Early Signing Period: Three underrated signings across the 2025 class

November is here, which means the early signing period is also here. Players in the 2025 class are inking their national letters of intent, making their college commitments official.

With many guys signed, we look at guys who are overlooked and could be underrated before the beginning of their college careers. 

Despite him ending the year a five-star last year, we listed Auburn freshman Tahaad Pettiford as one of our underrated signings last year, because we felt his impact would happen immediately and we didn’t feel that 30+ guys had that same upside entering year one.

He’d end up scoring 21 points and leading Auburn to a victory over No. 4 Houston in just his second collegiate game. That would have an immediate impact if I ever saw one.

With that being said, we now look at three guys who could enter 2025-26 potentially under the radar but will defy those odds and have an immediate impact right away at their respective universities.

Let’s start in the Big 12.

Keyshaun Tillery, New Hampton Prep, 6-1 170-pounds. Cincinnati Bearcats

Tillery was a perfect get for Wes Miller and the Bearcat staff. You take a look at his skillset and what he brings to the guard spot and you can see why he screams Bearcat. His court vision is some of the best in his class and he’s also extremely athletic for a guy that stands at 6-foot-1.

I think one aspect Wes Miller and his staff appreciated is his pass-first ability and his ability to take care of the ball and limit turnovers. With the size always being in question, Tillery always makes up for it with his high motor and his quickness all over the floor.

Tillery brings a fun dynamic, but very competitive and tough attitude to a Bearcat program that is asserting itself as a threat on the recruiting trail since moving to a Power Five conference and also stamping itself as a Jordan Brand program.

With the recent success and also high-level minutes from Bearcat guards, you can almost presume barring any transfer portal pickups or returning players that Tillery will be able to play right away and bring his dog mentality to Fifth Third Arena from day one.

Jacob Furphy, Australia, 6-6 wing, UConn Huskies

Hurley might’ve done it again everybody. A diamond in the rough. The UConn faithful didn’t know much about Jacob Furphy until his recruiting momentum gained steam in the states and the defending champions were amongst the programs in the running for his talents.

Furphy is a high-level wing with an IQ that could benefit a program from day one. His lefty shooting stroke and his ability to use both his left and his right around the rim cause nightmares for opposing defenses.

During Australia’s U18 Asia Cup run, Furphy connected on 13 of his 28 three-point attempts [46%] and averaged 17 points per game while also dishing out 4.5 assists. He’s everything you want in a wing, and with him finishing his ‘senior’ campaign with the Australian Boomers, you can expect he will be ready to work from day one in Storrs next season.

I think Furphy will be a future NBA draft pick under Dan Hurley’s command.

Cam Ward, Upper Marlboro, 6-8 forward, Michigan State Spartan

When we talk about recruiting and players emphasizing fit and playing under the right coach, I think that is exactly this when we talk about Tom Izzo and Cam Ward. The versatile 6-foot-8 forward has an impressive inside game and is a menace around the rim.

Physically he will need to get stronger to defend in the collegiate game, but his ability to score in the midrange and still find his way around the rim was on notice, especially in his final year on the EYBL circuit where he averaged 20 points per game.

One area where I believe he will improve in college is his three-point shot. He’s excelled in the midrange and the paint, but, if he’s able to knock down the three-ball even if it’s just 2-3 times per game, it could be scary hours for the rest of the Big Ten.

After signing, MSU released a statement from Tom Izzo on Ward and the head coach pointed out his winning resume, reeling in a state title but also winning some big-time AAU games. In addition, mentioned his toughness, which I think with his 6-8 frame and his near 7-foot wingspan, that was made clear over his high school career.

I think Ward makes the necessary improvements under Izzo and I think he’s destined to have tons of success in a Spartan uniform.