?

The National Letter of Intent (NLI) is a binding agreement between a prospective student-athlete and an NLI member institution. It signifies the athlete’s commitment to attend that school for one academic year and the school’s commitment to provide financial aid.

Is there an early signing period for football?

Yes, for college football, there is an early signing period in mid-December, typically three days long. Many top recruits choose to sign during this window, making the traditional February National Signing Day primarily for those who waited or had late offers.

National Signing Day Activities

Play a game of football

Grab a couple of friends and head to the local park. Catch, run, and throw your way to glory. This is your chance to do your best impersonations of your favorite players. And while you might not be signing a letter of intent on National Signing Day, you can still do your best dance in the end zone after scoring a touch down.

Relive your favorite plays

The college football season and the NFL season might have ended but there are plenty of historic replays to rewatch. What was your favorite catch? Do you remember where you were when your favorite team got that season-changing victory? Commemorate those moments by rewatching them again and again and again.

Play video games

Yeah, it's not the same thing as actually playing football, but not everyone can run a 40 yard dash in just under five seconds. Load your favorite game and pretend you're the mega athlete you always wanted to be. People might not look at you like a conquering hero outside the confines of your living room, but hey, you don't chase greatness for the accolades.

Facts About NCAA College Football Stadiums

Most Sellouts

The Nebraska Cornhuskers' Memorial Stadium has the longest streak of sellouts of any stadium in the country

East to West

Oklahoma State's Boone Pickens Stadium is the only stadium that goes east to west (as opposed to north to south. The reason? Strong winds!

Biggest Stadium

Michigan Stadium is the largest football stadium in the country with a capacity of 109,901 seats.

First Bowl-shaped Stadium

Yale's Yale Bowl was the first stadium to be built in the shape of a bowl.

Highest Altitude

The University of Wyoming's War Memorial Stadium stands at 7,220 feet.

Why We Love National Signing Day

A new start for our favorite teams

No matter how your favorite college football team finished last year, National Signing Day means an opportunity for restored hope. A new quarterback or linebacker could mean the difference between a heartbreaking loss and a triumphant victory. National Signing Day means the the opportunity for fans to dream big once again.

It gives us new heroes to root for

Every year our favorite colleges players filter into the NFL, CFL, AFL, or into a job that has nothing to do with football at all. As players that you've become a fan of get ready to graduate, it's fun to choose new players that you'll root for over the course of the next four years. National Signing Day is where it begins for all of them.

The announcement is a huge celebration

Some of the most talented players often throw big press conferences with tons of showmanship to announce their intent. There are often crowds, cameras, and emotionally-spent family members in attendance. When the player finally makes his decision, look for the smile that crosses the player's face when the people in attendance start cheering.