The Early Signing Period (ESP) for most sports opens in mid-November — and for seniors who are not prepared, it can be one of the most stressful weeks of their lives.

For seniors who are prepared, it is one of the most exciting.

Here is everything you need to know right now, while you still have time to get ready.

The Early Signing Period is a window — typically 3 days in November for most sports — during which college-bound athletes can sign a National Letter of Intent (NLI) with a Division I or Division II school.

Signing an NLI is a binding commitment. You agree to attend that school for one academic year, and the school agrees to provide the athletic scholarship described in your financial aid agreement.

Key point: The NLI and the financial aid agreement are two separate documents. Both must be signed for the scholarship to be official.

Before the ESP existed, athletes had to wait until the traditional signing period in February or April. Now, seniors can lock in their commitment months earlier — which benefits both athletes and programs.

For athletes, signing early provides:

• Certainty and peace of mind
• The ability to stop the recruiting process and focus on senior year
• A clear path to campus before your classmates who wait

For coaches, early commitments allow them to close their recruiting class and move on to the next cycle.

Do not walk into the Early Signing Period unprepared. Here is your pre-signing checklist:

1. NCAA Eligibility Center Registration You must be registered with the NCAA Eligibility Center (or NAIA equivalent) and have your academic records submitted. If you have not done this, do it today.

2. Official Scholarship Offer in Writing A verbal offer is not binding on the school's side. Before you sign anything, you should have a written scholarship offer that specifies the amount, duration, and any conditions.

3. Your Financial Aid Agreement (FAA) The FAA is the document that spells out exactly what financial aid you will receive. Read it carefully. Understand the renewal conditions — most scholarships are renewed annually based on academic standing and athletic participation.

4. A Clear Understanding of the Program Fit Have you taken your official visit? Have you spoken with current players? Do you understand the coaching staff's expectations? Signing is a major commitment — make sure you have done your due diligence.

5. Family Alignment This is a family decision. Make sure your parents or guardians are fully informed and aligned before you sign.

Signing under pressure without visiting. Some coaches create urgency to get commitments before athletes can visit other schools. If a coach is pressuring you to sign before you have had a chance to visit, that is a red flag.

Not reading the financial aid agreement. The NLI gets all the attention, but the FAA is where the real details live. Read every line.

Committing to the wrong school because of rankings or prestige. The best school for you is the one where you will thrive athletically, academically, and personally — not necessarily the one with the biggest name.

Waiting too long and losing the offer. Scholarship offers are not guaranteed forever. If a program you love has offered you, communicate your timeline clearly and do not assume the offer will still be there in February.

That is completely fine. The Early Signing Period is optional. Many athletes — especially those still weighing multiple offers or waiting on official visits — choose to wait for the traditional signing period.

If you are not ready, communicate that clearly to your top schools. A simple message like "I am still in the process of making my decision and plan to sign during the traditional signing period in [month]" is professional and appropriate.

Between now and the Early Signing Period, your priorities should be:

1. Complete any remaining official visits
2. Have a direct conversation with your top school about scholarship details
3. Get your eligibility paperwork in order
4. Make a decision you can stand behind

Senior year goes fast. The athletes who handle this process with intention and preparation are the ones who look back on it with pride.

Get your plan in place now.