College Football Recruiting: Complete Guide
College football recruiting is the most measurable of all sports: size, verified testing numbers and position fit filter the board before film is ever opened. Your job is to make all three unambiguous.
What football coaches evaluate first
- Height, weight and frame relative to your position
- Verified testing: 40-yard dash, shuttle, vertical, broad jump, squat/bench
- Position-specific film cut for the position you're recruited at
- Multi-sport athleticism — track and wrestling numbers still move staffs
- Core GPA and NCAA eligibility status
Division benchmarks
| Metric | D1 | D2 | D3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40-yard dash (skill) | 4.5–4.6 | 4.6–4.7 | 4.7–4.8 |
| Offensive line size | 6'4", 285+ | 6'2", 270+ | 6'0", 250+ |
| Linebacker size | 6'1", 215+ | 6'0", 205+ | 5'11", 195+ |
| Vertical jump | 33"+ | 30"+ | 27"+ |
| Core GPA | 2.5+ (sliding scale) | 2.5+ | 3.3+ (aid is academic) |
Benchmarks are typical recruiting ranges, not cut-offs — programs vary by conference and roster need. Confirm current NCAA rules and scholarship limits with the NCAA before making decisions.
Scholarships in football
FBS football is a head-count sport (85 full scholarships), while FCS, D2 and NAIA are equivalency sports where partial offers are stacked with academic aid. D3 offers no athletic money, so grades carry the package.
Football recruiting checklist and timeline
Tick off what you've done. Anything unchecked is a reason a coach can filter you out this week.
College football recruiting FAQ
When does college football recruiting start?
Coaches can send recruiting materials from September 1 of your sophomore year, and calls plus off-campus contact generally open June 15 after sophomore year. Public film can be evaluated at any time, so publish early.
How fast do you need to be for college football?
For skill positions, roughly 4.5–4.6 in the 40 for D1, 4.6–4.7 for D2, and 4.7–4.8 for D3 — verified by laser or a credible combine. Linemen are evaluated far more on size, footwork and strength than on 40 time.
Are camps or showcases better for football recruiting?
Camps at the specific schools recruiting you are far more productive. A staff can coach, measure and test you in person, and offers are frequently extended on the spot.
Can I get recruited for football as a senior?
Yes. D2, FCS, NAIA and JUCO programs fill roster needs late, especially after transfers and decommitments. Current-season film and verified testing make late recruiting realistic.
Other sports
Recruiting resources
Free recruiting readiness score
Ten questions, an honest score, and your prioritized next steps.
College athletic recruiting guide
Timelines by grade, division fit and a readiness checklist.
NCAA Eligibility Center
What the NCAA Eligibility Center requires: 16 core courses, D1 and D2 GPA rules, registration timing, transcripts, amateurism and a step-by-step checklist.
Athletic scholarships
How athletic scholarships work: head-count vs equivalency sports, scholarship limits by sport, stacking academic aid, and how to compare real net cost.
How to email college coaches (with templates that get replies)
How to email college coaches: subject lines, what to include, follow-up cadence, and copy-paste templates for first contact, camps and senior-year outreach.
NCAA recruiting rules
NCAA recruiting rules explained: contact periods by division, when coaches can call, official and unofficial visits, dead periods, and what you may do first.
Guides by sport
Put your football numbers where coaches can see them
Publish verified measurables, film and academics on one link, then track which scouts saved you — free for athletes.
Create your athlete profile