Early Signing Period vs. Regular: When Should You Commit?

Signing early isn't always smart. Here's when to wait and when to commit.

The Early Signing Period sounds appealing: get your commitment done, relieve the pressure, focus on your senior year. But signing early isn't always the strategic move. I've seen athletes rush into early commitments they later regretted, and I've watched others wisely wait and receive better offers during the regular period. The decision of when to sign isn't just about timing; it's about leverage, certainty, and positioning yourself for the best possible outcome.

Understanding the Timing

The Early Signing Period typically runs for three days in mid-November for most sports. The Regular Signing Period begins in early February. Once you sign an award letter during either period, you're committed to that school, and that signature is binding for at least one academic year. Here's what most athletes don't realize: signing early doesn't give you any advantage in terms of scholarship money or roster spots. Those decisions are already made. The early period is really about certainty for both you and the school.

When to Sign Early

Consider signing early if: you've found your dream school and you're 100% certain, you have a strong scholarship offer that meets your financial needs, the coaching staff is stable and you trust the program's direction, you want to focus entirely on your senior season, your academic performance is already strong, or the school has indicated they may give your scholarship to someone else if you don't commit early. If you check most of these boxes, signing early can bring peace of mind and let you enjoy your senior year without recruiting stress.

WHen to wait

Consider waiting if: you're still being actively recruited by multiple programs and better offers might emerge, your senior season performance could significantly boost your recruitment, your grades are improving and higher test scores could open doors to better academic scholarships, there's coaching instability at your target school, you haven't visited all your top choices or you're uncertain, the scholarship offer feels low and you think you have leverage to negotiate, or you're hoping for preferred walk-on opportunities at higher-level programs. Waiting gives you options and lets you see how your season plays out.

The leverage factor

Here's something coaches won't tell you: signing early sometimes means leaving money on the table. Schools know that athletes who commit early are locked in, so there's less incentive to increase scholarship offers. If you wait until the regular period, you maintain leverage, especially if your performance improves or competing schools show interest. I've watched athletes improve their scholarship offers by 20-30% simply by waiting. That said, this strategy only works if you truly have other options. Also consider financial aid timing. If your family's situation is complex or you're waiting on need-based aid determinations, signing early might not make sense. Make sure you have complete financial clarity before putting pen to paper.

Making your Decisions

There's no universal right answer about when to sign. Don't let anyone, coaches, parents, or peers, pressure you into signing before you're ready. Remember, the early signing period is a convenience, not a requirement. What matters isn't when you sign, but that you sign with the school that's truly the best fit. Trust your instincts. If it feels right to commit early, do it. If something tells you to wait, listen to that voice.

Trying to decide when to sign your National Letter of Intent?

Book a free consultation with Next Play Athletics Consulting at https://www.nextplayathleticsconsulting.com/ for strategic decision-making guidance today..