The seasons are winding down, but the recruitment is heating up - that’s for both 2027s and 2028s. Let me explain - first we’ll look at the 2027’s and then the 2028’s:
2027’s
A majority of high school seniors who want to play college football still probably don’t know where they are going but, if they are going to have options, they should at least have an inkling of a few different schools who might offer them.
Especially in the higher academic universe of Ivy+ schools, November is when Early Decision I (EDI) happens. While not every recruit needs to apply EDI to an Ivy to get in, the implied understanding is that you will apply EDI to lock in your football support for admissions. And, unless you totally bomb your application (which does happen more than you think as some recruits mistake tacit athletic support for admissions to an Ivy as the same think as a committable offer from LSU where you just need to maintain a heart beat to get in), you probably will get admitted.
There are a few non-NESCAC high academic schools that will still be looking for recruits during EDII in January, but you should still be doing everything in your power to network with and follow up with your higher academic coaches right now, especially if you don’t have an offer yet. The higher academics just have very limited levers to pull to get recruits through admissions and once things fall to regular decision, the leverage that being recruited would have provided doesn’t exist for most.
You might also consider exploring a post graduate year at one of the NEPSAC, New England Prep School Athletic Conference, programs in the Northeast. But, most of these schools will have 6-7 post graduate spots in Class A, and then just 3 post graduate spots at the smaller programs. Unless you’re already some sort of college level prospect, being a post graduate is exceptionally difficult. But, can extend your recruiting window by another 12 months.
2027’s just don’t have much runway left for something to happen with a higher academic college or university. EDI has already passed and EDII is coming up quick.
2028’s
You should have done these things by now:
Your mid season highlight tape up on X and Hudl.
Sent these via DM or text to coaches you’ve been in touch with already.
Fill out the recruiting questionnaire out for all of the programs you are interested in.
Have your high school transcript up to date on you with your Fall term grades finalized, or just whatever you have up to date.
Reach out to coaches inquiring: Coach might you be swinging by our school in the coming weeks? Would love to potentially come see a game if there were still any home games left so late. Thanks so much.
Most programs will turn the page officially to the 2028 class by mid November and will start hitting the road to visit high schools. When they get to your school, you should have your transcript to date on you as well. Coaches won’t be looking to do a full admissions pre-read right now but they will want to give your grades a cursory look to make sure you’re not showing any C’s or more than a few B’s on your transcript.
Coaches will pitch you on their school, and then also set up a ball park of when they will want you on campus for their Junior Days or Spring Football Visits in March/April. The nice part about looking higher academics is that the transfer portal’s impact on these schools is much more limited than other colleges. If you’re trying to play at a bigger school the transfer portal will open up in December which can cause some more ambiguity with whether or not these programs will take you.
The best measure of how you will do academically and athletically at the college level remains how you do academically and athletically at the high school level. Don’t become so obsessed with your recruitment that you lose sight of still becoming the best teammate and player for your current team.
Coaches will come, shake your hand, give you their information and it will be exciting, but you are still a ways off from an offer, even if you’re a stud as a 2028.
Brendan
PS When you’re ready, set up a call today https://calendly.com/brendancahill_/new-client-call
