Football Recruiting
The complete playbook — the process, the measurables coaches check, the calendar, rankings and eligibility.
Latest Football Recruiting News
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Under Armour Next Camp Series: Los Angeles Stop Set for May 22, 2026
Under Armour Next Camp Series: Los Angeles Stop Set for May 22, 2026 The Under Armour Next Camp Series is set to return in 2026 with a nationwide slate of elite youth football events, highlighted by its Los Angeles stop on May 22, 2026, dedicated specifically to middle school athletes. This high-ene
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Everything you need to get recruited in football — how the process works, the measurables coaches actually check, the recruiting calendar, and the academics that keep you eligible.
Latest Football Recruiting News
Friday Night Rising: The Sophomore RB Everyone Will Know by December
Unranked in the spring, uncoverable by fall. Inside the breakout that has staffs rewriting their boards.
Trench Report: The Five Best Offensive Linemen in the 2027 Class
Games are won up front. Our scouts break down the tackles and guards worth building a class around.
The Dual-Threat Debate: Which QB Style Wins in Today's College Offenses
Pocket passer or playmaker? What college staffs actually prioritize when the offer goes out.
Under the Lights: Week 1's Biggest Recruiting Battles
The season openers with the most Division-I talent on the field — and the coaches who'll be watching.
Flip Watch: Three Committed Backs Getting a Second Look
A pledge isn't a signature. These running backs are quietly hearing from new suitors.
The Recruiting Process
What Coaches Weigh
- Film first — coaches evaluate your tape before anything else
- Position value and scheme fit drive offers
- Verified size, speed and testing numbers
- Academics and NCAA eligibility
- Character, coachability and references
- D-I FBS85 fullHighest level, national exposure, full rides
- D-I FCS63 (equivalency)Scholarships can be split among players
- D-II36 (equivalency)Partial aid, often stacked with academics
- D-IIINone (athletic)Academic and need-based aid only
- NAIAUp to 24Flexible eligibility, real opportunity
- JUCO (NJCAA)VariesDevelopment runway and a transfer path to D-I
Measurables That Matter
- 40-yard dashSpeed — the first number skill coaches check
- Vertical jumpLower-body explosiveness
- Broad jumpPower and burst off the line
- Bench press (185 reps)Functional upper-body strength
- Pro-agility / 3-coneChange of direction and bend
- Height / weightPosition size thresholds
- QB6'2"+, arm talent, quick release, decision-making
- RBVision, contact balance, sub-4.6 speed
- WRSpeed, hands, route separation
- OL6'4"+, 290+ lbs, feet and length
- DL / EDGEFirst step, bend, length, motor
- DBFluid hips, recovery speed, ball skills
Recruiting Tips by Division
Hit the camp circuit and lock in verified numbers early.
Contact coaches directly — partial aid stacks with academics.
Lead with grades; academic fit opens the door.
A great, overlooked path with flexible eligibility.
A development year and a clear road to D-I.
The Recruiting Calendar
Build the junior tape that earns offers.
Email coaches, build your list, register with the NCAA.
Coaches evaluate; spring practice film matters.
Camps and combines — earn offers in person.
Perform, take official visits, narrow the list.
Early Signing Period (Dec) and National Signing Day (Feb).
Top Players & Programs
Top Football Recruits
- 1QBDeshawn BellamyKaty Prairie (TX)
- 2ATHMalachi VerretteCoastal Bend (TX)
- 4EDGEAmari OkonkwoGwinnett Central (GA)
- 6WRJaylen OkaforNorthwood Prep (MI)
- 7OTCade WhitfieldBuckeye Ridge (OH)
- 8CBIsaiah FontenotBayou Prep (LA)
Top Football Programs
- 1GeorgiaPerennial national contender
- 2AlabamaBlue-blood development machine
- 3Ohio StateElite skill-position pipeline
- 4TexasRecruiting the nation's best state
- 5MichiganTrench-built and disciplined
NCAA Eligibility Center
- 1Create your Eligibility Center accountRegister at the start of junior year.
- 2Add your sport and schoolsKeep your profile current.
- 3Submit transcriptsHave your counselor send them after each year.
- 4Test scores (if required)Send SAT/ACT scores to the Eligibility Center.
- 5Amateurism questionnaireComplete it your senior year.
- 6Final certificationRequest it after you graduate.
- Core courses16 required
- Core GPA (D-I)2.3 minimum
- Core GPA (D-II)2.2 minimum
- Timeline10 cores before senior year
- GraduationOn time, in 8 semesters
“The will to win is important, but the will to prepare is vital.”
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Rankings shown are illustrative; all prospects are fictional. Guide content is general recruiting education, not compliance advice. Full rankings →