Recruiting Timeline, Year by Year
What to do in each year of high school (grades 9-12) to stay eligible, get noticed and choose a college. Started late? Do the earlier steps now. Nothing here is too late to catch up on.
Plan to start college on time
Divisions I and II now use an age-based “5-for-5” clock: five seasons of competition inside one five-year window. The window starts at your first full-time college enrollment anywhere (junior colleges and schools abroad count) or the academic year after your 19th birthday, whichever comes first. Redshirts and most extension waivers are gone, so starting college on time protects all five years.
See how the eligibility clock worksGrade 9: Build the Foundation
Four years before college
School
- Ask your counselor which classes count as NCAA core courses and plan all four years
- Grades count from now: D1 needs a 2.3 core GPA, D2 a 2.2 ; aim higher for academic scholarships
Sport
- Play at the highest level you can, often a club team
- Start filming games
- Learn the levels: D1, D2, D3 and NAIA
Grade 10: Get Ready
Three years before college
Paperwork
- Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center (the NCAA suggests the start of grade 10)
- Keep your core-course plan on track
Recruiting
- Make your first highlight video (3-5 minutes)
- Build a list of 20-40 schools at more than one level
- Fill in each school's recruiting questionnaire and email the coaches
- Go to camps at schools that interest you
- Clean up your social media: coaches look
Grade 11: Peak Recruiting
Two years before college
Coaches
- Answer calls and messages quickly
- Send updated video and your game schedule
- Ask where you stand and what they need from you
Visits
- Unofficial visits (you pay) at top schools
- Official visits (school pays) open for many sports around August 1 before or during this year; unlimited in D1, one per school
School
- Finish 10 core courses before grade 12 (D1)
- Upload your transcript to the Eligibility Center after the year
- Take the SAT/ACT only if your colleges want it
Grade 12: Decide and Sign
The year before college
Compare
- Compare offers on cost after all aid, playing time and your degree
- Ask whether aid is multi-year and what it covers
- Use the questions for coaches
Sign
- Sign the school's written athletics aid agreement in your sport's signing period (it replaced the National Letter of Intent in 2024)
- Apply for admission and, in the US, file the FAFSA
Finish
- Keep your grades up: offers can be withdrawn
- After graduation, send your final transcript and request final amateurism certification
Key Dates
Exact dates change every year and differ by sport. Confirm with the NCAA and the colleges you are talking to.
Coach contact
Most D1 sports: June 15 after grade 10 or September 1 of grade 11. D2: June 15 before grade 11.
Official visits
Many D1 sports from August 1 before grade 11; some sports later. D2: from June 15 before grade 11.
Signing
Basketball: early period in November, regular in April. Football: December and February. Many other sports: November and April.
FAFSA
US students: usually opens October 1 of grade 12. File early, every year.
Recruiting periods, in plain words
Contact period
Coaches can meet you in person, anywhere.
Evaluation period
Coaches can watch you play but not talk to you in person off campus.
Quiet period
In-person contact only on the college campus.
Dead period
No in-person contact. Calls, texts and emails are still fine.
Extra Steps for International Athletes
Same timeline, plus these.
Earlier
- Register with the Eligibility Center 12-18 months before enrolling
- Get certified English translations of your grades
- Take an English test (TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo)
- Mind the five-year clock: it can start at 19
After you sign
- Get your I-20 from the college
- Pay the SEVIS fee ($350) and book the F-1 visa interview
- Check with the school before accepting any NIL or other payment
Resources
Ready to Start Your NCAA Journey?
Explore our free resources and connect with trusted recruitment partners to guide you every step of the way.