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National Signing Day (well, Early Signing Day technically) for college football took place on Wednesday.
There were several major storylines. Like five-star safety KJ Bolden flipping from Florida State to Georgia. Five-star offensive lineman Jordan Seaton not signing with Colorado, and Ohio State (seemingly) holding on to two five-stars that appeared to be headed elsewhere.
But perhaps the most eye-opening storyline of the day had to do with some names you didn’t know, but will probably be familiar with.
Several sons of former NFL superstars signed on Wednesday. And we guarantee you’ll feel pretty old when you see them.
NFL Bloodlines Run All Through National Signing Day
Perhaps the biggest and most notable name on the list is new Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola. Raiola, whose father Dominic played center for the Detroit Lions for over a decades, is the No.2-rated player in the country according to 247Sports.
He chose the Huskers after previously committing to both Ohio State and later Georgia.
But he’s far from the only signee with famous NFL parents.
Kennedy Urlacher – yes, that Urlacher – is a three-star safety out of Arizona and signed with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Like his father Brian, Urlacher isn’t afraid to stick his nose into a tackle but can also make plays in pass coverage.
Sticking with the Chicago Bears theme, Devin Hester’s son Devin Hester Jr. signed with Furman. While Hester Jr. may not quite have the wheels of his pops, he did run an 11.07 100-meter dash for Cedar Shoals (Ga.) in 2023.
Prior to Hester (the elder) arriving at Miami for college, it was superstar running back Willis McGahee that ran the show for the ‘Canes. Now McGahee’s son, Willis McGahee IV, is hoping to star alongside Raiola at Nebraska. McGahee IV is a three-star linebacker Miami powerhouse Columbus HS.
Like McGahee, Chris Johnson was once one of the most dangerous running backs in the NFL. Johnson’s son, Chris Johnson Jr., got his dad’s speed and utilizes it on the defensive side of the ball. The three-star cornerback will play for Kenny Dillingham and the upstart Arizona State Sun Devils in college.
Former Pro Bowl quarterback Matt Hasselback saw his son Henry develop into a big time quarterback in high school. Now Henry is set to help Jonathan Smith rebuild at Michigan State.
Another three-star quarterback, Davi Belfort, signed with the Virginia Tech Hokies. If the name Belfort doesn’t ring a bell, it may be because you’re thinking of the wrong sport. Davi’s father, Vitor, is former UFC champion and is considered one of the biggest stars in MMA history.
As if those names didn’t bother you enough, 2025 could be even worse. Jerome Bettis Jr. and Antonio Cromartie Jr. are just a pair of familiar names coming down the line.
Yes, you’re old. And it’s not slowing down anytime soon.