February
National Signing Day
Are you pumped for some football? We sure hope so, because February 5 marks National Signing Day! Have you ever thought about where you might be in five years? That simple question can sometimes feel overwhelming, right? Now imagine being a high school recruit faced with the pressure of choosing a college on the first Wednesday of February every year. On National Signing Day, a whole group of high school football players get the chance to commit to the college of their dreams. Some of the brightest talents make their announcements live on camera, right in front of their classmates and friends. So, while you ponder your next five years, take comfort in the fact that you won’t have to make your choices in front of an audience.
National Signing Day Timeline:
- November 6, 1869: The first-ever intercollegiate football game took place between Rutgers University and Princeton University.
- 1964: The NCAA began overseeing National Letters of Intent.
- 1981: The NCAA decided to designate one official day for recruits to commit to colleges.
- 2017: The NCAA reintroduced early signing in football.
Activities for National Signing Day:
- Play a Game of Football: Gather some buddies and hit up the local park. Run, throw, and catch your way to victory! This is your opportunity to channel your favorite players. While you might not be signing a letter of intent, you can definitely bust out your best dance moves in the end zone after scoring a touchdown.
- Relive Your Favorite Plays: Although the college football and NFL seasons might be over, there’s no shortage of classic plays to revisit. What was that unforgettable catch you loved? Where were you when your team pulled off that game-changing win? Relive those thrilling moments by watching them again and again.
- Play Video Games: Sure, it’s not quite the same as hitting the field, but not everyone can sprint a 40-yard dash in under five seconds. Fire up your favorite football game and pretend to be the superstar athlete you’ve always dreamed of being. While the outside world may not see you as a hero, remember—you’re not chasing greatness for the glory.
Facts About NCAA College Football Stadiums:
- Most Sellouts: Nebraska Cornhuskers’ Memorial Stadium holds the record for the longest streak of sellouts in the country.
- East to West: Oklahoma State’s Boone Pickens Stadium is unique as it runs east to west, mainly due to strong winds.
- Biggest Stadium: Michigan Stadium is the largest football stadium in the nation, boasting a capacity of 109,901 seats.
- First Bowl-Shaped Stadium: Yale Bowl was the first stadium constructed in a bowl shape.
- Highest Altitude: The University of Wyoming’s War Memorial Stadium is perched at an altitude of 7,220 feet.
Why We Love National Signing Day:
- A Fresh Start for Our Teams: Regardless of how your favorite college football team performed last season, National Signing Day brings a wave of renewed hope. A new quarterback or linebacker could be the key to turning those heartbreaking losses into triumphant victories. It’s a day that reignites the dreams of fans everywhere.
- New Heroes to Cheer For: Each year, players from our beloved colleges move on to the NFL, CFL, AFL, or even non-football careers. As you prepare to say goodbye to those players you’ve cheered for, National Signing Day introduces new players to rally behind for the next four years.
- Exciting Announcements: Many talented athletes host press conferences filled with excitement to share their decisions. These events draw crowds, cameras, and often emotional family members. When a player finally reveals their choice and the audience erupts in cheers, the look of joy on their face is truly heartwarming.
Upcoming National Signing Days:
- 2021: February 3, Wednesday
- 2022: February 2, Wednesday
- 2023: February 1, Wednesday
- 2024: February 7, Wednesday
- 2025: February 5, Wednesday
So gear up for National Signing Day, and let the excitement of football fill the air!
What is the date of National Signing Day every year?
