College Soccer Recruiting Timeline
The recruiting process and timeline for college soccer vary significantly between men’s and women’s teams, as well as between Division 1 and NJCAA programs. Regardless of the perspective, it is evident that the recruiting process is never identical. However, there appears to be a commonality across the board: coaches are increasingly willing to recruit at a later stage in a youth player's development. This trend is particularly noticeable in men’s soccer. Several factors contribute to the continued extension of the recruiting timeline, despite the consistency of NCAA recruiting rules. These factors include the demand for players, changes in the landscape with the transfer portal, limited scholarships, physical maturity, and the evolving structure of MLS Academies. These elements collectively reshape how players are recruited and the associated timelines.
High Supply, Low Demand
The level of youth soccer has markedly risen, while the number of college programs has remained stagnant. The margin of error in selecting recruits has become more challenging. While the higher standards in youth soccer benefit the game, the lack of growth in programs suggests that the playing field will only become more competitive over time. These thin margins underscore the importance of ensuring the selection of the right players. College coaches have addressed this challenge by delaying decisions in the recruiting process, knowing they will have a pool of eager players to choose from, whether it's at the beginning or end of the recruiting process.
Limited Scholarships
The number of scholarships for college soccer is limited. Unlike other sports, where there are adequate scholarships to cover nearly 75% of the team, only a handful of scholarships can be distributed across a roster of 25 to 30 players. The allocation of scholarships varies across NCAA divisions and other associations, creating intense competition for a limited number of opportunities.
NCAA D1: Men’s 9.9, Women’s 14
NCAA D2: Men’s 9.0, Women’s 9.9
NCAA D3: Men’s 0, Women’s 0 (only academic)
NAIA: Men’s 0, Women’s 0
NJCAA D-1: Men’s 24, Women’s 24
Youth players, especially with increased visibility through the transfer portal, are not only competing with peers for scholarships but also contending with athletes from other collegiate levels. Coaches delay decisions to secure the best recruits with the limited athletic scholarships available as they want to see immediate results in their program's success.
Usage of Transfer Portal
The transfer portal has created significant changes in the way the recruiting process works. Coaches delay decisions due to limited scholarships, awaiting the maturity and physical development of players, and the reduced margin for error. The transfer portal has created increased visibility for any and all transfers. With access to reach out to college coaches being more accessible than ever, it is hard for coaches not to explore the transfer portal before tying up their entire recruiting class with youth players. The more big-time programs utilize the portal, the fewer opportunities are presented for players right out of high school.
MLS Academies
With MLS academies becoming more structured, an increasing number of players are associated with these academies. Typically, players may not be released until late in their junior or senior year. Coaches postpone filling recruiting classes to avoid missing out on elite players that get released 2nd semester of their senior year, especially given the limited scholarships available if a valuable opportunity arises.
Physical Attributes
Another crucial aspect influencing the delayed recruitment strategy is the desire to assess a player's physical maturity. Coaches understand the importance of ensuring that high school recruits can meet the physical demands of college soccer. With access to the transfer portal, coaches can choose between recruiting physically immature players and seasoned veterans. Considering the heightened significance of minimizing errors, coaches wait to gauge a high school recruit's physical development, often waiting until they are older for a more accurate assessment.
All of these reasons for pushing back the recruiting process for youth players aren't to scare you or make you think an opportunity isn't out there for you. There are opportunities for you no matter what! It is to explain why the recruiting timeline feels like it might be getting pushed back for high-level youth players. If you are early in the recruiting process and don't feel like you are getting many looks, do not stress; there is a chance your recruiting class for most schools might not even be considering your class.
EASY STEP TO TAKE TO BE PROACTIVE
Now, more than ever, is the time for players looking to play at the collegiate level to be proactive! To ensure you don't go unnoticed, a key way (but not the only way) to help gain traction outside of switching club teams is the use of recruiting videos. This is a great way to get your game film in front of coaches and showcase yourself at your best.
If you don't have a recruiting highlight video, check out Tekkers Media. We can create a professional-level recruiting video that not only makes you feel confident in sharing with coaches but also highlights you at your absolute best so coaches can get excited about you. All of our videos are edited by individuals who have played at the highest levels of soccer and know what needs to be included to turn heads.
Do not get discouraged if it is starting to get later in the "normal recruiting" timeframe. Just know the college soccer landscape has drastically changed, and there will be an opportunity out there for you. Continue to be persistent in your recruiting approach, and the right school for you will find its way.