College football's new "early signing period" kicks off tomorrow and runs for three days. It's yet to be seen what that will mean for Ivy League (which doesn't recognize signing day), Patriot and other FCS schools. From a STATS story by FCS guru Craig Haley:
The early signing period is expected to have a bigger impact with FBS programs than on the FCS level, especially because FCS programs often have to wait out players who are pursuing options with other schools. But many FCS programs will begin their Class of 2018 signings this week.
"I do think that you'll see as the years go on," James Madison coach Mike Houston said, "people will become a little more comfortable and kind of figure out a little bit what their strategy needs to be."
Pete Thamel of Yahoo Sports has a column headlined, 5 things to know for college football's new early signing period that includes this:
The biggest question coaches still have is what percentage of players will sign this week? No one is sure, but all signs point to a high percentage. Ohio State expects to sign all of its recruits on Wednesday. So does Boston College.
And this:
One veteran coach pointed out there’s really only two types of kids who won’t sign in the early period. It’s either a recruit who’s holding out for a better offer or a five-star who wants more attention.
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While we weren't watching STATS updated its Top 25 at season's end. Yale managed to sneak into the rankings at No. 24. Columbia is among "others" receiving votes and comes in at 32. Dartmouth did not receive any votes.
New Hampshire closed out at No. 21. Central Connecticut was No. 35 and old friend Colgate tied for No. 40.
| Rank | School | Votes | Prev |
| 1 | James Madison (14-0) | 3825 (153) | 1 |
| 2 | Jacksonville State (10-2) | 3591 | 2 |
| 3 | Central Arkansas (10-2) | 3456 | 3 |
| 4 | North Dakota State (13-1) | 3359 | 4 |
| 5 | Sam Houston State (12-2) | 3186 | 5 |
| 6 | South Dakota State (11-3) | 3110 | 6 |
| 7 | North Carolina A&T (12-0) | 2706 | 8 |
| 8 | Wofford (10-3) | 2684 | 7 |
| 9 | Western Illinois (8-4) | 2443 | 9 |
| 10 | Stony Brook (10-3) | 2287 | 10 |
| 11 | Weber State (11-3) | 2218 | 12 |
| 12 | Southern Utah (9-3) | 2046 | 14 |
| 13 | Grambling State (11-2) | 1843 | 13 |
| 14 | Samford (8-4) | 1781 | 17 |
| 15 | Elon (8-4) | 1719 | 11 |
| 16 | South Dakota (8-5) | 1332 | 15 |
| 17 | Eastern Washington (7-4) | 1316 | 18 |
| 18 | Kennesaw State (12-2) | 1223 | 22 |
| 19 | McNeese (9-2) | 1203 | 19 |
| 20 | UNI (8-5) | 931 | 24 |
| 21 | New Hampshire (9-5) | 656 | 16 |
| 22 | Furman (8-5) | 613 | 20 |
| 23 | Illinois State (6-5) | 416 | 21 |
| 24 | YALE (9-1) | 364 | NR |
| 25 | Northern Arizona (7-5) | 354 | 23 |
Others: Austin Peay (290),Nicholls (221),Monmouth (157),Delaware (80),Richmond (71),Sacramento State (69),COLUMBIA (48),Montana (32),Western Carolina (26),Central Connecticut State (21),San Diego (18),Youngstown State (13),North Carolina Central (8),Southern University (4),Howard (2),Colgate (2),Bethune-Cookman (1)
