College recruiting timeline by grade
Recruiting starts earlier than most families expect, but it is never too late to start. Here is what to focus on each year of high school.
Updated October 31, 2026
Freshman year
- Get good grades from day one. Your GPA starts counting now, and it opens doors at every level.
- Compete and track your results, stats and measurables.
- Start a list of schools you would love to attend, at more than one level.
Sophomore year
- Make your first highlight video or results page.
- Fill out recruiting questionnaires on team websites, and go to a camp or two at schools on your list.
- Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center if you might play Division I or II, and check you are taking the core courses it requires.
- Start emailing coaches. Division II, Division III and NAIA coaches can often answer you now.
Junior year
- Division I contact opens for most sports on June 15 after sophomore year, and in early September of junior year for some sports. Be on coaches' lists before it does.
- Email coaches at schools where you fit athletically, academically and financially, and follow up with new results.
- Visit campuses, take the SAT or ACT if your schools want it, and keep your video current.
- Narrow your list as coaches respond.
Senior year
- Take official visits, compare offers and aid packages, and ask hard questions.
- Apply to your schools, and file the FAFSA once it opens.
- Keep emailing coaches if you don't have a spot yet. Many programs, especially Division II, Division III, NAIA and junior college, recruit well into senior year.
- Commit and sign when you have the right fit.
Starting late?
Plenty of athletes start in junior or senior year and still find a spot. Focus on programs where you fit now, contact a lot of them quickly, and include NAIA and junior college programs. REACH shows you those schools and drafts each coach email, so you can catch up fast.
Questions
When should I start contacting college coaches?
You can start any time. Many athletes start emailing coaches in sophomore year, so they are on coaches' lists before Division I contact dates open.
Is senior year too late to get recruited?
No. Many programs, especially Division II, Division III, NAIA and junior college, recruit well into senior year.
When should I register with the NCAA Eligibility Center?
If you might compete in Division I or II, register early in high school, often sophomore year, and make sure you are taking the required core courses.
Sources: NCAA Eligibility Center; Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).