Football Recruiting Timeline
Know exactly what to do at every stage of the recruiting process. From freshman year foundation to signing day—with checklists for each grade.
Founder, Eyes Up
- Start early, but don't panic—freshman and sophomore years are about building foundation; recruiting heats up junior year
- June 15 after sophomore year is the magic date when D1 coaches can start direct communication with you
- Most D1 rosters fill by end of junior year—if you want D1, you need to be proactive starting sophomore year
- Cast a wide net—D2, D3, NAIA, and JUCO are excellent paths; only 3% of players reach D1
What to Do Each Year
Click through each grade to see your tasks. Check off items as you complete them. The progress bar tracks how prepared you are for the next stage.
Build the Foundation
Focus on grades, development, and learning the process
Focus on academics from Day 1
Must DoYour GPA matters more than you think. Start strong—it's easier to maintain than to recover.
Learn NCAA eligibility requirements
ImportantUnderstand the 16 core courses you need. Work with your guidance counselor to plan your schedule.
Research division levels
RecommendedLearn the differences between D1, D2, D3, NAIA, and JUCO. Most players don't end up at D1—and that's okay.
Start collecting game film
RecommendedEven if it's JV or practice clips. You're building raw material for future highlight reels.
Attend summer camps
RecommendedStart going to college camps. The goal is skill development and exposure to college-level coaching.
Key Dates & Rules
- •D1 coaches can only send you camp brochures and general school materials
- •No recruiting phone calls, texts, or emails allowed yet
- •Focus on your 16 core courses—plan with your counselor
Division Comparison
Not everyone ends up at D1—and that's okay. Each division has different rules, scholarship structures, and recruiting timelines. Know what fits your goals.
Division I Football Bowl Subdivision
134 schools
Strict calendar with dead, quiet, evaluation, and contact periods
Elite athletes with D1 measurables and academics
- Highest level of competition
- Best facilities and resources
- NIL opportunities
- Most restrictive recruiting rules
- Most rosters fill by end of junior year
The Numbers Don't Lie
2025-2026 Recruiting Calendar
The NCAA recruiting calendar has specific periods when coaches can (and can't) contact you. Know these dates to maximize your opportunities.
2025-2026 Signing Periods
Early Signing Period
Most Sign HereMost recruits sign here. 72-hour window when top programs lock in their classes.
Class of 2026
National Signing Day
Traditional signing day. Opens the regular signing period through August 1.
Regular period: Feb 4 - Aug 1
Recruiting Period Types (D1)
The NCAA calendar rotates through these periods. Know what coaches can and can't do.
No in-person contact allowed—on or off campus. Digital communication only.
Varies (check NCAA calendar)
On-campus contact only. No off-campus recruiting. You can visit, but coaches can't come to you.
Varies
Coaches can watch you play or visit your school, but can't have off-campus contact.
Fall: 33 days | Spring: Limited
Coaches can have face-to-face contact with you anywhere. This is when relationships get serious.
Spring: April 15 - May 31
Key Dates to Know
In October 2024, the NCAA eliminated the National Letter of Intent (NLI) after 60 years. Recruits now sign financial aid agreements directly with schools instead.
Recruiting Strategies That Work
1. Be Proactive, Not Passive
The top ~200 recruits get "discovered." Everyone else has to work for it. Contact 50-100 schools. Send personalized emails to position coaches. Follow up monthly. Don't wait to be found.
2. Your Film Is Everything
Coaches may watch 30 seconds of your highlight video before deciding to keep watching or move on. Lead with your best plays. Show game film, not just practice. Update monthly during the season.
3. Academics Open Doors
When coaches compare two similar players, GPA often decides it. Better grades = less risk, easier admission process. Plus, academic scholarships can stack with partial athletic scholarships.
4. Camps Are Where Offers Happen
College camps—especially at schools you're interested in—are where coaches evaluate talent in person. This is often where offers get extended. Go to as many as you can afford, starting as early as 8th grade.
5. The Edge 99% of Recruits Miss
Coaches can't see how you recover from their highlight film. Start tracking your sleep now. When you're on a visit and can show 6 months of solid recovery data, you're telling coaches: "I take this seriously. I'm not a risk."
Recruiting FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
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