Changes at several American Conference programs had major implications during college football’s early signing period for a second straight year.

Five American teams saw head coaches take other jobs or be dismissed during the 2025 season, prompting significant defections from some classes during the early period from Dec. 3-5. The change was so drastic at North Texas that the Mean Green didn’t announce a single signing during the early period. Hopefully, that’s not going to become a trend in the American, which also saw five head coaches dismissed during the 2024 regular season.

But with replacements now hired for the programs affected this year, the American Conference is expected to be very active between now and the traditional signing period in February. The league will be a prominent player in the transfer portal during this next phase of the 2026 recruiting cycle.

As we wait for those decisions to unfold, here’s our team-by-team look at how American teams fared during the early signing period for the Class of 2026.

ARMY

THE HEADLINE: After winning the American Conference regular season in 2024 during its first year of membership, the Cadets took a step backward in 2025. They dropped from 12-2 overall to 6-6, yet still qualified for a postseason bowl. Although Army doesn’t release names of recruited players until they arrive at school in the summer, reports from the various websites have more than 50 prospects verbally committed to the Class of 2026 for the Cadets.

HOW MANY SIGNED: According to 247Sports.com, 53 high school players have made verbal commitments to Army. Most of those have been confirmed by players on their X accounts.

CLASS RATINGS: 247Sports.com (No. 135 nationally, No. 13 in AC); On3/Rivals (No. 128 nationally, No. 12 in AC).

TOP-RATED SIGNEES: Defensive lineman DOMINIC BASRAWALA (6-3, 250) has a three-star rating from 247Sports.com and the On3/Rivals network. Basrawala produced 123 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks over the last two seasons at state power Charlotte (NC) Catholic and chose Army over Virginia Tech.

PHILLIP GOODRICH (6-0, 215) played for national power St. Thomas Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale, FL, where he collected 186 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, nine sacks and three interceptions in 37 career games. Goodrich, who held offers from Indiana, Michigan and West Virginia among others, first committed to Navy back in April. But he moved away from that pledge in August, and after an official visit to Colorado on Sept. 27 opted to join the Cadets.

Interior offensive lineman MAVERICK DIEDE (6-4, 280) is one of the top prospects from Montana. He was a second-team all-state pick on the offensive line and first-teamer on the defensive line where me made 32 tackles and 11.5 tackles for loss as a senior.

CLASS NOTES & NOTABLES: Receiver RY REED (5-10, 170) played six-man football in Gordon, Texas, and was a state 100-meter champion as a junior with a time of 10.47 seconds. … The 53 prospects committed to Navy hail from 20 different states and the District of Columbia. … Texas, with 10 verbal commitments, leads the way. … Interior offensive lineman CARTER GLAB (6-3, 265) is the first Navy recruit from the state of Nebraska (Omaha) under head coach JEFF MONKEN, who has led the program since 2014. … Quarterback C.J. GRAY (6-0, 195) scored two touchdowns, one throwing and one running, to lead Brother Rice High to the Illinois Class 7A championship as a senior over St. Rita (16-0).

CHARLOTTE

THE HEADLINE: The 49ers lived up to low expectations under first-year coach TIM ALBIN’s building efforts. Hindered by an anemic offense that ranked 131st out of 134 FBS teams, Charlotte managed just one win in 12 games with the lone victory coming against FCS Monmouth. The situation, however, spelled opportunity for recruits looking for a place to make an immediate impact as the 49ers signed one of the largest classes during the early period among American Conference schools.

HOW MANY SIGNED: A total of 28 prospects signed with the 49ers during the early period. Despite the team’s offensive woes in 2025, 17 of the early signees are defensive players.

CLASS RATINGS: 247Sports.com (No. 87 nationally, No. 6 in AC); On3/Rivals (No. 83 nationally, No. 6 in AC).

TOP-RATED SIGNEES: Safety ALCHINO BLAKELY (5-10, 190) received some heavyweight offers from the likes of Michigan and Penn State early in the recruiting process. The opportunity for immediate playing time presented by Charlotte eventually sold Blakely on the 49ers. As a senior at South Gwinnett High in Snellville, GA, Blakely made 105 tackles, eight tackles for loss and three interceptions.

D’NAS WHITE (6-4, 335) has had an interesting college career to date. The Concord, NC, native was rated the nation’s No. 22 defensive line prospect as a prep senior and signed with Florida State. But after one season in Tallahassee, he entered the transfer portal and wound up at NCAA Division II Catawba for the 2025 season where he made 10 tackles in six games. White is now headed to Charlotte where both he and the 49ers hope he can finally reach the potential he displayed in high school.

For some immediate help on offense, the 49ers signed REGINHARD PIERRE-NAU from Northwest Mississippi Community College. Pierre-Nau is rated the nation’s No. 15 JUCO interior lineman and was an All-NJCAA Region 23 pick as a sophomore this season. Charlotte beat out Akron, Arkansas State, Florida Atlantic, Georgia State, Kennesaw State, Liberty, Louisiana-Monroe, Old Dominion, Troy and UTEP for Pierre-Nau’s services.

CLASS NOTES & NOTABLES: Charlotte’s early signing class features nine players from Georgia, four from North Carolina, three from Mississippi, two from Arkansas, two from Florida, two from South Carolina and one each from Arizona, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Texas and Virginia. … Quarterback BRODY DAWYOT (6-5, 220), from Salem, VA, is the all-time state leader in touchdown passes (135). … Nine of the 49ers’ signees are JUCO or transfer players. … Defensive back JOSH HINES was a double-figure scorer in basketball for Myers Park High in Charlotte as a junior. … Charlotte has the distinction of having one of the longest names among American Conference recruits in tight end MAXIUMAS JANSENVANVUREN (6-6, 260), from Waterford Mott, MI.

EAST CAROLINA

THE HEADLINE: The Pirates were a strong contender for the American Conference regular-season title through November but would finish a game out of consideration for the league championship game. Their 8-4 overall record and bid to play in the Military Bowl kept the momentum going for the program under coach BLAKE HARRELL, whose first full recruiting class had a heavy influence from the Deep South.

HOW MANY SIGNED: ECU signed 18 prospects during the early period, 10 of them from the states of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.

CLASS RATINGS: 247Sports.com (No. 94 nationally, No. 7 in AC); On3/Rivals (No. 81 nationally, No. 6 in AC).

TOP-RATED SIGNEES: DAVID COLEMAN (5-11, 165) is a dynamic corner-safety playmaker from Camden County in Kingsland, GA. Coleman is rated the No. 85 corner nationally by the On3/Rivals network and had offers from Florida State, Indiana, Mississippi and Tennessee among his many options. Coleman not only adds a versatile, speedy player to ECU’s secondary, he’s also a tremendous kick returner.

Edge TERANDE SPENCER (6-3, 235) hails from the powerhouse Richmond Senior program in Rockingham, NC. Spencer has won conference defensive player of the year honors for two straight seasons, including his senior campaign when he made 91 tackles, 23 tackles for loss and nine sacks. He’s a big-time pass rusher who could make an impact with the Pirates next fall.

One of the most interesting early signees for ECU is receiver DAWSON QUARTERMAN (6-4, 210) from Grayson High in Loganville, GA. Quarterman played for three different high schools, including national power St. Thomas Aquinas as a sophomore. He improved at each stop, snaring 52 passes for 845 yards and eight touchdowns as a senior at Grayson. Quarterman excels at catching the deep balls, and since he’ll be enrolling at ECU in January he’ll get an early opportunity to earn playing time for the 2025 season.

CLASS NOTES & NOTABLES: TREY BURKE is the second quarterback ECU has recruited out of Spartanburg (SC) High in four cycles. … The Pirates signed RYHEIM JETER in the Class of 2023. Jeter is now a sophomore for the Pirates. … ECU signed two offensive linemen from Garden City Community College in BRYSON ESSER and CHRISTIAN HARRIS. … Defensive lineman ETHAN WILSON is the son of a member of ECU’s strength and conditioning staff, and the cousin of former ECU great defensive lineman C. J. WILSON. … Linebacker JEREMIAH ROUX’s brother, KENDRICK DUJOUR, is a junior defensive lineman for the Pirates. … Linebacker L.J. PORTER received his first scholarship offer as a middle schooler from Tennessee. … Three notable ECU players have signaled their intentions to enter the transfer portal. QB KATIN HOUSER and a pair of his top targets, WR YANNICK SMITH AND TE JAYBONTAY CONNER, are departing.

FLORIDA ATLANTIC

THE HEADLINE: Similar results as his predecessor met first-year FAU coach ZACK KITTLEY in 2025. The Owls went 4-8 overall for the program’s fifth straight losing season. Kittley hopes to really start the rebuilding process at FAU with his first full recruiting class, which features an influx of transfers who’ll provide immediate help.

HOW MANY SIGNED: A total of 13 prospects joined the Owls during the early period with nine of those playing offense.

CLASS RATINGS: 247Sports.com (No. 118 nationally, No. 10 in AC); On3/Rivals (No. 116 nationally, No. 10 in AC).

TOP-RATED SIGNEES: One of the class jewels is receiver ELIJAH WEST (6-2, 185) from Tate High in Cantonment, FL. West drew 22 offers, all from FBS programs, with Arkansas, Georgia Tech, Michigan State, Kansas State, Minnesota and Pittsburgh among them. West is a big-play threat who averaged 18.3 yards per reception as a senior at Tate.

The transfer group is highlighted by edge KENYON GARNER (6-4, 230) who arrives from NCAA Division II Livingstone College. Garner led Division II with 15 sacks and had 28 tackles for loss last season and the Central Collegiate Athletic Association’s Defensive Player of the Year. Despite of intense attention from other major programs, Garner opted to return to his home state to play for the Owls.

The Owls signed a true ballhawk in cornerback SEAN WILLIAMS (5-11, 170) from Creekside High in Fairburn, GA. Williams, who drew offers from Georgia Tech, Indiana, Pittsburgh, Purdue, SMU and others, had seven career interceptions at Creekside along with 87 tackles and five tackles for loss.

CLASS NOTES & NOTABLES: FAU signed three offensive linemen, three defensive backs, two tight ends, two receivers, two defensive linemen, a running back and a quarterback. … Florida sent four prospects to FAU, while Colorado, Georgia, West Virginia, Ohio, North Carolina, Arizona, Alabama, Tennessee, Oklahoma and Texas had one each. … Receiver NISCSAINT JOSEPH JR. (6-2, 165) was coached during part of his career at Miami’s Northwestern High by NFL quarterback TEDDY BRIDGEWATER. … FAU had seven players decommit, with Coffeyville edge ERIC BATTLE JR. the most significant. … Battle is rated the nation’s No. 14 edge by 247Sports.com … Offensive lineman OWEN CHEATHAM (6-6, 255) made 93 pancake blocks and didn’t allow a sack as a senior at Durango, CO, High School.

MEMPHIS

THE HEADLINE: RYAN SILVERFIELD left Memphis after six seasons on Nov. 30 to become head coach at Arkansas. Silverfield turned Memphis into one of the American’s top programs, recording a 50-25 overall record that included four bowl victories. Hired to replace Silverfield on Dec. 8 was CHARLES HUFF, the former head coach at Marshall and Southern Miss.

HOW MANY SIGNED: The coaching change did cause several recruited players to change their minds, but Memphis still managed to sign 18 prospects during the early period.

CLASS RATINGS: 247Sports.com (No. 69 nationally, No. 2 in AC); On3/Rivals (No. 71 nationally, No. 3 in AC); ESPN (No. 66 nationally).

TOP-RATED SIGNEES: The No. 92 edge prospect in the nation cast his lot with Memphis over offers from Indiana, Notre Dame, Mississippi State, Penn State and Tennessee among others. EVAN HARVEY (6-2, 245) produced 36 tackles for loss and 18.5 sacks during his career Tyrone (GA) High.

Another big addition to the Memphis defensive line is MARSHALL SMITH (6-5, 245), a three-star (No. 120 defensive lineman nationally) from Collierville, Texas. Smith chose the Tigers over Mississippi State and Tennessee after a senior year at Collierville in which he made 55 tackles, eight tackles for loss and five sacks. The performance earned him an invite to the AutoZone Liberty Bowl All-Star game.

A “project” recruit for the Tigers may be ERIC PERRY (6-0, 195) from DeSoto Central High in Mississippi. Perry was a prep quarterback who passed for 4,059 yards and ran for another 2,978 during his career. He had been committed to Auburn since early June, but backed off that pledge when Hugh Freeze was fired as Auburn’s head coach in early November. Perry promptly committed to Memphis on the same day his commitment from Auburn was announced. Perry has the skills to make a quick transition to running back in college.

CLASS NOTES & NOTABLES: The class features five defensive backs, three linebackers, two defensive linemen, two receivers, two offensive linemen, a quarterback, tight end and punter. … Five members of the class are from Georgia, three from Alabama, two from Tennessee, two from Texas, two from Mississippi, one from Florida, one from Missouri and one from South Carolina. … The Tigers suffered seven decommits in December after the coaching change, most notable was three-star receiver JUDE HALL. … Offensive lineman CAREY CLAYTON’s father, CAREY, is a former UTEP offensive lineman.

NAVY

THE HEADLINE: Like its Army brethren, Navy doesn’t release a list of football signees until they arrive on campus in the summer. But recruits could formally sign their financial aid agreements, so it was possible to track the newest Midshipmen via their posts on X regarding their signing.

HOW MANY SIGNED: Navy added 47 new prospects during the early signing period, according to 247Sports.com.

CLASS RATINGS: 247Sports.com (No. 125 nationally, No. 11 in AC); On3/Rivals (No. 126 nationally, No. 11 in AC).

TOP-RATED SIGNEES: Although he only played three games as a senior due to injury, running back ADRIAN SYMALLA (5-10, 210) enjoyed a brilliant prep career at Arvada West High in Colorado. Symalla racked up 3,286 career rushing yards on 463 carries (7.1 per rush) and scored 34 touchdowns. He’s just the kind of back who seems to excel at Navy – explosive, durable and powerful.

ALEXANDER BREWER (6-4, 295), from Canton, GA, is rated the nation’s No. 130 interior offensive lineman by 247Sports.com. Brewer was named Region 6-5A Offensive Lineman of the Year as a senior at Sequoyah High and was selected to play in the Navy All-American Bowl. He first committed to Colorado State back in April, but backed off that pledge after the Rams fired head coach Jay Norvell. That opened the door for Navy to snare Brewer, who had 13 offers from FBS programs.

On defense, the Middies flipped safety KADEN OLSON (6-0, 185) from Washington State on signing day. Olson, a three-star prospect from Justin, Texas, made his pledge to the Cougars in mid-June. But after Jimmy Rogers left Washington State for the head job at Iowa State, Olson opted out of his commitment on Oct. 7. Navy then became his focus and he signed with the Middies on Dec. 3.

CLASS NOTES & NOTABLES: Navy has received verbal commitments from prospects representing 19 different states and the District of Columbia. … Eight of those hail from Pennsylvania. … The group features 11 defensive backs and nine offensive linemen. … Receiver CLINTON LEE (6-3, 185), from Middletown, MD, was born in Annapolis. … KADEN GLOVER (6-7, 235) played quarterback as a junior at Thousand Oaks High in California but will switch to tight end at Navy. … Defensive lineman JAZEAR CARTER (6-2, 270) made 324 tackles, 41 tackles for loss and 18 sacks during his prep career at West Harrison High in Gulfport, MS. … Carter was selected to play in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game.

NORTH TEXAS

THE HEADLINE: ERIC MORRIS led North Texas to an 11-2 regular-season record and a tie for first in the American Conference standings while developing the nation’s top-ranked offense. But after three seasons and a 21-15 overall record with the Mean Green, Morris accepted the job as head coach at Oklahoma State on Nov. 25. Former Troy and West Virginia head coach NEAL BROWN was named Morris’s successor at North Texas on Dec. 8, five days after a very limited early signing period for the Mean Green.

HOW MANY SIGNED: The Mean Green did not release any signings during the early period and have only two players listed as verbally committed by 247Sports.com.

CLASS RATINGS: 247Sports.com (No. 136 nationally, No. 14 in AC); On3/Rivals (No. 141 nationally, No. 14 in AC).

TOP-RATED SIGNEES: Edge CASON APPLEWHITE (6-3, 230), who had 46 tackles, eight tackles for loss and six sacks as a senior at Palestine High in Texas, also received offers from UTSA and Stephen F. Austin.

K.C. EKWU (6-5, 300), an offensive tackle from Sunnyvale, Texas, remained loyal to the Mean Green since committing last August. He did have other offers from Arkansas State, Louisiana Tech, Tulsa, UTSA and Lamar to ponder, but stuck with his original decision through the early signing period.

CLASS NOTES & NOTABLES: Seven previous North Texas commits left the class to join ERIC MORRIS at Oklahoma State. … Twelve players backed off verbal commitments to the Mean Green, the highest ranked of whom was receiver J.T. WEIER, a JUCO transfer from Fullerton College in California. … Weir is rated the nation’s No 11 JUCO receiver. … Ekwu is a finalist for the 2025 Whataburger Super Team selected by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football. … Ekwu is one of 40 finalists.

RICE

THE HEADLINE: For a program that hasn’t had a winning record since 2014, the 5-7 this season in SCOTT ABELL’s first as head coach should be considered a step forward. A win in any of its narrow losses to Navy (by a touchdown), FAU (by 6) and Connecticut (by 3 in overtime) could have made the record look a lot better. Looking to improve an offense that ranked 122nd out of 134 teams in total offense and 117th in scoring (19.8) was a big focus of the Owls’ early signing efforts.

HOW MANY SIGNED: As far as numbers go, Rice did well in signing 18 prospects. The Owls had one signee at every position, including kicker.

CLASS RATINGS: 247Sports.com (No. 114 nationally, No. 9 in AC); On3/Rivals (No. 103 nationally, No. 9 in AC).

TOP-RATED SIGNEES: MARCUS PAGE JR. (6-6, 290) is a rare talent, who only played one season of high school football at North Forney in Texas. Page had previously focused on basketball, but his potential on the gridiron prompted Baylor to extend a scholarship offer in late June. A 5-7 finish by Baylor, and other factors, prompted Page to have a change of heart, which led him flip to Rice on Dec. 2. Maybe he’s not an immediate impact guy, but Page could easily develop into an all-star before his career with the Bears is done.

Page will someday look good paving the path for DIONNE SIMS (5-10, 160), a versatile back who can make plays running or catching the football. As a senior at C.E. King High in Humble, Texas, Sims rushed 185 times for 1,669 yards and 24 touchdowns, while making 14 receptions for 124 yards and two scores. Rated the No. 95 running back prospect in the nation by 247Sports.com, Sims chose Rice over Arizona, Houston, Illinois, Minnesota and Oregon among others.

The Owls added some beef for their defensive front in BROCK REDDIC (6-3, 305), who spent last season at Kilgore Community College in Texas. Reddic was a tough force in the middle of Kilgore’s defensive line, where he made 30 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and five sacks. Rice needed to improve its size up front and Reddic should help fill that bill in 2026.

CLASS NOTES & NOTABLES: Of the 18 signees for Rice, nine play offense, eight defense and one is a kicker. … Ten of the 18 hail from Texas. … Quarterback AYDEN WILHELM’s father, BRENT, helped lead Kansas to the College World Series in 1995 as a third baseman. … Offensive lineman CLAY MITCHELL’s older brother BLAKE was a first-round pick in the 2023 MLB Draft by the Kansas City Royals as a catcher. … Tight end COLTEN COLE (6-3, 235) was a four-year starter in football, basketball and baseball at Sulphur (OK) High School. … Linebacker JAYDEN CUPITT (6-1, 220) is the cousin of Kansas City Chiefs receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster.

TEMPLE

THE HEADLINE: K.C. KEELER’s rookie season as Temple’s head coach saw the Owls produced the most wins (5-7 record) since 2019 and featured an overtime victory against Tulsa and big home win against UTSA (27-21). One-point losses against Army and Navy prevented a better outcome. The improvement helped Keeler reel in the top early signing class in the American Conference, according to 247Sports.com and the On3/Rivals network.

HOW MANY SIGNED: The Owls added 23 newcomers to their roster during the early period with a heavy emphasis on the secondary and defensive line. Temple also worked hard in is own backyard and was able to lure prospects from some of Philadelphia’s powerhouse prep programs.

CLASS RATINGS: 247Sports.com (No. 60 nationally, No. 1 in AC); On3/Rivals (No. 68 nationally, No. 1 in AC); ESPN (No. 67 national).

TOP-RATED SIGNEES: JUDE OKELEKE (6-3, 280) was one of the top prospects in the Northeast, ranking as the second-best player out of Connecticut and the No. 82 defensive lineman nationally by 247Sports.com. Okeleke, from Waterntown, CT, was the Class A Group One Defensive Player of the Year as a senior at The Taft School with 20 tackles for loss and five sacks in nine games. Temple beat out schools such as Duke, Miami, Pittsburgh, Syracuse and West Virginia which were on in pursuit of Okeleke.

The Owls slipped in late to acquire offensive tackle KARON SPENCER (6-6, 310) after he broke off a verbal commitment to South Florida in mid-November. Spencer, from Olney, MD, received an offer from Temple a day before the early signing period began and joined the Class of 2026 the following day (Dec. 3). Rated the nation’s No. 96 offensive tackle prospect by 247Sports.com, Spencer is considered a key piece of Temple’s ’26 class.

The proverbial “sleeper” in Temple’s class may be quarterback BRODY NORMAN (6-1, 185) from Mooresville, NC. Norman was widely ignored by North Carolina’s FBS schools in recruiting, despite a prep career that saw him pass for 6,402 yards, rush for 1,583 and earn conference offensive player of the year honors three times. A late May offer from Temple had Norman’s total focus from that point.

CLASS NOTES & NOTABLES: Temple brought in seven defensive backs, five defensive linemen, three linebackers, two quarterbacks, two running backs, two receivers, a tight end and an offensive linemen in the early signing class. … Four each of those prospects hail from Pennsylvania and New Jersey. … Three come from Maryland, two from Ohio and one each from Arkansas, Connecticut, Canada, Florida, DC, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island and Texas. … Tight end LIAM FULLER’s mother, SHIELAH BORNE, is a former Temple basketball player. … Receiver COEN LOGAN is the fastest of Temple’s recruits, having turned a 10.8-second 100-meter dash.

TULANE

THE HEADLINE: The Green Wave won the American Conference title and earned a spot in the FBS playoff, but lost head coach Jon Sumrall to Florida. Sumrall received a six-year deal in late November to become the Gators new head man after producing a 20-7 record in two seasons at Tulane. Passing game coordinator WILL HALL, who formerly served as head coach at Southern Miss, has been promoted to take over for Sumrall.

HOW MANY SIGNED: Tulane announced 16 signees during the early period. But that figure had been above 20 before Sumrall’s departure, which led to five committed prospects re-opening their recruitment.

CLASS RATINGS: 247Sports.com (No. 89 nationally, No. 5 in AC); On3/Rivals (No. 70 nationally, No. 2 in AC).

TOP-RATED SIGNEES: TYLAN GEORGE (6-3, 310), from West Monroe, LA, is rated a four-star prospect and the No. 10 interior offensive line prospect nationally by 247Sports.com. George, who is considered an NFL-caliber talent, made his commitment to Tulane in December 2024 and stuck with it.

Defensive lineman JORDYN CRITES (6-7, 260) runs the 40-yard dash in 4.8 seconds, had a 33-inch vertical leap and an 83-inch wingspan. Those traits earned him 16 offers from FBS schools, including Baylor, Oregon State, TCU and Texas Tech before he settled on Tulane (June 14). 247Sports.com rates him the nation’s No. 107 defensive lineman.

The Green Wave benefitted from Oklahoma State’s firing of head coach MIKE GUNDY in late September. The Cowboys had a verbal commitment from Tulsa offensive tackle AIDEN MARTIN (6-5, 275), but he twice backed off that pledge in the wake of Gundy’s dismissal. He decommitted for the final time on Dec. 1 and re-opened his recruitment. Tulane swooped in to sign the all-state performer from Berryhill High.

CLASS NOTES & NOTABLES: The 16 players signed during the early period feature four offensive linemen, three defensive linemen, three defensive backs, two receivers, a bandit (linebacker/safety), quarterback, linebacker and tight end. … Three of the signees are from Georgia, two each from Alabama, California, Florida and Tennessee, and one each from Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas. … Four of the 16 signees are 300 pounds-plus. … Quarterback TRACE JOHNSON (6-0, 180), from Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, is the son of former Florida and NFL quarterback DOUG JOHNSON. … Johnson was coached by former Heisman Trophy winner CARSON PALMER at Santa Margarita High School.

TULSA

THE HEADLINE: For the first time in four seasons, the Hurricane finished below .500. Tulsa finished 3-9 overall and 0-6 in AC play under first-year coach TRE LAMB. The winless mark in American Conference play, where they lost games by an average of 18.4 points per game, was most concerning. Still, Tulsa signed a sizable class during the early period that should provide a significant boost to its offensive line.

HOW MANY SIGNED: The Hurricane added 18 newcomers to its 2026 roster with 11 hailing from either Oklahoma or Texas.

CLASS RATINGS: 247Sports.com (No. 74 nationally, No. 3 in AC); On3/Rivals (No. 74 nationally, No. 4 in AC); ESPN (No. 74 nationally)

TOP-RATED SIGNEES: Running back JAMARCEA PARKER (5-9, 190) is a speed merchant who’s been clocked at 10.7 seconds in the 100-meter dash. Parker used that speed to pile up 3,772 yards and 47 touchdowns rushing over the last two seasons at Captain Shreve High in Shreveport, LA. He’s rated the nation’s No. 31 running back prospect and was originally committed to Wake Forest. But all that changed in October when Parker backed off that pledge to join the Tulsa recruiting class on Dec. 6.

RYLEY KESTER (6-3, 290) is 31st on 247Sports.com’s list of the nation’s best interior line prospects. Kester, from Jenks, Oklahoma, cast his lot with Tulsa last April and withstood overtures from the likes of Oklahoma State, Texas Tech, Houston, Purdue and others to stick with the Hurricane.

Houston’s REILAREAN PHILLIPS (6-2, 190) ranks No. 74 among nation’s linebackers by 247Sports.com. Phillips, from Alief Elsik High School, had offers from Arizona State, Baylor, Boston College, Houston, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Mississippi, Pittsburgh and SMU to choose from during his recruitment. But Phillips took an early seat in Tulsa’s class (June 5) and never left the room. He’s a speedy linebacker-safety who has displayed great intensity and leadership skills as the prep level.

CLASS NOTES & NOTABLES: Tulsa’s 18 signees include five offensive linemen, three receivers, two linebackers, two cornerbacks, one quarterback, two defensive linemen, one running back and a kicker. … Receiver XAVIER GREEN (5-10, 165), from The Colony, Texas, also received scholarship offers for basketball from SMU, Texas A&M and Southern Utah. … Offensive limeman RYLEY KESTER blocked for Oklahoma State running back signee KAYDIN JONES at Jenks High. … Linebacker RAYMIR CONEY (6-2, 200) is the brother of Tulsa’s all-league linebacker RAY CONEY. … Offensive lineman NICK ANCIAUX has a brother, WILL, who is a tight end at Louisville.

UAB

THE HEADLINE: The great TRENT DILFER experience came to an end at UAB in October when the school dismissed the former NFL quarterback as its head coach after a 2-4 start to the 2026 season. Despite the fanfare that came with his appointment, Dilfer never could get the Blazers moving in the right direction (overall 9-21 record in less than three seasons). ALEX MORTENSEN now moves from offensive coordinator to head coach for the Blazers, which provided some continuity during the change.

HOW MANY SIGNED: Even though UAB stayed in house for its next head coach, many recruits were still taking a wait-and-see attitude about the Blazers. The result was just eight signees during the early period to rank near the bottom of the AC.

CLASS RATINGS: 247Sports.com (No. 132 nationally, No. 12 in AC); On3/Rivals (No. 137 nationally, No. 13 in AC).

TOP-RATED SIGNEES: Dual-threat quarterback BROGAN MCNAB (6-0, 185) missed most of his senior year at Melbourne Central Catholic in Florida with an injury. But that didn’t stop schools such as Air Force, Army, Boston College, Bowling Green, Charlotte, Eastern Michigan, Marshall, Navy, Massachusetts, Syracuse and UNLV from making offers. Those were based on three stellar years before 2025 when McNab racked up 4,680 yards and 52 touchdowns passing, while rushing for 2,743 and 35 more scores. He never waivered after making a verbal commitment to the Blazers in August.

A last-minute addition to the UAB early class was linebacker MALACHI CHARACTER (6-1, 208), from Thomasville, GA. Character was a tackle machine at Upson-Lee High, piling up 369 career hits, 38 tackles for loss, a sack and three interceptions. Georgia Southern was the first to offer Character back in Dec. 2024 and appeared to be the frontrunner when he took an official visit there on June 20. But UAB made a big push at the finish which led him to Birmingham instead of Statesboro.

The highest ranked member of the early class is cornerback JORDAN “JP” Price (5-9, 162). Price is the No. 182 nationally in the “athlete” category by 247Sports.com due to his playing time on both sides of the ball at Oakleaf High in Orange Park, FL. But his speed (11.36 in 100 meters) will see him start his college career at corner where UAB needed to add some depth with this recruiting class.

CLASS NOTES & NOTABLES: Three defensive backs, a quarterback, a running back, wide receiver, linebacker and offensive lineman make up the early signing class. … Three of the recruits are from Georgia, two from Alabama, two from Florida and one from Mississippi. … Three Blazers have already departed the program via the transfer portal, including tight end ELIJAH LAGG 6-4, 240). … Lagg, who started six of 12 games this season, was third on the team in receptions with 24 for 341 yards and three touchdowns.

SOUTH FLORIDA

THE HEADLINE: After directing the Bulls to a 23-15 record and three bowl games over three seasons, ALEX GOLESH was hired in late November as the new head coach at Auburn. South Florida moved quickly to replace Golesh with Ohio State’s 39-year-old offensive coordinator BRIAN HARTLINE.

HOW MANY SIGNED: South Florida still signed 17 prospects during the early period, despite the coaching change.

CLASS RATINGS: 247Sports.com (No. 83 nationally, No. 4 in AC); On3/Rivals (No. 75 nationally, No. 5 in AC); ESPN (No. 65 nationally).

TOP-RATED SIGNEES: The Bulls added the nation’s No. 96-ranked safety prospect in AMARI JONES (6-0, 160) from IMG ACADEMY in Florida. Jones, who was chosen for the Under Armour All-American game, was also courted by the likes of Arkansas, Auburn, Florida State, Penn State and Tennessee but chose USF in April and stuck with the pledge despite the high level of interest from 30 others who offered. USF added a second quality safety in C.J. CRESSEN (6-0, 180) from Lakeland, FL, who is ranked No. 113 at the position by 247Sports.com.

DENNIS “TANK” KING (6-2, 205), from Mainland High in Daytona Beach, FL, remained committed to USF but on Dec. 2 said his recruitment remained opened, causing the Bulls some concern. But King wound up signing a day later to keep a gifted linebacker in the fold. King racked up 117 tackles as a senior and had 56 career tackles for loss. He picked the Bulls over West Virginia.

A “sleeper” in the class may be running back JAYSON FRANKLIN (5-11, 205) from Seventy-First High in Fayetteville, NC. Franklin delivered three straight 1,000-yard seasons at Seventy-First, finishing with 4,442 for his career in 46 games. Franklin is rated the nation’s No. 100 running back by 247Sports.com and received other offers from Duke, Mississippi, South Carolina and Virginia among others.

CLASS NOTES & NOTABLES: USF’s early signees include 12 from Florida and one each from Georgia, Maryland, New York, North Carolina and Tennessee. … Four of the recruits play offense and 12 are defenders. … Kicker GASTON GRAMATICA is the son of former Kansas State and NFL kicker MARTIN GRAMATICA and brother of USF kicker NICO GRAMATICA. … A significant loss on signing day for USF was three-star edge JAEMIN PINCKNEY (6-5, 217) from Dorchester, SC. … The nation’s No. 34-ranked edge had been committed to the Bulls since June but flipped to Florida State on the first day of the early signing period.

UTSA

THE HEADLINE: UTSA qualified for a sixth straight bowl appearance under coach JEFF TRAYLOR. But the Roadrunners did take a step back in 2025 by failing to win nine or more games for the first time since 2021. They finished 6-6 overall and 4-4 in the league. The slip didn’t seem to affect recruiting as UTSA signed a well-balance class filling needs at every position.

HOW MANY SIGNED: The Roadrunners announced 17 signees on the first day of the early period but added a pair of JUCO transfers on Dec. 5 to bring the number to 19.

CLASS RATINGS: 247Sports.com (No. 108 nationally, No. 8 in AC); On3/Rivals (No. 92 nationally, No. 8 in AC).

TOP-RATED SIGNEES: ASAAD CHAPMAN (6-3, 195) is rated the nation’s No. 1 JUCO cornerback and had a final five options that included Florida State, Mississippi State, North Carolina and Oregon along with UTSA. Though they seemed like a longshot in that list, the Roadrunners had a hidden advantage in the competition because Chapman’s older brother, AHAMAD CHAPMAN, is a sophomore cornerback at UTSA. That advantage helped the Roadrunners secure a major recruiting coup from the overall No. 6-rated JUCO prospect.

He’s not one of UTSA’s highest-ranked recruits in the 2026 class, but BRANDON BROWN (6-1, 200) may wind up being one of the most exciting. Brown was a district 100-meter champion as a junior at Rudder High in Bryant, Texas, covering that distance in a swift 10.58 seconds. That may not be unusual for a running back, receiver or defensive back. But Brown is a linebacker! Well, a hybrid safety-linebacker. Either way, he’ll be a talent to keep an eye on in the near future.

CAEL MEISMAN (6-4, 215) is the nation’s No. 6-rated JUCO receiver and a two-time all-conference selection at Victor Valley Community College in California. Meisman caught 87 passes for 1,335 yards and 15 touchdowns in two seasons at Victor Valley and had Arizona, TCU and Utah among his suitors. He’s a big, mismatch-type target who should figure into UTSA’s passing game as soon as he steps on campus.

CLASS NOTES & NOTABLES: The early signing class includes nine on defense, nine on offense and a specialist. … Twelve are high school graduates, six are from the junior college ranks, and one is a transfer. … Texas is the home state for 12 of the signees, while Alabama, California, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Dakota and Utah produced one each. … UTSA is the only G5 program so far to sign three of the top-20-rated JUCO prospects. … Offensive lineman PAYTON WILLIAMS (6-3, 305) is the younger brother of Roadrunners’ redshirt freshman offensive lineman DEVRON WILLIAMS.