The last three years have reshaped high school sports recruiting in ways that most families never expected. Some of the changes have opened the door to new opportunities, while others have made the process more competitive. If you have a junior or senior going through recruiting right now, you have probably felt these shifts directly.

Transfer Portal Changed Everything

The biggest change has been the rise of the NCAA Transfer Portal. Colleges recruit the portal heavily and often prioritize experienced college players over high school athletes. A coach who may have signed three or four freshmen in the past might now only sign one or two. This delays offers, slows timelines, and creates uncertainty for high school juniors and seniors.

COVID Extra Eligibility Still Affects Roster Spots

Even though it has been years since the extra eligibility period started, many athletes are still using their additional year. This keeps college rosters fuller than usual and reduces open spots for incoming high school recruits. It is one reason coaches are more selective and why roster spots feel tighter across many sports.

Social Media Matters More Than Ever

Three years ago, highlight clips and social posts were helpful. Today they are expected. Coaches want to see short, clear clips of game play and training. They also pay attention to personality, consistency, communication style, and how athletes carry themselves online. Athletes who stay active on social platforms usually get more visibility.

Athletes Are Taking More Control of Their Recruiting

Waiting for coaches to find you rarely works in today’s environment. More athletes are learning how to send emails, update coaches regularly, attend the right camps, and track every conversation. The athletes who stay organized and proactive tend to stand out the most.

Coaches Expect Clear and Confident Communication

Coaches want athletes who know what they want. Athletes who can speak clearly about school size, academic interest, playing style, and competitiveness level usually get better responses. Clarity matters more than ever because coaches have less time to evaluate large pools of prospects.

The Bottom Line for Today’s Athletes

The recruiting landscape is different now, but opportunities are still there. Juniors and seniors who succeed usually do the following:

• Stay proactive instead of waiting

• Keep videos and profile information updated

• Reach out consistently

• Stay patient when timelines slow down

• Stay open minded about divisions and locations

The recruiting world continues to evolve, but athletes who stay organized, visible, and confident continue to find great opportunities.

OPTIONAL REFERENCES

(Not required, just helpful context)

• NCAA Transfer Portal trends

• Conversations with high school and club coaches

• Social media usage in modern recruiting

• NCAA eligibility extensions from COVID

• Observed roster size changes across divisions