SportsAugust 28, 2026

verballed

VER-buld

Definition

To have made a verbal, non-binding commitment to attend a university or play for a specific college sports team.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'verbalis,' meaning 'word.' In modern American sports culture, it has been converted into a verb to specifically describe the act of announcing a preliminary, non-contractual decision to join a team.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe how Michael Bumpus had verbally committed to USC before deciding to sign with Washington State instead. It highlights the often fluid nature of college athletic recruiting.

Long-time WSU football coach Bill Doba dies at 85, remembered with great affection

Read the full article ↗

247Sports

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