National Signing Day Shake-Ups: 247 Recruiting Flips Reshape College Football’s 2026 Class

Major Commitment Flips Mark 2026 National Signing Day

College football recruiting is never short on drama, but the 2026 cycle’s first National Signing Day delivered a series of high-profile flips that sent shockwaves through some of the sport’s most storied programs. From Penn State’s loss of a prized safety to Ohio State’s receiver departure and Michigan State’s scramble after a coaching change, the landscape of future rosters has shifted in real time.

Penn State Loses Top Safety Matt Sieg to West Virginia

For more than a year, Matt Sieg was the crown jewel of Penn State’s 2026 class—a local star from McDonald (Pa.) Fort Cherry who’d committed just ahead of the Nittany Lions’ clash with Ohio State. Sieg’s reputation was built not only on his playmaking instincts and athleticism, but on his loyalty: he’d turned down interest from other major programs, signaling his intent to suit up for the in-state power.

But recruiting is often about timing and relationships. When head coach James Franklin was fired in October and subsequently hired at Virginia Tech, Sieg’s situation changed overnight. Suddenly, the stability he’d banked on was gone, and the door opened for other programs to make their pitch. West Virginia seized the moment, executing a late surge that ultimately convinced Sieg to flip his commitment on Signing Day. According to 247Sports, Indiana, Notre Dame, and Pittsburgh were also in the mix, but it was the Mountaineers who prevailed.

Sieg’s impact is clear: ranked No. 104 nationally and No. 11 at safety by 247Sports, he’s seen as a dynamic, versatile athlete—a “small-school superhero” who rewrote local offensive records as a four-year starting quarterback, and projects as a split safety with elite instincts and aggression. His departure leaves Penn State with just three commits in its 2026 class as the Early Signing Period begins: Terry Wiggins (linebacker), Jackson Ford (edge rusher), and Amauri Polydor (cornerback).

Ohio State Wide Receiver Kayden Dixon-Wyatt Flips to USC

Ohio State’s 2026 class, long considered among the nation’s strongest, took a hit when four-star California receiver Kayden Dixon-Wyatt announced his flip to USC on Signing Day. For weeks, rumors swirled about Dixon-Wyatt’s future, but the move became official as speculation gave way to reality.

Dixon-Wyatt’s senior season had been nothing short of impressive, positioning him as a likely early contributor in Columbus. But with USC boasting the No. 1 recruiting class and the appeal of staying close to home, the Trojans won out. Dixon-Wyatt had been committed to Ohio State since May, making his departure a late twist in the recruiting saga.

Ohio State is left with 27 commits, including four wide receivers—Chris Henry Jr., Jerquaden Guilford, Jaeden Ricketts, and Brock Boyd. The Buckeyes now face the task of retaining Henry Jr., as programs like Oregon and West Virginia ramp up their efforts to lure away remaining top talent. According to 247Sports, Boyd and Ricketts have already signed, while Guilford announced his intention to do so.

Michigan State’s Recruiting Class in Flux After Coaching Change

Michigan State’s recruiting fortunes took a hit when head coach Jonathan Smith was fired just days before Signing Day. The timing could not have been worse: the first signing period for the 2026 cycle kicked off December 3rd and runs through December 5th, leaving Spartan commits in limbo.

Newly appointed head coach Pat Fitzgerald has wasted no time reaching out to recruits, hoping to stabilize the class and convince them to stick with their original commitments. According to Spartan Tailgate, Fitzgerald’s late-night efforts have led some recruits to confirm their signing plans, while others are deferring to February—or considering flips.

As of Signing Day, Michigan State’s class hangs in the balance. Poaching attempts from rival schools are underway, and the uncertainty underscores how coaching changes can ripple through recruiting cycles, leaving both programs and prospects scrambling for clarity.

Coaching Changes and Last-Minute Surges: The Human Side of Recruiting

Behind each headline is a story of relationships, trust, and the unpredictable nature of college football. Sieg’s flip from Penn State to West Virginia was catalyzed by a coaching change, but also by the persistent efforts of recruiters who saw an opportunity. Dixon-Wyatt’s move to USC was about proximity to home and a chance to join a top-rated class. At Michigan State, Fitzgerald’s direct outreach highlights how personal attention can make or break a class in the final hours.

Recruiting is more than numbers and rankings—it’s about making decisions that will shape young athletes’ futures. The emotional toll of these choices is often overlooked, but for players, families, and coaches, Signing Day is both an ending and a beginning.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the 2026 Class?

As the dust settles on Signing Day, programs must regroup. Penn State faces the challenge of rebuilding its class amid leadership uncertainty. Ohio State will fight to hold onto its remaining stars. Michigan State’s new regime will need to reestablish trust and reengage prospects who may be reconsidering their options.

The shifting landscape is a testament to how quickly fortunes can change in college football. Flips, firings, and surges are part of the game, but they also serve as reminders that recruiting is a dynamic, human process—one that defies prediction and rewards persistence.

Analysis: The 2026 recruiting cycle’s National Signing Day has underscored the volatility inherent in college football recruiting. Coaching changes and late surges have reshaped top programs’ classes, highlighting the critical role relationships play in decision-making. For prospects like Sieg and Dixon-Wyatt, personal connections, program stability, and the opportunity for early impact proved decisive. As programs recalibrate, the coming months will reveal which teams can adapt and recover, and which may struggle to regain lost ground. The human element—trust, loyalty, and adaptability—remains at the heart of every commitment.