How to Get Recruited for College Football in 2026

College football is the most heavily recruited sport in the US, with over 1,100 programs across FBS (131), FCS (135), D-II (170+), D-III (240+), NAIA (90+), and JUCO (400+). The recruiting landscape changed dramatically with the transfer portal and NIL, but the fundamentals remain: coaches need players who fit their system physically, academically, and schematically.

RawRecruit covers football programs across all 7 division levels. Our Fit Score algorithm evaluates your height, weight, speed, and GPA against position-specific roster averages at each school, so you know exactly where you fit before you send a single email.

Quarterback: Height (6'1"+), arm strength, football IQ, leadership. FBS programs want 6'2"+ QBs; FCS and D-II are more flexible on height if you have accuracy and mobility.

Running Back: Burst, vision, pass-catching ability. Weight varies by scheme: power backs at 215+ lbs, scat backs at 185-200 lbs. My brother Kyle was 5'10" 205 at Rutgers, undersized by FBS standards but perfect for their system.

Wide Receiver: Speed (4.4-4.6 forty), route-running, hands. Height matters less than separation ability. Slot receivers can be 5'9"-5'11"; outside receivers typically 6'0"+.

Offensive Line: Size is king. FBS tackles are 6'4"+ and 290+ lbs. Guards and centers can be shorter. D-II and D-III are more flexible. 6'1" 270 can play at those levels.

Defensive Line: Length, explosiveness, motor. DE/Edge rushers need speed (4.6-4.8) and length (6'3"+). DT/Nose tackles need mass (280+) and anchor strength.

Linebacker: Versatility. ILBs are 6'0"-6'2" and 220-240 lbs with instincts. OLBs need speed to cover and rush. The position is evolving toward athletic, coverage-capable players.

Defensive Back: Speed is non-negotiable (4.4-4.6 range). CBs are typically 5'10"-6'1". Safeties can be slightly bigger (6'0"-6'2"). Ball skills and hip fluidity matter more than raw size.

Special Teams: Kickers, punters, and long snappers are recruited differently, often through specialist camps (Kohl's, Rubio, Ray Guy) rather than traditional film evaluation.

Spring Evaluation (April 15 - May 31): Coaches evaluate prospects at high school spring practices and camps. This is your chance to get on their radar if you're a junior.

June Contact Period (June 1-30): The busiest recruiting month. Camps, unofficial visits, and direct coach contact. Attend camps at your target schools. Coaches evaluate you in person.

Fall Evaluation (September - November): Coaches attend high school games. Friday nights under the lights matter. Make sure coaches know your game schedule.

Early Signing Period (December 3-5): Most FBS and FCS commitments sign here. If you have an offer, this is when you lock it in.

National Signing Day (February 4): Traditional signing day. Programs fill remaining spots. Opportunities still exist, especially at FCS, D-II, and NAIA levels.

Transfer Portal Window 1 (December 9-28): FBS portal window. Creates roster movement that opens spots for high school recruits.

Transfer Portal Window 2 (April 16-25): Second FBS portal window. Spring roster changes create late opportunities.

FBS (131 schools): The highest level. 85 full scholarships. Power 4 (SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, ACC) and Group of 5 conferences. Average roster: 120+ players.

FCS (135 schools): Division I with a playoff system. 63 scholarship equivalencies (split among players). Ivy League is FCS but offers no athletic scholarships. Competitive programs like North Dakota State consistently produce NFL players.

D-II (170+ schools): 36 scholarship equivalencies. Strong balance of athletics and academics. Many D-II programs offer partial scholarships that, combined with academic aid, can cover most costs.

D-III (240+ schools): No athletic scholarships. Athletes play for the love of the game plus academic aid. Includes elite academic institutions like MIT, Emory, and Williams. If academics are your priority and you want to play, D-III is ideal.

NAIA (90+ schools): 24 scholarships per team. Year-round recruiting with no dead periods. More personal recruiting experience. Programs like Lindsey Wilson and Grand View are perennial powerhouses.

JUCO (400+ schools): Two-year programs. Excellent pathway for athletes who need to develop academically or athletically. Many FBS stars started at JUCOs. No limit on financial aid.