College football's ecosystem has undergone radical transformations since returning from the COVID-19 pandemic, not the least of which are the changes to recruiting.
The February National Signing Day already lost some of its significance as a major tentpole of the college football calendar. The introduction of the December early signing period began in 2017. Post-pandemic, relaxed transfer rules have placed a heightened premium on landing experienced playmakers who can make an immediate impact.
And then there's the role Name Image Likeness (NIL) plays in wooing recruits.
Even with the metamorphosis of recruiting, plenty remains as it was years before: There is still a direct correlation between contending for a national title and the quality of recruiting classes signed -- and retained.