So, you’ve got wheels on the field, hands like glue, and a nose for the end zone—but how do you get college recruiters to notice you? The truth is, talent alone won’t cut it anymore. In today’s hyper-competitive high school football world, getting scouted is about showing up at the right events. With that, compete with the best and prove you belong. If Friday night lights are your stage, then these elite camps and combines are your audition for college football stardom.
Where Dreams Get Discovered: The Top Recruiting Events That Matter
From free-entry combines to invite-only showcases, today’s high school athletes have access to some seriously legit recruiting platforms. These events don’t just test your speed and strength—they build your football résumé, connect you with college coaches, and put your skills in front of national media. Here’s the real breakdown of the top recruiting events every serious high school football player should know about:
1. Rivals Combine Series (Nationwide)
Best for: Speed, agility, and verified combine scores
Cost: Free (optional $40 Fast Pass)
This one’s the no-brainer starting point. The Rivals Combine Series travels across the country, offering verified athletic testing in the 40-yard dash, shuttle, vertical jump, broad jump, and three-cone drill. It’s completely free, which is a huge deal considering the exposure you get. Your results are automatically added to the Rivals database, where Division I coaches, analysts, and scouts hunt for up-and-coming stars.
“It’s the best way for underclassmen to get on the radar and start building their profiles,” says Rivals analyst Adam Gorney.
The event also gives athletes the chance to qualify for the more elite Rivals Camp Series, which offers position-specific coaching and higher-level competition. Think of the combine as the door-opener to the real deal.
2. Under Armour All-America Camp Series (Orlando, FL)
Best for: National spotlight and high-level exposure
Cost: Invite-only
If you get invited to this camp, congratulations—you’re officially a top-tier prospect. Held in sunny Orlando, the Under Armour Next All-America Camp gathers more than 100 elite athletes every year.
The week-long experience offers top-notch coaching, elite training facilities, professional photo/video content, and a direct pipeline to the Under Armour All-America Game—a must-watch event for college scouts.
Expect top-level one-on-one drills, position coaching from former NFL players, and interviews with national recruiting media.
“You walk in as a player and leave feeling like a pro,” said former UA All-American and current LSU WR Aaron Anderson.
3. Elite 11 Quarterback Camp (Various Locations)
Best for: Quarterbacks chasing greatness
Cost: $799
Let’s be real—if you’re a QB with big dreams, you have to know about Elite 11. It’s basically quarterback camp on steroids. The three-day regional events are packed with mechanics training, mental performance coaching, film review, and competition against the nation’s best arms. Standouts from each region earn an invite to the Elite 11 Finals, where legends like Bryce Young, Caleb Williams, and C.J. Stroud once made their mark.
“It’s a quarterback’s rite of passage,” said coach and Super Bowl champ Trent Dilfer, a longtime Elite 11 lead instructor. “This camp prepares them for the real pressure of being ‘the guy.'”
And don’t worry—it’s not just for high school seniors. Younger athletes (sixth grade and up) are welcome at regional sessions to start building the foundation early.
4. Elite 100 Exposure Camps (Nationwide)
Best for: All-position exposure, reps, and evaluation
Cost: $125
Don’t sleep on the Elite 100 Exposure Camps. For a one-day, full-throttle showcase, this event gives you serious bang for your buck. Athletes go through combine testing, then transition into positional drills, one-on-one matchups, seven-on-seven sessions, team drills, and a lineman challenge.
Every camper receives digital performance data and video clips—perfect for recruiting profiles and Hudl highlight reels. Scouts, recruiters, and even small-college coaches often attend, making it a solid spot for players flying under the radar.
5. Manning Passing Academy (Thibodaux, LA)
Best for: Quarterbacks, wideouts, tight ends, and RBs
Cost: $900 (overnight) / $650 (day camp)
Welcome to quarterback royalty. The Manning Passing Academy—hosted by Peyton, Eli, Archie, and Cooper Manning—is the crown jewel of QB camps. Held at Nicholls State University, it’s not just about passing mechanics; it’s about leadership, football IQ, and learning what it really takes to play at the next level.
It’s pricey, sure. But where else can you get coached by future Hall of Famers and elite college QBs? Plus, WRs, TEs, and RBs get valuable reps in the passing game too.
“The Mannings don’t just teach you how to throw—they teach you how to win,” said longtime camper and current college QB Malachi Nelson. So… Which One Should You Choose?
The Field of Dreams Starts Here
Each of these events brings something different to the table, so it depends on your position, your goals, and your budget.
- Need exposure and verified times? Go with Rivals Combine (free and widespread).
- Quarterback chasing greatness? You must attend Elite 11 or the Manning Passing Academy.
- Looking for a spotlight and elite-level talent? Target the Under Armour Camp—if you get the invite.
- Want reps and footage for your recruiting profile? Sign up for Elite 100.
Remember, the more you attend and the more consistently you perform, the more likely you are to land on a coach’s radar.
The journey from high school to college football is tough, but these camps are where champions are molded. The competition is fierce, but that’s exactly the point. If you want to earn a scholarship—or even just put your name on the map—you’ve got to go where the spotlight shines the brightest.
Each of these events gives you something unique: feedback, exposure, instruction, or media coverage. Together, they form a ladder to the next level of your football career. And while a single camp won’t land you an offer overnight, the connections you make and the skills you sharpen could pay off big down the road.
KEEP READING: Top 10 Most Memorable NFL Draft Moments
So lace up those cleats, hit the turf, and go get what’s yours. The recruiting grind is real, but for the players who put in the work and show up when it counts, the rewards can be life-changing.
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