Your monthly guide to staying ahead in college sports recruitment
From transfer trends and NIL opportunities to academic insights and recruiting calendar changes, here’s everything student-athletes and families need to know right now.
The NCAA transfer portal has reached record usage, with over 17,000 athletes entering across all sports this year. While it creates new opportunities for athletes seeking a better fit, it also raises the bar for high school recruits.
What this means for you:
Coaches are increasingly prioritising experienced college athletes in the portal. High school players need to be proactive, polished, and stand out early in the process.
Several sports have introduced changes to their official contact and evaluation periods:
Make sure your timeline matches the NCAA’s — missing key windows could delay your recruitment.
Over 1,800 colleges remain test-optional for Fall 2025, including most NCAA programs. However, some academic scholarships and high-performing D3 colleges still require SAT/ACT scores.
Advice for families:
Even if it's not required, submitting a strong test score can improve scholarship chances and academic placement.
It’s no longer just the Power Five schools benefiting from Name, Image, and Likeness deals. D2 and NAIA athletes are finding opportunities through personal branding, social media, and local sponsorships.
Takeaway:
Athletes with even a modest online following (1,000+ followers) are landing deals. Now’s the time to build a personal brand and stay consistent.
In response to Title IX compliance efforts, colleges are adding new NCAA Division I programs in:
These sports are actively recruiting — and fast-growing. For female athletes in these codes, it’s a prime time to get noticed.
If you’re planning to enrol in a U.S. college in Fall 2025 and compete at the D1 or D2 level, here’s your checklist:
Don’t leave this too late — eligibility issues can delay offers and scholarship finalisation.
Spring is one of the most active evaluation periods across sports like soccer, tennis, basketball, and track.
For athletes:
Make sure coaches know where you’re competing — share your schedule, videos, and stats.
For parents:
Help your athlete prepare mentally and physically. First impressions matter more than ever in live evaluations.
The NCAA is investing in more mental health resources to combat burnout and performance pressure. This is especially important in high-performance environments where balance is key.
Reminder:
Seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Encourage open conversations.
A coach showing interest is exciting — but until there’s an NLI (National Letter of Intent) or Financial Aid Agreement, it’s not official.
Tip:
Stay open to other opportunities until you have something in writing. A verbal offer is not binding.
A wave of coaching shifts at the D1 and D2 level means new systems, new needs, and new chances for 2025 recruits.
What to do:
If a coach didn’t respond last season, try again — a new staff might be looking for exactly what you bring to the table.
Athletic scholarships are competitive — and many families are piecing together packages with academic aid.
Tip for parents:
Keep academics a priority. A strong GPA can open doors to scholarships and improve your child’s college options.
Every month, we break down key changes and opportunities in college sports recruitment.
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