"What level can I play at?" is the hardest question in recruiting, and the one where families most often fool themselves in either direction. Some aim too high and miss good options. Some aim too low and never find out what they could have done. This guide gives you a way to answer honestly.
Step 1: Honest self-evaluation
Answer these like a coach would. Write the answers down.
Checklist
- Film: If a coach watched my last three games with no context, what would they see?
- Size and speed: How do my height, weight and testing numbers compare with players at my position at the levels I'm looking at? (Look at college rosters.)
- Production: Do I make plays against the best opponents I've faced?
- Position fit: Is my position the one I'd play in college? A lineman who's 6'0" might project differently from one who's 6'5".
- Room to grow: Am I young for my grade? Still growing? Getting stronger every month?
- Academics: What's my core-course GPA, and what do admissions pages say at my target schools?
- Character and effort: What do my coaches say about my attitude?
Step 2: Ask other people
Coach recommendation
Ask your high school coach for an honest read. Ask what levels they've seen players like you play at, and which of their former players landed where. Ask them which coaches they know. Then listen. If you only ask people who'll say what you want to hear, you won't learn anything.
Other sources: look at college rosters (height, weight, hometown, class) for programs you like, and look at where players from your region landed.
Step 3: Build a target list across levels
Coach recommendation
Think in three groups. A few reach schools (a step above your current evaluation), a solid group of realistic fits, and a few likely fits you'd be happy to attend. Include schools from more than one level. You'll learn faster from conversations than from guesses.
Example
Example (made up): A rising junior running back builds a list of 24 programs: 4 FBS or FCS reach schools, 10 Division II and NAIA programs that recruit players his size, 6 Division III schools he likes academically, and 4 backup schools where he'd attend even without football.
For each school, track the level, the position coach, the admissions standards, the cost, your contact dates and follow-ups. (The Coach's Recruiting Game Plan kit includes a target list tracker.)
What the levels offer
See College Football Levels for how aid, recruiting and eligibility differ. A short reminder from official sources:
Official rule
- NCAA Division III does not offer athletics scholarships, but about 80% of its athletes receive merit or need-based aid.
- NAIA has no recruiting calendar restrictions for high school students.
- The NCAA says only about 2% of high school athletes are awarded athletics scholarships.
Sources: NCAA D3, NAIA, NCAA Guide.
Step 4: Revisit it every season
Your level isn't fixed. Players grow, get stronger, and change positions. Re-evaluate after each season with fresh film, new measurables and updated grades.
Personal strategy
Reaching vs. fitting. Some players accept the first offer from the highest level. Others pick the school where they'll play and study best. Neither is wrong. Decide your priorities in advance, so you aren't deciding under pressure.
Heads up
Nobody can tell you for sure what level you'll play at, and anyone who promises you a level or an offer is guessing, or selling something.
Your next step
Next up: Guide 6: Rules and Calendar for Families.
Sources checked
Official pages used for this guide, and the date we checked each one. Rules change, so confirm before you act.