Are you excited for football season? If so, get ready because February 1st is National Signing Day! The process of choosing a college can be a daunting task for high school seniors, especially for those who are football recruits. On National Signing Day, a group of high school football players officially commit to the college of their choice by signing a national letter of intent. Some of the top players make their announcements in front of cameras and their entire school. While the decision-making process can be stressful, it's important to remember that at least you don't have to make your choices in front of an audience.
National Signing Day timeline
Rutgers University and Princeton University played the first-ever game of intercollegiate football.
The NCAA began overseeing and managing the National Letters of Intent.
The NCAA decided to have a designated day when high school recruits can officially commit to colleges.
The NCAA reintroduced early signing for football.
National Signing Day Activities
-
Play a game of football
Gather a group of friends and head to the nearby park. Enjoy playing catch, running, and throwing, as you mimic your favorite players. Even though you may not be committing to a college on National Signing Day, you can still celebrate by doing your favorite touchdown dance after scoring.
-
Relive your favorite plays
The college football and NFL seasons may have come to an end, but there are still many historic games to re-watch. What was your favorite catch? Do you recall where you were when your favorite team won a game that changed the course of their season? Relive those moments by re-watching the games again and again.
-
Play video games
It may not be the same as actually playing football, but not everyone has the physical ability to run a 40-yard dash in under five seconds. Put on your favorite game and imagine yourself as the elite athlete you've always dreamed of being. While others may not view you as a hero outside of your home, remember that true greatness is not about the accolades, but about the pursuit of it.
Facts About NCAA College Football Stadiums
-
Most Sellouts
Memorial Stadium, home of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, holds the longest consecutive sellout streak in the country.
-
East to West
Boone Pickens Stadium, home of the Oklahoma State Cowboys, is the only stadium that is oriented east to west rather than north to south. This is due to the strong winds in the area, which would make it difficult to play if the stadium was oriented in the traditional way.
-
Biggest Stadium
Michigan Stadium, also known as "The Big House," is the largest football stadium in the United States, with a seating capacity of 109,901.
-
First Bowl-shaped Stadium
Yale Bowl, home of the Yale Bulldogs, was the first stadium to be constructed in the shape of a bowl.
-
Highest Altitude
War Memorial Stadium, home of the University of Wyoming Cowboys, sits at an elevation of 7,220 feet above sea level, making it one of the highest stadiums in the country.
Why We Love National Signing Day
-
A new start for our favorite teams
Regardless of how your favorite college football team performed last year, National Signing Day offers a chance for renewed hope. The addition of a new quarterback or linebacker could mean the difference between a painful loss and a victorious win. National Signing Day is an opportunity for fans to dream big once again.
-
It gives us new heroes to root for
Each year, players from our favorite colleges move on to the NFL, CFL, AFL or to a career that is not related to football. As players that you have grown to support prepare to graduate, it's exciting to pick new players to cheer for during the next four years. National Signing Day marks the start of their journey.
-
The announcement is a huge celebration
Many of the top players often hold grand press conferences with a lot of fanfare to announce their college choice. There are usually crowds, cameras and family members who are overcome with emotions. When the player finally reveals his decision, look for the smile on the player's face as the audience erupts in cheers.
National Signing Day dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2021 | February 3 | Wednesday |
2022 | February 2 | Wednesday |
2023 | February 1 | Wednesday |
2024 | February 7 | Wednesday |
2025 | February 5 | Wednesday |