Football Recruiting Guide

This section covers everything specific to college football recruiting. The articles here build on the general recruiting guide — if you haven't read the main guide, start there for foundational concepts (NCAA eligibility, how to email coaches, campus visits, etc.). These articles go deep on the football-specific rules, timelines, measurables, and strategies that differ from other sports.

Why Football Recruiting Is Different

Football has more moving parts than virtually any other college sport:

• The recruiting calendar is the most complex of any NCAA sport, with strict dead, quiet, evaluation, and contact periods that vary by time of year.
• Roster sizes are massive — FBS programs manage 85–105 players, meaning coaches recruit 20-30+ athletes per class.
• Commitments happen earlier — Elite D1 FBS prospects often commit before or during their junior year. Some Power 4 programs extend offers in 8th or 9th grade.
• The transfer portal has reshaped rosters — The January window and NIL market mean coaches are simultaneously recruiting high schoolers and evaluating portal entries throughout the year.
• The House v. NCAA settlement changed everything about scholarships, roster limits, and athlete compensation starting 2025-26.

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