What a huge week for verbals, even since last Sunday, when we’ve seen a lot of top players in the 2028 class commit.

Several of the top players in our 2028 HOT 100 came off the board, including three more in the Top 5 range range:

• P Sophia Schlader (ranked No. 2 overall) who announced yesterday her commit to Oklahoma
• OF Mori Henderson (No. 2) who committed to Clemson
• IF Kelsey Burden (No. 3) to Georgia
• P/MIF Syndey Root (No. 3) to Alabama
• OF Star Gutierrez (No. 4) to Texas Tech
• P Kendra Stewart (No. 4) to Clemson

…. and many more in the HOT 100 with a LOT more coming in soon!

It’s been just a little over two weeks since started this year’s database and all ready we have over 360 commits in the 2027 and 2028 classes!

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Commitments Are Coming Earlier & Earlier… But Why?

Recruiting is an exciting and rewarding time for many, we’ve also noticed a somewhat disturbing trend: there have been multiple situations where colleges seem to be taking a “sure thing” approach, meaning accepting the commitment of a player who would commit more easily than a player who is weighing her options.

The bad part of this is players in some cases were told:

“We really want you, you’re our first choice”

… ony to be later told:

“Sorry, this player committed to us first and we wanted to make sure we filled that need. We don’t have that spot open for you now.”

In other words:

“A bird in the hand, beats two in the bush.”

It’s a sign of the new recruiting world that there’s no waiting; if you’re a player and don’t commit sooner than later, you might have not have that offer waiting as you thought you would. 

It’s making the decision-making more rushed than it used to be, which could lead to bad decisions by both parties–colleges and recruits.

One reason players are able to commit earlier and it be a good thing is when they’ve done their homework in advance of Sept. 1 and have checked out the college to see if it’s the right “fit” by going to on-campus camps. This allows the prospective recruits to get to know the coaches better, getting a feel for the school and campus life, etc.

So, players, don’t be caught unawares, expecting things will play out over time… that’s become less and less applicable, unfortunately.

However, don’t panic and don’t commit just to commit, but do your homework and get a feel for what’s right.

A gut feeling is rarely wrong.

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Important NOTE!!! We are still getting a heavy number of 2027 and early commits so know we’re covering every class!

If you know of a commit AT ANY LEVEL, email Brentt.Eads@LineDriveMedia.com to get the verbal added to our Master Commit Spreadsheet

NOTE: We publish the updated lists weekly–typically on Sundays & mid-week in the fall…

*** Click HERE to see our 2025/2026 database of nearly 4,000 commits!

Here are some who have posted their happy news on social media:

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