What is National Signing Day?
National Signing Day is a significant event for high school athletes in the United States, marking the first day they can officially commit to a college sports program. This day is particularly important for those looking to play at the NCAA Division I and II levels.
Each program, sport, and governing body has its own traditions regarding committing to college. While the specific date varies by sport and division, National Signing Day represents the first opportunity for student-athletes and those who supported them to celebrate their official commitment to their future program.
When Are the Signing Dates for Different Sports and Divisions?
NCAA Division I
What is Signed for NCAA Division I?
A prospective NCAA Division I student-athlete will sign an Athletic Financial Aid Agreement. This binding agreement will outline the program's financial aid offerings, including athletic scholarships, academic scholarships, merit aid, and need-based aid. Some student-athletes will also have a revenue share outlined in this agreement.
NCAA Division I Signing Dates
The signing periods for NCAA Division I high school student-athletes are as follows:
- NCAA DI Basketball (Early Signing Period): The second Wednesday in November through the following Wednesday. For 2025, that will be November 12th-November 19th.
- NCAA DI Basketball (Regular Signing Period): Begins on the Wednesday in April, one week after the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships. In 2025, that will be April 15th, and the final date will be based on a school’s institutional policy for awarding scholarships.
- NCAA DI Football (Early Signing Period): The Wednesday following the final FBS regular-season contest through the immediately following Friday. In 2025, that will be December 3rd-December 5th.
- NCAA DI Football (Regular Signing Period): Starts on the first Wednesday in February. In 2026, that will be February 4th, and the final date will be based on a school’s institutional policy for awarding scholarships.
- NCAA DI Other Sports(Regular Signing Period): The signing period begins on the second Wednesday in November. In 2025, that will be November 12th, and the final date will be based on a school’s institutional policy for awarding scholarships.
NCAA Division I Transfers
According to the NCAA, “NCAA signing dates do not apply to four-year transfers. Four-year transfers must be permissibly entered in the NCAA Transfer Portal to sign the written offer of athletics aid”. For Division I, the permissible entry includes the opening of the sport-specific window or any applicable exceptions to the window. Take a look at our NCAA Transfer Portal article to review the specific transfer windows by sport.
NCAA Division II
What is Signed for NCAA Division II?
The NCAA Division II Council announced on October 23rd, 2024, that DII schools will transition from using the National Letter of Intent Program to providing written offers of athletic aid directly to the schools.
NCAA Division II National Signing Day Dates
Below are the signing dates for Division II high school student-athletes:
- NCAA DII Football (Regular Period): The initial signing date is February 4th, 2026, and the final date will be based on a school’s institutional policy for awarding scholarships.
- All other NCAA DII sports: The initial signing date starts November 12th, 2025, and the final date will be based on a school’s institutional policy for awarding scholarships.
NCAA Division II Transfers
Student-athletes transferring to an NCAA Division II program can sign their Athletic Aid Agreement once they have entered the transfer portal. This NCAA Transfer Portal article reviews the specific transfer windows by sport.