For high school football players dreaming of going big—think packed college stadiums, pregame hype videos, and scholarship offers—it all starts with one question: When does the recruiting game begin?
It’s not as simple as getting DMs from Nick Saban the moment you score your first varsity touchdown. There’s a rulebook full of dates, stages, and “do not contact” zones. But don’t sweat it—we’re breaking it all down so you know exactly when to expect that first call, message, or scholarship offer (and how to get there).
Division I Football NCAA Recruiting Rules
If you’re gunning for the Power Four, you play under the NCAA’s Division I rules. These guidelines tell coaches exactly what you can still do plenty of, and they’re strict for a reason—mainly to protect young athletes from being overwhelmed too early. That said, there’s still plenty you can do to get noticed before coaches can officially talk to you.
Freshman & Sophomore Years: The Quiet Watching Period
Here’s the truth bomb: No, you don’t always scout future stars, attend camps, and review until after your senior year. That doesn’t mean you’re invisible. College programs are always scouting future stars, attending camps, reviewing film on Hudl, and keeping tabs on your highlight reels.
“Our staff identifies top underclassmen through camps and combines, and we build internal watch lists,” one SEC assistant coach told The Athletic. “But no contact. We can’t even like their Instagram posts.”
You can send your film to coaches or go to unofficial visits on campus at your own expense, but expect radio silence from their end until the magic date.
June 15, After Sophomore Year: Let the DMs Begin
Mark it on your calendar: June 15, after your sophomore year, is when the gates start to open. For Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) schools, that’s when coaches can:
- Call, email, and text you
- Send recruiting materials
- Start having honest conversations about interests and potential offers
This is also when a flood of early scholarship offers tends to be announced on social media, especially if you’ve been grinding all spring at camps and combines.
RECRUITS
College coaches prioritize guys who visit our campus. We have a recruiting scale that factors in if you visit campus and how many times.
It’s not a make or break, but when it comes down to you and another guy: we offer the guy who visited us. ⛈️🏈#RecruitingTips pic.twitter.com/OwabQqG6j4
— Karson Green (@CoachGreenOL) October 15, 2024
September 1 of Junior Year: The Big Wave
Starting September 1 of your junior year, things get even more serious. Coaches can:
- Send you printed recruiting materials (like letters, graphics, or team info)
- Invite you to game-day visits
- Make off-campus evaluations and scout you in person at high school games
- Start making verbal scholarship offers (yes, even before the senior season starts)
Expect your phone to buzz more. You may get invites to junior days or big rivalry games. This is when many top recruits narrow their lists and start talking about Top 12 or Top 8 schools on Twitter.
April 1 of Junior Year: Official Visit Season Opens
Once April 1 of your junior year hits, you’re officially allowed to take paid visits to college campuses. This is a game-changer. Schools can now cover your travel, meals, and lodging—up to five total visits (or more if you’re exploring multiple levels). It’s your chance to tour the locker room, meet the team, and take those famous “photo shoots in the jersey” for your Instagram feed.
Senior Year: Final Push and Signing Day
Senior year is where everything comes together. During “contact periods” outlined by the NCAA, coaches can visit your home or school to talk face-to-face. There are also dead periods, where no in-person recruiting is allowed, though calls and messages are still fair game.
The Early Signing Period begins in December, and the traditional National Signing Day follows on the first Wednesday of February. That’s when you make it official by signing your National Letter of Intent (NLI).
What About Other Divisions? (DII, DIII, NAIA & JUCO)
Not every recruit ends up at Alabama or Ohio State—and that’s okay. Football thrives at every level, and schools outside of Division I often offer more flexibility, earlier opportunities, and a better academic-athletic balance. Here’s how the recruiting timeline works at different levels.
Division II: Similar Timeline, Slightly More Chill
Division II programs follow a June 15 contact rule after the sophomore year, just like Division I. However, the approach is often more relationship-driven, with coaches focusing on fit, potential, and long-term development.
“We like to know a kid’s character as much as their 40 time,” said a DII coach at Valdosta State. “Our scholarships are valuable. We use them carefully.”
Unofficial visits can begin any time, and prospects may get looks sooner if they attend team camps.
Division III: Open Contact, No Athletic Scholarships
Since DIII schools don’t offer athletic scholarships, their recruiting process is far more relaxed. Coaches can communicate with athletes at first, and many begin identifying prospective students in their sophomore year or earlier.
Academics play a huge role here. Most DIII athletes are students first, so maintaining solid grades can open just as many doors as your stats.
NAIA and Junior Colleges: Wild West of Recruiting
The NAIA is far less restricted. Coaches can reach out whenever they want, and the process is often faster and more flexible. NAIA schools are an excellent option for late bloomers or players who want immediate playing time.
KEEP READING: What Is an Official Visit vs. Unofficial Visit in College Football Recruiting?
JUCOs (junior colleges) are often stepping stones for players who want to transfer to a bigger program later. The recruiting rules are different, but these schools scout talent hard, especially from players who’ve fallen under the radar or need academic redemption.
Start Early, Stay Sharp, and Keep Ballin’
Recruiting isn’t a mystery—it’s a game with a well-marked playbook. Understanding when coaches can call, when you can take visits, and how to get noticed gives you a considerable edge. But don’t just wait for June 15 or September 1 to roll around—start building your brand now.
That means
- Updating your Hudl regularly
- Keeping your grades up
- Attending camps
- Staying active on social media (yes, coaches look!)
- Being coachable and showing leadership
Remember, recruiting is as much about being seen as being ready. Not everyone will land 30 offers or go viral on Twitter—but the beauty of football is that there’s a home for every kind of player.
So whether you’re aiming for Alabama, a D3 powerhouse, or a breakout JUCO, now you’ve got the timeline—and the tools—to take your shot. The dream is absolute, and it starts sooner than you think.
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