National Signing Day has come and gone, which means HBCU football programs hope they have their stars of the future.
The only thing left to do now is to get out on the field and see who is going in the right direction.
Here are the five best signing classes from the 2024 National Signing Day.
Alabama State
Before this offseason, Alabama State was already known as a great defensive team. However, following their moves on National Signing Day, they can now say they are more than just that.
The Hornets re-tooled their offense with some significant signings, such as former Texas Southern quarterback Andrew Body and Clark Atlanta running back Daquon Kincey.
In addition, Bama State also added pieces to what is already an extraordinary defense by signing former UAPB linebacker Rico Dozier.
It is not far-fetched to say the Alabama State Hornets will be a top contender to win the SWAC East and the conference title.
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Bethune-Cookman
Entering their second season under head coach Raymond Woodie, Bethune-Cookman assembled a banger signing group.
The Wildcats added seven FBS transfers, including four Power Five transfers, one of which is Raymond Woodie III, son of the team’s head coach.
These moves have put Bethune-Cookman in a position to secure its first winning season since entering the SWAC in 2021.
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Florida A&M
A slight setback in their coaching search did not faze the Rattlers, building a dynamic signing class that could keep them at the top of the SWAC.
Three FBS transfers, including former Florida State running back Rodney Hill, highlight the Rattlers’ signing class.
Excited to play my final year of football at Florida A&M University. Grateful for the opportunity and ready to make it a memorable season. 🐍 pic.twitter.com/bc5DMwinrT
— Daniel Richardson (@doc_d12) December 20, 2023
Combined with their early signing day class, the Rattlers have added 10 FBS transfers to their roster this offseason.
The most important signing FAMU made is Florida Atlantic quarterback transfer Daniel Richardson. He will be tasked with possibly taking over for SWAC Offensive Player of the Year Jeremy Moussa.
South Carolina State
When considering most of South Carolina State’s signees came from their current head coach’s former place of work, it’s not hard to realize why their signing class ranks so highly.
Of South Carolina State’s 20 announced signees, 10 came from Benedict’s championship roster and head coach Chennis Berry.
Berry Inks Inaugural Signing Class For 2024. For complete story and signing day class visit https://t.co/YX4lKZdx7J pic.twitter.com/oAwla4k2lu
— SC State Athletics (@SCStateAthletic) February 8, 2024
This includes All-SIAC defensive linemen Jayden Broughton and running back Deondra Duehart.
Combined with the fact that the Bulldogs have retained All-MEAC defenders Octaveon Minter, Aaron Smith, and Jared Kirksey, this team will be a top contender to win the MEAC.
Jackson State
The second National Signing Day for T.C. Taylor was among the most fruitful in the country. The second-year Tigers coach landed 11 commitments on Wednesday, including three-star running back Kobe Boykin and Flowood High School (Mississippi) offensive lineman Antonio Ross Jr., who was ranked No. 163 at his position.
Has @CoachTaylor010 put us on standby for signing day yet???? 🔥🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/RklLhr8jI0
— Jacquees’ Manager (@DNjtrenton) February 6, 2024
The entire Jackson State recruiting class was ranked by 247Sports ahead of 2023 FCS playoff qualifier Montana State and a spot below perennial national championship contender North Dakota State. On3Sports ranked Jackson State the seventh-best FCS recruiting class in the country.
