RawRecruit vs CaptainU: AI Matching vs Video-First Recruiting
CaptainU (now part of Stack Sports) focuses on video-first recruiting, helping athletes create and distribute highlight videos to college coaches. RawRecruit takes a data-first approach, using AI to match athletes with 1,800+ programs across 5 dimensions and providing direct coach contact information. This comparison covers the key differences to help you decide which approach fits your recruiting strategy.
TL;DR
RawRecruit matches athletes to schools using AI across 135+ data points and gives direct coach contact info. CaptainU focuses on video distribution and coach discovery. RawRecruit starts free; CaptainU's pricing varies by sport and package.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | RawRecruit | CaptainU |
|---|---|---|
| AI-powered school matching | ||
| Video hosting & distribution | Link + thumbnail only | Full platform |
| Coach emails (direct) | ||
| Coach phone numbers | Varsity+ ($29.99/mo) | |
| Fit Score algorithm | 5-dimension (135+ data points) | |
| Free tier | Yes (permanent) | Limited |
| Cultural fit matching | ||
| Roster analytics | Varsity+ ($29.99/mo) | |
| Travel calculator | ||
| Coach activity tracking |
Pricing Comparison
| Tier | RawRecruit | CaptainU |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 (Prospect) | Limited free profile |
| Entry paid | $12.99/mo (Varsity Lite) | Varies by package |
| Full features | $29.99/mo ($269/yr) | Varies by package |
| Premium (founder 1:1) | $499.99/mo (Blue Chip Founding Members, escalates to $1,499.99/mo, 80-member cap) | Premium packages available |
Key Differences
RawRecruit provides direct coach contact information: emails, phone numbers, and social profiles for 115,000+ coaches. CaptainU routes communication through their platform.
CaptainU excels at video hosting and distribution. RawRecruit integrates film via Hudl/YouTube links but doesn't host video. If video distribution is your primary need, CaptainU has the edge.
RawRecruit's 5-dimension Fit Score algorithm provides quantified matching that CaptainU doesn't offer. You know exactly WHY each school is a fit, not just that it exists.
RawRecruit covers football, basketball, and track & field with deep data (135+ metrics per school). CaptainU covers more sports but with less data depth per school.
The Verdict
If video creation and distribution is your top priority, CaptainU (via Stack Sports) is purpose-built for that. If you want AI-powered school matching, direct coach contact information, and data-driven insights about where you fit, RawRecruit is the stronger choice. Many families use both: CaptainU for video, RawRecruit for matching and outreach.
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See My Fit Score, FreeFrequently Asked Questions
Is CaptainU still operating?
CaptainU was acquired by Stack Sports and continues to operate as part of their platform. The product has evolved but the core video-first recruiting approach remains.
Do I need video highlights to get recruited?
Video highlights are important, especially for football and basketball, but they're not the only factor. Coaches also evaluate academic profile, physical measurables, positional fit, and geographic proximity. RawRecruit's Fit Score captures all of these dimensions. Film is one piece of the puzzle.
Can I use RawRecruit and CaptainU together?
Yes. Use CaptainU for video hosting and distribution, and RawRecruit for AI-powered school matching and direct coach contact information. The platforms complement each other well.