The short answer · Freshman year
Take core courses and get good grades from day one. They all count toward your core GPA.
Start measuring your numbers and filming games. Make a list of schools you'd want to attend.
You can email college coaches already. They may not be able to reply yet, but they keep a file.
Sophomore year
Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center.
Go to camps at schools on your list. Keep emailing coaches with new numbers and film.
In many sports, college coaches can start reaching out on June 15 after sophomore year. Others start August 1 before junior year. Check your sport.
Junior year
The biggest recruiting year in most sports. Coaches call, text and invite you on visits.
Keep improving your numbers and film. Finish at least 10 core courses before senior year.
Narrow your list to schools that are recruiting you and that you'd actually attend.
Senior year
Finish your core courses and request your final eligibility certification.
Take your visits, compare offers with your family, and sign with the school that fits.
Every year
- Grades every year.Core GPA starts freshman year.
- Numbers every season.Measure, train the gaps, measure again.
- Film every season.Recent clips beat old highlights.
- Coaches every few weeks.A short update when something changes. How to email them.
Questions
When does D1 recruiting start?
You can email coaches any time. In most sports, coaches can start reaching out on June 15 after sophomore year or August 1 before junior year.
When should you register with the NCAA Eligibility Center?
Usually by sophomore year, and before you take official visits.
Is it too late to get recruited as a senior?
Not always. Smaller programs, D2, D3, NAIA and junior colleges recruit seniors, and some D1 programs have late openings.
What should a freshman athlete do to get recruited?
Get good grades in core courses, start tracking real numbers, film games, and make a list of schools.