Making A Commitment

• NCAA Division I FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision): Previously allowed up to 85 scholarships; now can offer up to 105 scholarships, but most schools will only fully fund 85. The new roster limit is 105 players, down from an average of 140 in 2024. FBS is now an equivalency sport, allowing a mix of full and partial scholarships.
• NCAA Division I FCS (Football Championship Subdivision): Up to 63 scholarships on an equivalency basis.
• NCAA Division II: Up to 36 scholarships on an equivalency basis.
• NCAA Division III: No athletic scholarships allowed.
• NAIA and Junior Colleges: Follow their own scholarship rules.

• Full-Ride Scholarship Offer: Covers all college expenses, including books, fees, tuition, room and board, dining, and other costs. Usually reserved for FBS-level athletes.
• Partial Scholarship Offer/Equivalent: Coaches have a pool of scholarship money to divide among the roster. A partial scholarship may cover a large or small portion of college costs, depending on the athlete and the program.
• Walk-On Offer: No financial incentives. Simply a spot on the roster. There are two main types:
  • Preferred Walk-On Offer: Guarantees a roster spot on day one of camp, but no scholarship or financial assistance.
  • Recruited Walk-On Offer: No financial assistance or guarantee of making the team, but an opportunity to compete at the highest level.

• Redshirt: Player is on scholarship but does not compete for one athletic year, preserving eligibility for four seasons. Can participate in classes, practices, and off-field activities, and dress for games within NCAA rules.
• Grayshirt: Player delays enrolling as a full-time student and participating with the team for one semester. Not on scholarship until the second semester of freshman year.
• Greenshirt: Early enrollees, often top recruits who graduate high school in December and start college in the spring. Receive scholarships as if enrolled in the fall.
• Blueshirt: Walk-ons who receive scholarships that count toward the next year's allotment. Must not have been officially recruited (no official visit or signed offer before enrolling).

• Offers can be made in person, by phone, email, certified letter, FedEx, direct message, or through the high school coach.
• Official offers are permitted after June 15 following the athlete's sophomore year, but schools may make informal offers at any time.
• Most offers have a time limit for acceptance.

Follow-Up Questions to Ask After Receiving an Offer

• Is the offer a full-ride or an equivalent/partial scholarship?
• How long do I have to make a decision?
• If unsure about the legitimacy of an offer, involve parents or coaches for clarification.

• Program Success: Reputation, recent performance, and competitiveness of the team.
• Coach Success: Track record, talent development, and team culture fostered by the coaching staff.
• Location: Proximity to home or desire to experience a new region or climate.
• Playing Time: Opportunity to play early in your college career.
• Campus Environment and Facilities: Quality of training facilities, living arrangements, and overall campus life.
• Academics: Availability of desired majors, academic support services, and alignment with long-term career goals.
• Scholarship Money: Financial aid and scholarship packages, especially for those with financial constraints.
• The Right Feel: Fit between your personal values and the school's culture, sense of community, and belonging.
• Family Influence and Peer Recommendations: Input from family, friends, and impressions from official visits.

• Does the school offer programs that align with your career goals?
• Are there support systems like tutoring and manageable class sizes?
• Is the social atmosphere conducive to balancing academics, athletics, and social life?
• Is the location suitable for your needs and preferences?
• Are essential services accessible without a car?
• Is the campus setting (city, suburbs, country) comfortable for you?
• Do you feel safe on campus and understand the school's safety measures?
• Are the residence halls or campus apartments comfortable and safe?
• Do you get along with current athletes on the team?
• If not on a full athletic scholarship, are there other merit scholarships or is the financial package affordable?

Before you commit, make sure you can enthusiastically answer "yes" to each question. Remember, injuries can happen, and you want to choose a school that is right for you both athletically and for the rest of your life.