Recruiting Hub
Want to Play College Football? Here’s What You Need to Start Doing Now
If you’re serious about playing at the next level, you can’t wait around for coaches to find you — you have to put yourself out there.
Playing sports in college comes with some huge benefits—both right away and long after you graduate.
When you compete at the college level, you get chances to learn new skills, push yourself, and succeed on and off the field. College athletes get strong academic support, great medical care, and access to top coaches, facilities, and equipment. Overall, student‑athletes tend to graduate at higher rates than other students and feel more prepared for life after college.
If you’re planning to play Division I or Division II sports, you’ll need to get your academics and athletics cleared through the NCAA Eligibility Center.
With nearly 900 college football programs out there, choosing the right fit can feel overwhelming. A great first step is understanding the differences between the divisions so you can target schools that match your athletic ability, academic goals, and the college experience you want.
Use this info to build a balanced target list of schools. Include a mix of divisions—you might be surprised which level ends up being the best fit once you research and keep an open mind. Many athletes ultimately sign with a school they hadn’t considered until they broadened their search.
Start Introducing Yourself to College Coaches
Reach out and make yourself known:
- Send messages on Twitter/X
- Email college coaches
- Show up at college football camps
- These are some of the best ways to get on a coach’s radar.
Fill Out Recruiting Questionnaires
Another simple but important step is completing the recruiting questionnaires on the websites of the schools you’re interested in. This lets coaches know who you are and gives them your info so they can decide whether to follow up.
What These Questionnaires Usually Ask For
- Personal info: name, height, weight, position, graduation year
- Athletic info: stats, highlight film link (Hudl), awards, measurables
- Academic info: GPA, test scores, potential major
- Recruiting info: schools interested in you, camps you’ve attended, social media links
Once you submit it, coaches add your information to their database and may reach out if they think you’re a fit.
FAQ's
What Exactly Is a College Recruiting Questionnaire?
Why They Matter
They don’t guarantee a scholarship, but they are:
- One of the first steps in the recruiting process
- A legal way for college coaches to store your info
- A way for you to show real interest in their program
Where to Find the Questionnaires
To find them:
- Go to a school’s official athletics website
- Look for links like:
- “Recruiting”
- “Prospective Student-Athletes”
- “Football Recruiting Questionnaire”
- Fill out forms for every school you’re interested in, not just your top choices.
What Is an NCAA ID Number — and Why Do You Need One?
- Play Division I or II college football
- Take official visits
- Sign a National Letter of Intent
- Receive athletic scholarship money
How to Get Your NCAA ID
- Create an account
- Choose a Certification Account (for athletes planning to play in college)
- Fill in your personal, high school, and sports history info
- Submit — and you’ll receive your NCAA ID
Tip: Register early (freshman or sophomore year) so you’re not scrambling later.
Key Takeaways for Parents
- Recruiting questionnaires help colleges identify interested athletes
- Athletes should complete questionnaires for multiple schools
- NCAA Eligibility Center registration is mandatory for NCAA recruitment
- Save the NCAA ID number and provide it to coaches when requested
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