College Football Recruiting Guide: How to Get Recruited and Secure Scholarships

IS IT YOUR GOAL TO PLAY ON A COLLEGE FOOTBALL TEAM? Football is one of the most popular and dominant sports in college athletics, known for its TV coverage, massive stadiums, and enthusiastic fan bases. But behind the excitement and glamour of college football lies the hard work and dedication it takes to get noticed. High school athletes aiming for college football must navigate the complex recruiting process to reach the next level.

To get recruited, student-athletes need to excel not only on the field but also in the classroom. Additionally, understanding how the recruitment process works is essential. From identifying potential football programs, reaching out to coaches, and creating a compelling recruitment video, to attending camps and securing scholarships, this journey spans several years and involves many important steps.

While the process may seem overwhelming, we’ve created this football recruitment guide to help athletes and their families. Use this resource, along with our College Recruiting Guide from College Openings, to navigate the path from high school football to signing day.

UNDERSTANDING NCAA RECRUITING RULES AND CALENDARS FOR FOOTBALL

When can athletes expect to hear from college football coaches? The NCAA establishes rules and calendars to manage how and when coaches can contact prospective players. These guidelines help protect athletes from excessive communication, especially the top recruits. However, there are ways to engage with coaches before they officially reach out to you. In this section, we explain both the written and unwritten rules of football recruitment timelines.

Learn more about how to use the football recruiting rules and calendar effectively

Coach’s Insider Tip: Timing is Everything

Coaches value athletes who are proactive but understand the timing of the recruiting process. Start building relationships early, but don’t get discouraged if you don’t hear from a coach right away. Coaches have specific recruiting periods when they can reach out, and respecting those timelines shows that you understand the process.

However, understanding the recruiting timeline is just one aspect of what’s expected from players. Commitment level is crucial. Here’s what college coaches look for:

• Consistent Training: Athletes should maintain a rigorous training schedule to continually improve their skills. Dedication to consistent practice demonstrates to coaches that you are serious about your sport.
• Academic Excellence: Balancing athletics and academics is essential. Coaches often seek players who can manage both, as it indicates discipline and commitment to personal development.
• Active Participation: Engaging in competitions and showcases not only builds your experience but also increases your visibility to coaches. This proactive approach is key.
• Resilience and Adaptability: The recruiting process can be long and uncertain. Players who show resilience when faced with setbacks and adaptability in changing circumstances often stand out.

By integrating these elements with a strategic approach to communication, athletes can effectively position themselves as desirable recruits. Remember, it’s not just about talent—demonstrating your commitment on multiple fronts is what truly catches a coach’s eye.

WHAT DO COACHES LOOK FOR IN FOOTBALL RECRUITS?

Have you compared your skills and physical attributes to those of a Division 1 linebacker or quarterback? To get an idea of where you stand, we’ve gathered data directly from college football rosters across all NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA divisions. By averaging the height and weight of players by position, we provide a benchmark for athletes to assess which division might be a good fit based on their physical attributes.

Understanding a Football Recruiting Size Chart

A football recruiting size chart serves as a guide for evaluating and categorizing high school football players based on their physical attributes, skills, and potential for college-level play. These charts are essential for both players aspiring to receive college scholarships and recruiters looking for talent.

Key Components of a Football Recruiting Size Chart

1. Position-Specific Metrics:
   • Different positions have unique size and skill requirements. For instance, linemen might be assessed on height, weight, and strength, while wide receivers could be evaluated on speed and agility.
2. Physical Measurements:
   • Height and weight are crucial. Generally, these provide a quick snapshot of whether a player fits the typical size profile for their position.
3. Performance Benchmarks:
   • This includes standardized tests and drills, like the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, and bench press, which assess speed, agility, and strength.
4. Skill Assessments:
   • Beyond physical attributes, charts often evaluate technical skills such as route running for receivers or tackling technique for defensive players.
5. Potential and Development Indicators:
   • Recruiters also look for growth potential, which considers a player’s age, growth patterns, and ability to develop skills further.
6. Academic Considerations:
   • Academic performance is often included, highlighting GPA or standardized test scores that may affect eligibility or scholarship opportunities.

Why Size Charts Matter

These charts offer a standardized way for coaches and scouts to compare players from different regions or schools. They help identify which players meet the criteria for a specific position, making it easier to streamline the recruiting process.

How Players Can Use Them

For aspiring players, understanding where they stand on these size charts can help them target areas for improvement, whether it’s beefing up in the weight room or honing specific skills. It also aids in setting realistic goals for recruitment into college programs.

In summary, a football recruiting size chart is both a diagnostic tool and a roadmap for athletes and recruiters, assisting in the alignment of talent with college football opportunities. By understanding its components, players can better prepare themselves for the demands of collegiate sports.

Compare your stats to the average college football player for your position.

Coach’s Insider Tip: Showcase Your Versatility.

Coaches appreciate athletes who can play multiple positions or adapt to different roles on the field. If you’re a versatile player, make sure to highlight that in your conversations with coaches and your highlight reel. Versatility can increase your value to a team, especially when coaches are filling roster spots.

UNDERSTANDING COLLEGE FOOTBALL SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarships are available at NCAA Division 1 FBS, Division 1 FCS, and Division 2 levels, as well as NAIA and junior colleges. For example, D1 FBS programs offer up to 85 full scholarships, while D1 FCS programs have 63 scholarships to distribute. Division 2 programs provide up to 36 scholarships, and NAIA teams offer 24. Junior colleges can provide up to 85 scholarships as well. Athletes outside D1 FBS may receive partial scholarships, which cover a portion of tuition. We break down the scholarship opportunities available at each level and explain how D3 athletes can find financial aid through other avenues.

Core GPA Requirements for College Football Recruitment

When aiming to play college football, maintaining a solid academic standing is crucial. The core Grade Point Average (GPA) requirements serve as a baseline for eligibility and vary depending on the level of college sports you wish to pursue.

NCAA Division I

1. Minimum GPA: To qualify for NCAA Division I sports, a prospective student-athlete must maintain a minimum core GPA of 2.3 in their high school courses.
2. Core Courses: This GPA is calculated based on 16 core courses, which typically include English, math, science, and social science classes.
3. Sliding Scale: The NCAA uses a sliding scale that adjusts GPA requirements based on SAT or ACT scores. A higher standardized test score can compensate for a lower GPA, and vice versa.

NCAA Division II

1. Minimum GPA: For Division II, the minimum core GPA requirement is slightly lower at 2.2.
2. Core Courses: As with Division I, the GPA must be earned across 16 core courses.

NCAA Division III

• Focus on Academics: Division III colleges and universities have their own academic standards and do not offer athletic scholarships. Prospective athletes should consult individual school requirements.

NAIA and Other Associations

• NAIA Requirements: The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) also has specific academic requirements, generally requiring a minimum GPA of 2.0.
• Consideration of Full Profile: Some associations and schools may evaluate an athlete’s full academic profile, including extracurricular involvement and personal essays.

Preparing for Success

• Academic Planning: It’s important to plan early in high school, ensuring that you enroll in and excel at the required core courses.
• Regular Check-Ins: Periodically meet with academic advisors to track your GPA and understand how to navigate the sliding scale effectively.

By maintaining a strong GPA and understanding the specific requirements for each association, budding athletes can enhance their chances of securing a spot on a college football team and securing potential scholarships.

Explore how much scholarship money you might qualify for COLLEGE FOOTBALL

GETTING DISCOVERED BY COLLEGE FOOTBALL COACHES

College football coaches are searching for players with extensive varsity experience, high football IQ, good academics, and the right physical attributes. However, even with these qualities, a player may go unnoticed unless they actively engage with coaches. In this section, we explain how to find the right football programs, reach out to coaches, build relationships, and take control of your recruitment journey.

Learn how to get recruited for college football

CREATING A STANDOUT HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

A great highlight video is essential in football recruiting. It’s often a coach’s first look at a player’s abilities, and it needs to make a lasting impression. Our experienced coaches offer tips on how to create a strong highlight reel, including how to open your video, what footage to include, and what specific skills coaches are looking for by position.

Understanding Committable vs. Un-committable Offers in College Football Recruiting

In the high-stakes world of college football recruiting, offers can be either committable or un-committable, and understanding the distinction can significantly impact a recruit’s decision-making process.

Committable Offers

A committable offer is straightforward: it’s an open invitation for a recruit to join a college team, fully supported by the coaching staff. When a recruit receives a committable offer, they can commit to that program at any time, and the coaching staff is prepared to welcome them with open arms.

Key Characteristics of Committable Offers:

• Guaranteed Spot: The recruit has a secured position on the roster.
• Immediate Acceptance: Commitment can happen as soon as the recruit is ready.
• Full Support: There’s strong interest from the coaching team.

Un-committable Offers

On the other hand, an un-committable offer might sound promising but comes with conditions or limitations. This type of offer may reflect a school’s tentative interest or a strategy to encourage continued evaluation of a recruit.

Key Characteristics of Un-committable Offers:

• Conditional Interest: The offer is not a guarantee of a roster spot.
• Further Evaluation Needed: The recruit must typically meet certain criteria or improve upon their skills.
• Backup Plan: Schools often use these offers to keep their options open.

Why the Distinction Matters

For recruits, knowing the type of offer they have is crucial for their strategy in the recruitment process. A committable offer can provide a sense of security, while an un-committable offer might require the recruit to work harder to secure their place.

Understanding these differences allows recruits to effectively navigate their paths towards playing college football, ensuring they make well-informed decisions about their futures.

Follow these guidelines to create a standout highlight video

Coach’s Insider Tip: Highlight Videos Matter More Than You Think

Your highlight video is often the first impression you’ll make on a coach. Start with your best plays, and keep the video concise and focused on your key strengths. Position-specific skills are critical—coaches are looking for how you handle game situations relevant to your position, so make sure your video reflects that.

ATTENDING FOOTBALL CAMPS, COMBINES, AND SHOWCASES

Football camps provide a critical opportunity to showcase your abilities in front of college coaches. But with so many camps and combines available, it can be challenging to know which ones will have the biggest impact on your recruiting efforts. We break down the different types of camps, who they benefit, and how to create a camp strategy that enhances your recruiting potential.

Find the right football camps and showcases to get recruited

USE COLLEGE OPENINGS TO CONTACT COLLEGE FOOTBALL COACHES RECRUITING YOUR POSITION

One of the most important steps in the recruitment process is making direct contact with college football coaches who are actively recruiting players for your position. At College Openings, we provide a platform where athletes can connect with coaches who are looking for talent like yours. Whether you’re a quarterback, linebacker, or wide receiver, you can find colleges that need athletes in your position and start building relationships with the coaches.

Start contacting college football coaches through College Openings today.

SEARCH FOR COLLEGE FOOTBALL PROGRAMS ACROSS ALL DIVISIONS

There are over 890 college football programs across the country, which can make narrowing down your choices difficult. We’ve created a list of football colleges, categorized by division, conference, state, and city. Additionally, we provide a breakdown of the differences between each division to help you determine which level is the best fit for you. Browse our full list of football programs to find the right fit.

Parent’s Guide: How to Support Your Athlete Through the College Football Recruitment Process

Navigating the college football recruitment process can be tricky, and it’s easy for both parents and players to make common mistakes. However, by understanding the landscape and being proactive, you can avoid these pitfalls and support your athlete effectively.

As a parent, your role is crucial. While the journey can be exciting, it can also be overwhelming, and your guidance can make a significant difference in helping them stay focused and prepared. Below, we explore key areas where you can assist your athlete—from avoiding common mistakes to providing financial and academic support.

1. Financial Planning for the Recruitment Process

The recruitment process comes with expenses, including travel for campus visits, camps, and combines. As a parent, creating a financial plan can help you manage these costs without surprises. Here are some tips:

• Set a Budget: Determine a budget for travel, accommodation, camp fees, and any other expenses. Prioritize which camps and combines are worth the investment based on where your athlete is most likely to be scouted.
• Scholarship Awareness: Familiarize yourself with how scholarships work across different divisions. Full-ride scholarships are less common than partial scholarships, so you may need to plan for out-of-pocket tuition costs. Encourage your athlete to apply for both athletic and academic scholarships.
• Travel Discounts: Look for travel discounts and deals for frequent trips, and consider booking group travel with other families if your athlete is attending the same camp or combine as other players.

2. Planning for Travel to Camps and College Visits

College visits and football camps are important opportunities for your athlete to showcase their skills and make connections with coaches. Here’s how you can assist with travel logistics:

• Campus Visits: Help your athlete arrange both official and unofficial visits to schools they’re interested in. While the school will typically cover expenses for official visits, unofficial visits will require your planning. Make sure to schedule tours of both athletic facilities and academic departments.
• Football Camps and Combines: Camps and combines can be a great way to get noticed by coaches. Research which camps have coaches from the schools your athlete is interested in, and make sure the event aligns with your athlete’s recruiting goals.
• Travel Logistics: Assist with booking flights, hotels, and transportation, and make a detailed itinerary for each trip to ensure your athlete arrives on time and well-prepared.

3. Academic Support

While football skills are important, academics play a key role in the recruiting process. College coaches want well-rounded athletes who excel both on the field and in the classroom. Here’s how you can help ensure your athlete meets academic requirements:

• Stay on Top of NCAA Academic Requirements: Make sure your athlete is on track to meet NCAA academic eligibility requirements, including core course GPA and standardized test scores (SAT or ACT). Be proactive in understanding the clearinghouse process and help your athlete register for the NCAA Eligibility Center.
• Encourage Time Management: With practices, games, and recruiting activities, it can be easy for athletes to fall behind in school. Help your athlete develop strong time management skills to balance football and academics. Setting study schedules, creating weekly calendars, and minimizing distractions can all be helpful.
• Utilize Academic Resources: If your athlete struggles in certain subjects, encourage them to seek help from tutors or academic support programs offered at their high school. Strong academic performance can make your athlete more attractive to coaches, especially if they are borderline recruits.

Academic Readiness and Timeline

Understanding the academic timeline is crucial for staying on track. Here’s what to focus on:

• High School Academic Timeline: Familiarize yourself with the high school academic timeline. This includes knowing which courses to take and when to take standardized tests. Meeting these milestones ensures your athlete is prepared and eligible when recruitment begins.
• Core Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirements: Keep track of your athlete’s core GPA. The NCAA requires a minimum GPA in core courses, so maintaining or exceeding this average is essential for eligibility.
• Clearinghouse Process: Ensure your athlete is registered with the NCAA Eligibility Center and understands the requirements. This registration is necessary for participation in college sports.

By combining a focus on academic readiness with strong time management and resource utilization, athletes can position themselves as standout candidates in the college football recruiting process. This approach not only meets the basic requirements but also showcases dedication and discipline to potential recruiters.

4. How to Use College Football Openings to Find Recruitment Opportunities

One of the most valuable tools for staying up-to-date with recruitment opportunities is College Football Openings, which posts daily information about which positions college coaches are actively recruiting. Here’s how parents can use College Football Openings to help their athlete:

• Check Daily Updates: Make it a habit to check the site regularly for new postings. College Football Openings provides real-time information on what positions different colleges are recruiting for, helping your athlete find schools that are a good fit for their position, skill level, and academic interests.
• Match Openings to Your Athlete’s Position: The site’s detailed daily posts list the positions coaches are looking to fill. If your athlete plays a specific position like quarterback, linebacker, or wide receiver, you can easily find colleges in need of players for those roles. This narrows down the schools to focus on and helps target the most relevant opportunities.
• Build a Contact List: Once you’ve identified schools recruiting for your athlete’s position, help them create a list of coaches to contact. College Football Openings can be a great resource for initiating communication with coaches, and reaching out proactively can increase your athlete’s chances of getting noticed.
• Stay Ahead of the Competition: By using College Football Openings, you can stay one step ahead in the recruiting process. Knowing which programs are actively looking for players in real time can give your athlete the opportunity to reach out to coaches before other recruits, potentially securing a spot sooner.

5. Emotional and Mental Support

The recruiting process can be stressful, and athletes often face pressure to perform both athletically and academically. As a parent, being a source of emotional and mental support can help your athlete stay confident and focused. Here’s how:

• Be Patient and Encouraging: Recruiting can be unpredictable, and your athlete may not receive offers as quickly as expected. Remind them that the process is a marathon, not a sprint, and encourage them to keep working hard even if the offers aren’t coming in yet.
• Foster a Positive Mindset: Encourage a growth mindset, where setbacks are viewed as learning opportunities rather than failures. Whether they don’t get an immediate response from a coach or struggle at a combine, help them stay positive and focused on their long-term goals.
• Celebrate Achievements: Make sure to celebrate every success along the way, from strong performances in games to good grades. This will help keep morale high and reinforce the importance of balance in their life.

6. Communicating with Coaches

While your athlete should be the one initiating contact with coaches, your role is to provide support in navigating this process:

• Guide Without Taking Over: Encourage your athlete to build relationships with coaches on their own but be available to provide advice on what to say in emails, how to conduct themselves during calls, and how to stay organized with coach communications.
• Stay Informed: Attend any meetings with coaches during official visits, but let your athlete lead the conversation. You can take notes, ask questions when appropriate, and ensure your athlete is making informed decisions.

7. Helping Your Athlete Make the Final Decision

After receiving offers, your athlete will have to decide which school is the best fit both athletically and academically. Your guidance is key to helping them make the right decision:

• Consider the Full Picture: While athletic programs are important, make sure your athlete is also considering academics, campus culture, location, and post-graduation opportunities. Help them weigh the pros and cons of each school.
• Be Realistic About Opportunities: Ensure your athlete understands what level of playing time they are likely to get and whether the program aligns with their goals. Sometimes, accepting a role at a smaller program where they will get more playing time can be more beneficial than committing to a bigger school with less opportunity to play.
• Stay Involved, but Let Them Lead: The final decision should ultimately be your athlete’s, but you can help them consider all the factors and make an informed choice that aligns with their personal goals.

By staying involved and providing both practical and emotional support, you can help your athlete successfully navigate the college football recruitment process. Your guidance will not only assist them in achieving their football dreams but also in preparing them for the next chapter of their academic and athletic journey.

Social Media Tips for Recruiting: How to Boost Your Visibility to College Football Coaches

In today’s recruiting landscape, social media is an essential tool for athletes to increase their visibility and connect with college football coaches. Platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn can help athletes showcase their skills, build relationships with coaches, and keep themselves on the radar of college programs. Here are key tips on how to effectively use each platform for your recruiting journey.

1. X: Your Recruiting Powerhouse

X has become one of the most popular platforms for college football coaches to find and follow potential recruits. Its fast-paced nature allows for easy interaction between athletes and coaches.

• What to Post:
  • Game Highlights: Share short, impactful clips of your best plays. Tag your high school or club coach and use relevant hashtags (e.g., #FootballRecruit, #CollegeFootball) to increase visibility.
  • Workout Videos: Post clips of your training sessions to show off your dedication and work ethic.
  • Academic Achievements: Don’t forget to highlight your academic success—post updates about your GPA, test scores, and any academic honors.
• Networking Tips:
  • Follow Coaches and Programs: Start by following the X accounts of coaches and programs you’re interested in. Coaches often use the platform to announce recruiting news, camps, and other opportunities.
  • Engage with Coaches: Retweet, like, and comment on their posts to stay on their radar. When tagging a coach in your highlights, keep it professional and respectful.
  • Direct Messaging: If a coach follows you back, send a polite and well-crafted message introducing yourself, your position, and your interest in their program. Include a link to your highlight video.

2. Instagram: Showcasing Your Football Journey

Instagram is a visual platform where you can build a personal brand and showcase more in-depth stories of your journey as a football player. Coaches use Instagram to get a sense of an athlete’s personality, lifestyle, and commitment to the game.

• What to Post:
  • Highlight Reels: Use Instagram’s video features (Reels or Stories) to post game highlights and skill videos. Keep these under 60 seconds and make sure they are high-quality.
  • Behind-the-Scenes: Show the hard work you’re putting in with behind-the-scenes posts of your training sessions, team practices, and recovery routines.
  • Game-Day Posts: Share photos from games, showing you in action and tagging your school and teammates.
• Networking Tips:
  • Follow Programs and Coaches: Similar to X, follow the accounts of college programs and coaches. Engage with their content by liking, commenting, and tagging them in your posts when appropriate.
  • Use Relevant Hashtags: Include hashtags like #FootballRecruit, #NextLevel, #CollegeFootball, and your position (e.g., #Linebacker) to make your posts more discoverable.
  • Keep Your Profile Clean: Make sure your Instagram profile presents a professional image. Avoid posting anything that could hurt your recruiting chances, such as inappropriate content or behavior.

3. LinkedIn: The Professional Approach

LinkedIn might not be as common in recruiting as X or Instagram, but it can be a great tool for showcasing your academic achievements and connecting with coaches on a professional level. It’s particularly useful for athletes who want to emphasize their academic strengths.

• What to Post:
  • Academic Achievements: Highlight your GPA, test scores, honors, and any extracurricular activities that show leadership and dedication.
  • Football Accomplishments: Include your athletic stats, achievements, and highlight reel in your profile.
  • Articles or Features: Share any press or articles you’ve been featured in, or write posts reflecting on your journey as a student-athlete.
• Networking Tips:
  • Build a Professional Profile: Complete your LinkedIn profile with all relevant academic and athletic information. Include links to your highlight reel and stats.
  • Connect with Coaches and Recruiters: Search for and connect with college football coaches, recruiters, and admissions officers. When sending a connection request, write a short message introducing yourself and explaining your interest in their program.
  • Join Groups: Participate in football or sports-related groups on LinkedIn to expand your network and engage with like-minded athletes and professionals.

4. General Social Media Tips

Regardless of the platform you use, here are some universal tips to keep in mind:

• Be Consistent: Post regularly to keep your profile active and relevant. Coaches are more likely to notice athletes who are consistently showcasing their skills.
• Keep It Professional: Everything you post on social media is a reflection of you as a potential recruit. Avoid any negative or inappropriate content that could harm your chances of getting noticed by coaches.
• Link to Your Highlight Video: Make sure your highlight video is easily accessible on all your profiles. Pin it to the top of your X feed, include it in your Instagram bio, and post it on LinkedIn.
• Engage, Don’t Overdo It: While it’s good to engage with coaches and programs, avoid spamming them with tags and messages. Be respectful and professional in all your interactions.

By using X, Instagram, and LinkedIn effectively, you can boost your visibility to college football coaches, build relationships, and take control of your recruiting journey. Remember, social media is a tool that can either work for or against you—so use it wisely!

A Timeline for Recruiting Milestones in College Football

Figuring out the college football recruiting process can be overwhelming, but understanding key milestones will help athletes stay on track. Below is a timeline that outlines important recruiting phases, from early communication with coaches to signing offers. Following this timeline will give athletes and their families a clear view of what to expect throughout high school and when to take action to maximize recruiting opportunities.

Freshman Year (9th Grade)

• Focus on Academics: This is the time to build a strong academic foundation. College coaches will eventually look at your academic record, so maintaining a high GPA is critical from day one.
• Join Varsity or JV Team: Begin playing high school football to gain experience and build skills.
• Start Building Your Online Presence: Create social media profiles on platforms like X and Instagram, and start posting highlights and updates about your progress as a player.
• Begin Attending Camps and Combines: While you may not be heavily recruited yet, attending local camps and combines can help develop your skills and get you familiar with the recruiting process.

Sophomore Year (10th Grade)

• Develop a Training Routine: Work on improving your strength, speed, and football IQ. Start building a highlight reel from your high school games.
• Attend Camps and Combines: This is the year to attend regional camps that are likely to have college scouts. Camps sponsored by colleges can help you get noticed early.
• Research Colleges and Programs: Start researching different colleges, including their football programs and academic offerings. Build a list of potential schools based on division and location.
• Create a Recruiting Profile: Use College Football Openings and other platforms to set up a recruiting profile that showcases your stats, achievements, and highlight reel.
• Begin Emailing Coaches: Introduce yourself to college coaches by sending a short email with your highlight reel and academic information. Coaches may not respond until later due to recruiting rules, but it shows early initiative.

Junior Year (11th Grade)

• NCAA Communication Begins: Official coach communication can start on September 1st of junior year for NCAA Division 1 and Division 2 schools. Expect to start receiving emails, direct messages, and letters if you’ve been on coaches’ radars.
• Unofficial Visits: Begin scheduling unofficial visits to campuses. This will help you get a feel for the schools and programs.
• Attend Key Camps and Showcases: Focus on attending high-profile camps and showcases where college coaches will be in attendance. Your goal is to be seen by coaches from schools you are interested in.
• Receive First Offers: Some athletes will start receiving their first verbal offers during junior year. Stay in communication with coaches and continue updating them on your progress and academic standing.
• Continue Updating Highlight Reel: As your junior season progresses, update your highlight reel and send it to coaches you’ve been in contact with.
• NCAA Eligibility Center: Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center and make sure your academic record meets NCAA standards.

Senior Year (12th Grade)

• Official Visits: Starting August 1st of senior year, you can begin taking official visits to colleges. These visits are paid for by the college and provide an opportunity to meet the coaching staff, tour the facilities, and get a feel for the program.
• Follow-Up with Coaches: Keep up communication with coaches from schools you’re interested in. If you’ve received offers, express your interest or ask questions to clarify your decision.
• Final Highlight Reel: Update your highlight reel one final time with your senior season highlights. This will be one of the last pieces of content you send to coaches, so make it strong.
• Verbal Commitments: Athletes can verbally commit to a college at any point, but many commitments happen during the senior year. While verbal commitments are non-binding, they are a key milestone in the recruiting process.
• National Signing Day (February): The first Wednesday in February is the traditional National Signing Day for football, when athletes sign their National Letter of Intent (NLI) and officially commit to a college program. However, the early signing period happens in December, allowing athletes to sign earlier if they’ve already made their decision.
• Walk-On Opportunities: If you haven’t received an offer by signing day, many colleges offer preferred walk-on spots, where athletes can join the team without an immediate scholarship. Reach out to coaches to explore walk-on possibilities.

Post-Graduation (Prep Year or Junior College)

• Prep School or JUCO: If you are not satisfied with your offers or feel that you need more time to develop, you can attend a prep school or junior college (JUCO) for a year. This provides an additional recruiting window and the opportunity to transfer to a four-year college later.
• Continue to Engage with Coaches: Stay in touch with the coaches who have expressed interest in you during your high school career and keep them updated on your progress.

Key Milestones Summary:

• Freshman Year: Focus on academics, join high school teams, and start attending camps.
• Sophomore Year: Develop a highlight reel, attend regional camps, and begin contacting coaches.
• Junior Year: Expect coach communication, attend key showcases, make unofficial visits, and possibly receive verbal offers.
• Senior Year: Take official visits, commit to a program, and sign during the signing period.
• Post-Graduation: Explore prep school or JUCO options if necessary.

By following this timeline, athletes and families can stay organized and proactive throughout the recruitment process. Every athlete’s journey is unique, but hitting these key milestones will maximize your chances of getting recruited to play college football.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): College Football Recruiting

The college football recruiting process can be complex, and athletes and families often have many questions. Below are answers to some of the most common questions to help guide you through the recruiting journey.

1. When should I start contacting coaches?

You can start reaching out to coaches as early as your sophomore year in high school. Although NCAA recruiting rules prevent coaches from contacting you before junior year, you can take the initiative to introduce yourself, send your highlight video, and share your academic information. Coaches can take note of you, even if they can’t respond yet. The earlier you start building relationships, the better prepared you’ll be when official communication can begin.

2. What should I include in my highlight video?

Your highlight video is one of the most important tools in the recruiting process. Here’s what you should include:

• Your best plays: Lead with your top moments, as coaches often watch just the first few seconds.
• Position-specific skills: Focus on the key skills required for your position (e.g., tackling for linebackers, passing for quarterbacks).
• Game situations: Show how you perform under real-game conditions rather than practice drills.
• Brief intro: Include your name, high school, position, height, weight, and contact information at the beginning or end.

3. How important are academics in the recruiting process?

Academics are crucial. College coaches are looking for well-rounded athletes who can excel in the classroom as well as on the field. Maintaining a high GPA, taking challenging courses, and performing well on standardized tests (SAT/ACT) are all essential components of your recruitment profile. Registering with the NCAA Eligibility Center and meeting core course requirements are also critical steps.

4. What’s the difference between a verbal commitment and signing a National Letter of Intent (NLI)?

A verbal commitment is a non-binding statement that an athlete intends to play for a particular college. Athletes can verbally commit at any point during the recruiting process, but this commitment is not legally binding, and they can change their mind before signing.

The National Letter of Intent (NLI) is a legally binding agreement that student-athletes sign to officially commit to a college program. By signing the NLI, athletes agree to attend that school for one academic year, and the school guarantees an athletic scholarship in return. The NLI signing ends the recruitment process, and other colleges must stop recruiting the athlete.

• 2024 Updates: Starting with the 2024-25 signing year, athletes can now be released from their NLI without penalty in two cases:
  • If there is a head coaching change at the institution.
  • If the athlete requests a release after attending the school for at least one academic semester or quarter.

Additionally, four-year transfers can now sign an NLI once they enter the transfer portal. While not mandatory, signing an NLI in this situation will trigger a recruiting ban, preventing other schools from contacting the athlete​

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5. How do I use College Football Openings to get recruited?

College Football Openings is a valuable resource for athletes looking to get recruited. Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Check Daily Postings: The platform provides daily updates on which college football programs are actively recruiting and the positions they need. Make it a habit to check the site regularly to stay on top of new opportunities.
• Match Openings to Your Position: College Football Openings allows you to filter schools based on the positions they are recruiting, making it easy to find schools looking for players like you (e.g., quarterbacks, linebackers, wide receivers).
• Reach Out to Coaches: Once you identify schools that are recruiting for your position, create a list of coaches to contact. Use College Football Openings as a starting point for networking, and send an introductory email with your highlight reel, academic information, and why you’re interested in their program.
• Stay Organized: Track which schools you’ve contacted and follow up regularly. Using a recruitment platform like College Football Openings helps you stay ahead of the competition and ensures you don’t miss out on key recruiting windows.

6. What should I expect during an official visit?

During an official visit, the school covers your travel, meals, and accommodation expenses. This is your opportunity to meet the coaching staff, tour the facilities, interact with current players, and explore the campus. Be prepared to ask questions about the football program, academics, and student life. Remember, this is your chance to see if the school is the right fit for you both athletically and academically.

7. How many schools should I contact?

It’s a good idea to contact a wide range of schools, including Division 1, Division 2, and Division 3 programs, to maximize your opportunities. Aim for a list of 10 to 15 schools, considering factors like location, division, academic offerings, and playing time opportunities. As you progress in the recruiting process, you can narrow down your options based on the level of interest you receive and your preferences.

8. How can I improve my chances of getting a scholarship?

To improve your chances of earning a scholarship, focus on the following:

• Academics: Keep your GPA high and perform well on standardized tests.
• Athletics: Work hard to develop your skills, and attend camps or combines where you can showcase your talents in front of coaches.
• Highlight video: Create a compelling highlight reel that displays your strengths.
• Communication: Be proactive in contacting coaches and stay engaged throughout the process. The more coaches know about you, the better your chances.

9. What’s the role of camps and combines in recruiting?

Camps and combines provide valuable exposure to college coaches. Attending the right events can help you get on a coach’s radar, especially if the camp is hosted by or attended by colleges you’re interested in. Perform well in these settings, and be sure to follow up with coaches after the event to continue building relationships.