Target programs, intro emails, follow-ups, calls
Contact Coaches
College coaches aren't going to magically find every talented football player. Here's how to reach the right ones, in the right way, without being a pest.
How we label advice
Recruiting advice gets mixed together online. Here, every tip is tagged so you know what it is.
- Official rule
- From an official NCAA, NAIA or NJCAA source. We link it and show when we checked it.
- Coach recommendation
- Our experienced-coach advice. Not a rule. Reasonable people do it differently.
- Personal strategy
- A choice that depends on your player, your family and your goals. Your call.
Step 1: Build a target list
A good target list covers different levels. Include a few "reach" programs, some realistic fits, and some "likely" fits. Think about the whole college: location, size, majors, cost, and football level.
Coach recommendation
Aim for roughly 20 to 30 programs across levels. The right number depends on your player and your time. It's better to send good, personalized emails to a smaller list than a copy-paste blast to a hundred coaches.
For each school, record: the level, the position coach, how to reach them, the date you contacted them, their response, and the next follow-up date. (The Coach's Recruiting Game Plan kit includes a target list tracker for this.)
Step 2: Know the rules that affect contact
Official rule
- NCAA Division I: colleges may not send recruiting materials or electronic correspondence until June 15 at the end of your sophomore year. The NCAA's guide says Division I coaches may not be permitted to write you back depending on your sport and grade.
- NCAA Division II: communication may happen at any time.
- NAIA: no recruiting calendar restrictions for high school students.
- NCAA Division III: no recruiting calendars or reminders.
Sources: NCAA Bylaw 13.4.1, Division II guide, NAIA, NCAA Guide. Details and dates are on Recruiting Rules.
Step 3: Write the intro email
Coach recommendation
Keep it short. One screen on a phone. Lead with who you are, put the film link up top, and make one clear ask. Use a professional email address, and for younger players, copy a parent or guardian.
Example
Subject: 2028 OL, 6'4" 285, Lincoln High (Anytown, OH): film and academic info
Hello Coach [Last name],
My name is [Name]. I'm a 2028 offensive lineman at [High School] in [City, State]. I'm interested in [School] because [one real reason: the program, the major, something specific].
- Film: [link]
- Position and size: OL, 6'4", 285 lbs
- Academics: [GPA], [core course progress]
- NCAA ID: [number] (Eligibility Center account registered)
- Contact: [parent or guardian email and phone]
- Schedule: [link to upcoming games]
I'd welcome any feedback on where I fit in your program, and I'd love to know what you look for at my position. Thank you for your time.
[Name]
The sample above is made up. Replace every detail with your own. Never exaggerate size, times or stats. Coaches check.
Step 4: Follow up the right way
Coach recommendation
A common cadence: send your first email, then wait a week or two. Follow up with a short note and one new thing (new film, a game result, a camp invite). After that, update coaches when something real changes, such as after a season, a camp, or a new test or academic update. Don't send the same email again and again.
- Log the date of each email in your tracker.
- Use a new subject line only when you have news.
- Thank coaches for any reply, even a "no."
- Say "thank you" after camps, visits and calls.
Step 5: Phone calls and conversations
Coach recommendation
Prepare three questions and a short intro. For a first call: "Thanks for taking my call. Where do you see me fitting? What do you look for at my position? What are the next steps on your end?" Parents should join early calls, listen, and ask about academics, costs and aid.
Heads up
No promises, in either direction. A coach saying you're "on the board" or "we like you" is not an offer. Don't treat a friendly email as a commitment. See Guide 10 on what an offer actually means.
Your next step
The full scripts are in Guide 7: Emailing and Calling Coaches. The Coach's Recruiting Game Plan kit includes 10 email and DM templates and a phone and visit question bank.
Sources checked
Official pages we used, and the date we checked each one.