A year ago, college football embarked on a new journey with the first ever early signing period, following a model college basketball had used for years. Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz was a big proponent of the early period and by almost all accounts, the Hawkeyes benefited from it a year ago.
As a quick refresher, the Hawkeyes signed 22 players in the class of 2018. The unit ranked in the top 40 by both Rivals and 247Sports. All but 5 of those commits signed during the early signing period, but two of the “late additions” were Julius Brents and D.J. Johnson who were firmly committed, but waiting for signing ceremonies at their schools in February.
Here’s the explainer from a year ago on the early signing period:
Fast forward to this year, where the Hawkeyes are sitting at 16 total commitments. As of this moment, all are thought to be signing during the early period, which runs for three days from December 19th-21st. The one potential to hold out would be Ohio linebacker Jestin Jacobs, who recently received an offer from Ohio State and will be playing in the Army All-America game January 5th.
There are a handful of guys who could be late additions during the early period, but more likely the staff will spend the next 50 or so days focusing in on their remaining needs and the best available players to fill them. In total, look for the class to land somewhere in the 20-22 commitments range. By my math, that leaves 4-6 more commits by February for a class that is currently ranked 42nd nationally by Rivals and 36th by 247Sports.
Stay tuned here as we will deliver updates on the who is currently in the class, any late additions and all the signings over the next several days.