Summary:
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- College athletics are changing fast: schools can now share revenue with athletes (big money is coming to some programs), and roster/scholarship rules were rewritten as part of a major legal settlement. (ESPN.com, Ropes & Gray)
- The transfer portal is huge and active. Athletes are transferring schools more frequently than ever, which impacts roster space and the way coaches recruit. (Front Office Sports, On3)
- NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) is real money for some players and a factor in recruiting decisions, but most players don’t get multi-six-figure deals. Learn to protect your future and your eligibility. (Opendorse, On3)
1) Roster sizes & scholarships — what’s new and why it matters
Historically, some sports limited the number of scholarships (for example, FBS football had an 85-scholarship cap). The recent House v. NCAA settlement reshaped that model: it replaces many old scholarship caps with team roster limits (for example, football rosters are limited to 105 players at many programs), and gives institutions new flexibility about how they distribute aid. This affects the number of spots that are realistically available and whether teams keep a large number of walk-ons. (Ropes & Gray, ESPN.com)
Why this matters to you:
- More schools may be able to offer partial scholarships to more players, or concentrate money on stars. Expect rosters and scholarship offers to look different from the way things operated previously. (Ropes & Gray)
- Walk-on opportunities may shrink at some places; if you plan to join without a scholarship, confirm the program’s walk-on track before committing. (utimes)
2) NIL — a new piece of the recruiting puzzle
Since 2021, players have been able to earn money from their name, image, and likeness. That market has exploded: industry reports show NIL spending growing massively year-over-year. While a handful of athletes (mainly those in major program football and basketball) earn substantial sums, many athletes will secure smaller local or school-level deals. (Opendorse, On3)
Practical points:
- Don’t chase NIL alone. Coaching, culture fit, player development, and academics still matter most for your long-term success.
- If you’re getting NIL interest as a recruit, involve a trusted adult (parent, high school counselor) and consider legal or financial help before signing anything. The rules around collectives, endorsements, and tax reporting can be complex. (New York State Bar Association – NYSBA)
3) Transfer portal — roster fluidity is the new normal
The transfer portal (the official system where student-athletes list their availability to transfer) has seen record numbers of entries in recent seasons. That means coaches build rosters not just with high school recruits but also with experienced college transfers — raising the competition for playing time and roster spots. (Front Office Sports, On3)
For recruits:
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- Be aware that coaches may recruit both high school players and portal players for the same position.
- If you commit early, keep focus on your personal development. Roster pressure and portal signings can significantly alter depth charts.
4) Recruiting calendars, contact rules & official visits (what you should know)
Each sport and division has specific recruiting calendars (contact periods, evaluation periods, quiet/dead periods). Those rules determine when coaches can visit, call, or offer in-person contact, and they matter for how and when you can engage with schools. The NCAA publishes sport-specific recruiting calendars (and schools follow them closely). (NCAA, NCAA.org)
Simple actions for recruits:
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- Learn your sport’s recruiting calendar (your junior year is often the most active recruiting time). (NCAA)
- Keep official visits for places where you’re seriously considering enrollment; they’re limited and valuable.
- Follow communication rules (if a coach contacts you during a dead period in an impermissible way, alert your high-school coach or guidance counselor).
5) What you should be doing this season (practical checklist)
- Academics should come first. Focus on meeting NCAA eligibility requirements (core GPA and test requirements, where applicable) and continue to improve your grades; many coaches view academics as a tiebreaker.
- Build a clean highlight tape. Keep it short (2–4 minutes), position-specific, with game footage and your best plays focused at the beginning of the video. Host it on a private YouTube or recruiting platform link.
- Create a recruiting profile. Include basic statistics, contact information, academic details, film link, and recent measurable data (height, weight, notable achievements).
- Control your social media. Coaches look at it. Keep it clean and authentic.
- Get to know the basics of NIL. If brands or collectives reach out, run offers by someone you trust and keep records of agreements. (Opendorse, New York State Bar Association – NYSBA)
- Talk to coaches the right way. Learn your sport’s recruiting calendar so you know when coaches can and cannot initiate contact with you. (NCAA)
- Plan visits wisely. Conduct unofficial visits early to gauge a good fit; use official visits for a deeper evaluation (and to inquire about development, academics, NIL support, and playing opportunities).
Final thoughts — build a career, not a headline
Yes, money, transfers, and new rules mean college recruiting looks more like a business now. However, the best long-term careers still stem from consistent improvement, smart choices, and selecting a program that will develop you both on and off the field. Use NIL and new rules to your advantage, but prioritize skill development, education, and career pathways, building foundational relationships that can help propel your athletic career forward.
