There's been 4 insider reports that came out interesting. Things get leaked for a reason, so this is my guess at what each report means. Here's the reports I'm reading.
1) (AJ's dad, Monday) AJ is going to sign in Feburary
2) (From AJ, Today) AJ is going to decide in December
3) (from most insiders) BYU, Alabama, UNC, and KSU all have an equal shot at landing AJ
4) Utah's laws make it so AJ can recieve NIL in high school once he signs with a school.
So what does this all mean. Why is there conflicting data and why isn't BYU in the lead anymore. Here's what I believe is happening behind closed doors (I don't have any additional information, this is all guessing).
1) AJ's dad is trying to hide the announcement date.
During this whole recruitment, AJ's dad has been trying to keep his son protected. He didn't let schools directly contact AJ before AJ made a top 8. He's not letting AJ know what schools are offering NIL wise. etc. AJ's dad is doing everything he can to protect him. If AJ announces he is signing on December 5th, schools will start contacting him before that date, offering him obscene amounts of cash. AJ's dad won't have control over the situation anymore. The only way AJ's dad can have control is if no one knows when the announcement is until the day of the announcement. That's why I belive we're seeing conflicting results.
2) AJ's group wants to hear the best offers from all four finalists.
This one is pretty simple, AJ's group wants to hear everyone's final offer. Teams won't offer a significant final offer if they believe they don't have a chance, soooo, AJ's family leaks that it's actually closer than it appears and Bama, UNC, and KSU all still have a shot along with BYU. This gives all 4 schools hope and all 4 schools will send in their best offers. Then AJ's family will have all the information they need to make the final decision.
3) AJ will commit before November 20th.
Utah's law gives AJ a strong financial incentive to sign with a school before november 20th. If he misses the the early signing period, he'll have to wait until April to sign, and the NIL payment will be delayed.
I believe BYU is still in the lead, AJ is getting everyone's final offer this week, then he'll announce before November 20th after he's weighed all his options. This is my conspiracy. There's zero insider information here.