How to get recruited for college football

Updated June 13, 2026

To get recruited for college football, build strong game film, get verified measurables (height, weight, 40 time), get seen at camps and combines your target schools attend, and email coaches directly with your position, grad year, film, measurables, and GPA.

How football recruiting works

High school game film is central — coaches evaluate it heavily — and camps and combines provide verified measurables plus direct exposure. The goal is to get accurate film and numbers in front of programs that fit you.

Be deliberate about where you spend time and money: target the camps and events where coaches from your realistic-fit programs actually attend.

What coaches look for

•Size, length, and frame for your position.
•Speed and explosiveness (e.g., 40-yard dash, change of direction).
•Strength, technique, and football IQ on film.
•Position-specific traits — and academics, which widen your options.

Your film

Lead a 3–5 minute highlight reel with your best plays, make your jersey number easy to spot, and have full game film available for coaches who want more. Host it on YouTube (or a public, shareable link) and keep it current as you improve.

Camps, combines, and outreach

Camps at programs you genuinely target give coaches a direct look and verified numbers. Email coaches your position, grad year, measurables, film, GPA, and upcoming schedule — short and personalized. See our guide on emailing a college coach for a template.

Frequently asked questions

When should I start the football recruiting process?

Start building film and measurables early, then ramp up outreach around your junior year — and check the NCAA contact rules for your division on when coaches can respond.

How long should a football highlight video be?

About 3–5 minutes, best plays first, with your jersey number clearly visible — and keep full game film available for coaches who want a deeper look.

Do football camps and combines matter?

Yes, especially at programs you're targeting — they produce the verified measurables coaches rely on and put you in front of staff directly.

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