College football is currently experiencing a six-week “dead period” where no official or unofficial visits with recruits are permitted.
During this time, coaches cannot conduct in-person evaluations, but they are allowed to reach out to recruits via email, texts, and phone calls.
The dead period concludes on August 1, just four days before San Diego State begins practice for the 2026 season.
This explains why SDSU coaches and staff worked diligently during the first three weeks of June to bring in Class of 2027 recruits for official visits and secure their commitments.
For the second consecutive year, SDSU coach Sean Lewis has “buttoned up” the Aztecs’ high school recruiting class nearly six months ahead of the NCAA’s December early signing period.
SDSU has secured 26 commitments — evenly split with 13 on offense and 13 on defense — for the Class of 2027, surpassing last year’s record of 22 commitments. The primary focus has been on wide receivers and defensive linemen (five players in each category), followed by offensive line and safety (four players each).
San Diego State Class of 2027 football tracker: Aztecs’ class nearly complete with 26 commits
How has recruiting evolved in recent years? As of 2023, SDSU had only six commitments by the end of June.
“From a college standpoint, everyone looks forward to the dead period to concentrate on their teams,” Lewis remarked last week. “This allows coaches to dedicate their time and energy to preparing for the upcoming season, which the current roster has earned.
“Moreover, high school coaches, players, agents, and handlers have all recognized that this is the time when recruiting takes place.”
SDSU’s 2027 recruiting class includes four local talents: La Costa Canyon High School tight end Diego Botron, Cathedral Catholic High School wide receiver Isaac Cook, San Diego High School safety Kye Cooper, and Madison High School defensive lineman Logan Nelson.
Cook (49 receptions, 1,242 yards, 12 TDs) and Cooper (70 tackles) were both recognized as second-team all-CIF selections last season. Cooper (64 catches, 897 yards, 7 TDs) also excelled as a wide receiver and kick returner.
Commitments for the Class of 2027 started coming in back in February, with Austin (Texas) Regents High School quarterback Jack Devine being one of three players to commit to SDSU. Last season, Devine passed for an impressive 3,491 yards, achieving 55 touchdowns with only three interceptions, while also rushing for 725 yards and 12 touchdowns, leading the Knights to a 12-1 record.
Historically, most commitments occurred during the fall after colleges reviewed game footage from a player’s senior season. This timeline has drastically accelerated since the introduction of the early signing period a decade ago, effectively making the traditional February signing period nearly obsolete.
“This is beneficial for high school students,” Lewis stated. “Most high school seniors entering their final year already know where they will attend college. This allows them to focus on their senior year and plan their future.”
Another trend is the rise of high school recruits graduating midyear, enabling them to start college in the spring semester. SDSU had seven players from the Class of 2026 arrive this spring, and Lewis anticipates that number to reach double digits for the Class of 2027.
“This is becoming a common practice,” he added.
Arriving on campus in January instead of July makes a significant difference for players, allowing them to engage in winter conditioning, spring practices, and summer training, potentially aiding their contributions as true freshmen.
“If we are investing significant funds in these rosters, which effectively make them our employees,” Lewis explained, “it’s important to onboard them as quickly as possible and get them rolling.”
