Ok. So 85 is the key number here (A&M). And the 27/25 really doesn't mean sh!t then if you've got more than 25 spots available. Then an SEC team could still sign 50 freshman (theoretically), if they only had 35 returning scholly players?
Are you being intentionally obtuse or just determined to twist everything because you hate the SEC and have made up your mind about the situation regardless of the truth? Seriously. I'm not trying to argue or be insulting to you, but you appear determined to wilfully distort and misrepresent the facts in order to make a point. The need to do so is usually a good indication that an argument is invalid and NOT supported by the truth.
We have to follow the same NCAA rules as everyone else. SEC rules are more restrictive than the NCAA's on this subject. You may not like those rules. I don't like some of their rules either, but they are the ones in effect at this time and we have to follow them like everyone else.
I don't think there was anything in my reply that was unclear unless you went out of your way to misinterpret it. SEC rules allow teams to sign up to 27 and bring in up to 25 per class. The only exception is if you have scholarships remaining from your PREVIOUS recruiting class AND have room for them under the 85 total scholarships cap.
Occassionally, a team won't use all 25 scholarships with a recruiting class for various reasons. They will then have a few scholarships left over to use with the following year's recruiting class and can use those extra scholarships to exceed the 25 limit as long as they don't exceed a total of 85 on scholarship by the start of the following season - all completely within NCAA rules. Hardly any sort of competitive advantage in delaying bringing players into your program.
A few of you seem determined, despite all facts and explanations to the contrary, to believe SEC teams promise scholarships to 50 players each class, keep only the best ones, and sign 40 new players every year. Check your facts and look past the hatred and bias towards all things Southern or SEC.