For families with student-athletes, the scholarship and recruiting process can be equal parts exciting and nerve-wracking. Between college scouts, NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities, and social media visibility, your family could be moving through a new landscape with more options and more risks than ever before. Knowing a little more now about the typical timeline and warning signs of trouble can help you and the student-athlete in your family make the most of everything, though.
College Student-Athlete Recruiting Timeline
The typical timeline for college student-athlete recruitment periods will depend on the year of the student’s undergraduate program, such as:
- Freshman and sophomore years:
- Focus is on academics and athletic development.
- Students should build a strong foundation in grades and training.
- Coaches may notice athletes at tournaments, but official recruitment is limited.
- Junior year:
- Critical window for visibility among recruiters and other interested parties.
- Students may attend showcases, recruiting camps, or get on a coach’s radar.
- Families should begin preparing highlight reels, athletic résumés, and online profiles.
- NCAA rules allow more direct communication, depending on the sport.
- Senior year:
- Official visits and scholarship offers may begin to become common for promising student-athletes.
- Student-athletes may sign a National Letter of Intent (NLI) committing to a school.
- Families may first encounter NIL deals or local sponsorship opportunities.
Red Flags During the Student-Athlete Recruitment Process
The student-athlete recruitment process can be just as problematic as it is beneficial, depending on how events and opportunities unfold. College student-athletes and their families should keep an eye out for red flags that might indicate that the risks outweigh the potential rewards of signing a recruitment contract, sidelining studies, and so on.
Common red flags of the college student-athlete recruitment process include:
- Unrealistic promises: Be cautious of recruiters or organizations that guarantee scholarships.
- Pressure to pay large fees: Some recruiting services charge high upfront fees with little return. Do your research before signing anything.
- Vague or one-sided contracts: Whether it’s a recruiting service, training program, or an NIL sponsorship, unclear contracts can lock students into one-sided, bad deals.
- Eligibility risks: Accepting money, gifts, or benefits outside National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) rules can jeopardize eligibility. Always check compliance guidelines.
- Social media pitfalls: Coaches and recruiters look at online presence. Posts can help or hurt opportunities.
How Families Can Avoid Recruitment Pitfalls
To help your family avoid student-athlete recruitment risks, you should:
- Educate early: Start learning about NCAA rules, recruiting timelines, and NIL opportunities before junior year.
- Talk to an attorney: An attorney experienced in contract law, sports law, and other legalities surrounding student-athlete recruitments and programs can review contracts and help protect your child’s eligibility and financial future.
- Think long-term: A scholarship or NIL deal is just one step toward the future. Keep the bigger picture of academics, career opportunities, and personal well-being in mind.
Call Our Firm for Student-Athlete Contract Help
For families, the college student-athlete recruiting process is more complex than ever. While opportunities abound, so do potential pitfalls. By understanding the timeline, spotting red flags, and getting legal support, you can help your student-athlete’s journey stay on track and protect their future.
Need help reviewing a scholarship, recruiting contract, or NIL deal? Contact The Harris Law Firm online or dial (303) 622-5502 to speak with an attorney who understands the unique challenges facing student-athletes and their families.
About the Author
Jennie R. Wray is an Equity Partner at The Harris Law Firm. She supports student-athletes and their families through the evolving world of recruitment, scholarships, NIL, and eligibility. With a strong background in family law and contract protection, she helps clients avoid pitfalls, understand legal risks, and safeguard their children’s academic and athletic futures.
