Every November, pictures flood social media of athletes sitting at tables, signing their written offers. Families celebrate, schools hold ceremonies, and teammates cheer. For many, Signing Day looks like the beginning of a dream. In truth, Signing Day is the end of a process that started years ago.
The Reality
By the time the ink hits the paper, those athletes have already been through years of evaluation, conversations, and offers. Coaches didn’t just “discover” them the week before. They were identified early, tracked, and prioritized long before Signing Day ever came around.
For athletes still waiting, hoping that the day will bring them an opportunity, reality hits hard. If you’re not already talking with coaches, not already on a recruiting board, not already offered—you are not being recruited. Signing Day doesn’t create opportunities. It simply makes public the opportunities that were already earned.
Have You Been Identified
Recruiting begins with recognition. It begins with a coach identifying you as a prospect. Without that step, nothing else happens. That’s why waiting until Signing Day to “figure it out” means waiting too long.
The athletes signing on November’s stage didn’t stumble into those chairs—they were evaluated, advocated for, and recruited well before the ceremony.
What Now
Having an NSR scout ensures you’re on the radar long before the cameras come out—so Signing Day can be your celebration, not your wake-up call. Click here to talk to a scout and schedule your first real evaluation.
Early Signing Period Dates
Basketball (D-I) — November 12-19, 2025
Football (D-I) — December 3-5, 2025
All other DI & DII sports — November 12, 2025 (final date based on institution)
National Scouting Report is dedicated to finding scholarship opportunities for athletes who possess the talent, desire, and motivation to compete at the collegiate level. We’ve helped connect thousands of athletes with their perfect college.