'So You Want To Play College Soccer?' - (Special Edition) D2 Recruiting Revamped: Key NCAA Rule Updates You Can’t Miss!

Free Zoom Call Tonight at 6 PM - Your Roadmap to Soccer Scholarships Success

February 06, 2025

In Today’s Edition

Welcome to our essential new blog series on college recruitment! Whether you're just beginning your journey or are already deep into the process, this series is designed with you in mind. We'll delve into crucial topics like crafting an impressive highlight video, developing a strategic college list, and mastering the art of securing scholarships. Regardless of where you stand, our series is filled with essential tips and guidance to propel you towards success. Join us every week as we equip you with the insights and tools necessary to confidently navigate the recruitment landscape. 

  • D2 Recruiting Revamped: Key NCAA Rule Updates You Can’t Miss!

  • Just Released! Secure Your Spot at the Steve Coxon Soccer Network ID Clinics Powered by Adidas

  • Don’t Miss It! Your Roadmap to Soccer Scholarships – Free Zoom Call Tonight at 6 PM

IMPORTANT NCAA Division II Recruiting Rule Changes for 2025!

The NCAA has rolled out some big changes for Division II recruiting, altering the landscape of how coaches and prospects can connect. These updates are now in effect for all D2 sports—and if you’re a recruit, coach, or parent, you’ll want to know what’s changed and how it impacts the process.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s new and what remains the same.

Key Rule Changes

  1. Unlimited Communication
    One of the most notable updates is the removal of restrictions on when D2 coaches can communicate with prospects. Whether it’s via phone, text, email, or even snail mail, coaches can now connect with players at any age or grade level. Freshmen and sophomores are no longer off-limits for communication, which opens the door to earlier relationships between prospects and programs.

  2. Restrictions on Official Visits and Off-Campus Meetings
    While communication is wide open, the NCAA still holds firm on when certain in-person interactions can take place.

    • Official visits can only occur after June 15 preceding a prospect’s junior year of high school.

    • Off-campus contacts—such as meeting a prospect during their high school season or at tournaments—are also prohibited until June 15 of the junior year. These rules are designed to maintain a sense of balance and give younger players time to develop before fully committing to the recruiting process.

  3. A More Open Calendar
    D2 recruiting has always had a simpler calendar than its Division I counterpart, but now it’s even more streamlined. Recruiting is essentially "open" year-round. This means more opportunities for D2 programs to evaluate and connect with recruits beyond traditional time constraints.

Can Coaches Make Verbal Commitments at Any Age?

This is where the rule changes get intriguing—and a little complicated.

D2 coaches now have unrestricted freedom to communicate with prospects, there are still uncertainties surrounding verbal commitments. The new rules suggests that D2 coaches may now be able to make verbal offers at any age—reminiscent of how Division I recruiting operated in the past before stricter guidelines were introduced. However, this interpretation is still under review.

If confirmed, this could give D2 programs an advantage over D1, as Division I coaches must wait until June 15 before a recruit’s junior year to extend verbal offers. This discrepancy could enable D2 programs to engage with and secure talented athletes earlier in the process, potentially shifting the dynamics between the divisions. We’ll continue collaborating with compliance teams nationwide to verify this interpretation and share updates as they become available.

What This Means for Coaches, Prospects, and Parents

The rule changes at the D2 level reflect a shift toward flexibility and earlier engagement in recruiting. For coaches, this means a larger window to build relationships with prospects and identify talent before other programs swoop in. For recruits and their families, it means more opportunities to explore options, ask questions, and build connections—but it also requires careful navigation of the process to avoid feeling overwhelmed by early attention.

Key Takeaways for Recruits and Families:

  • You may hear from D2 coaches earlier than before, so make sure you’re prepared to communicate professionally.

  • Remember that you can’t take official visits or meet with programs off-campus until after June 15 of your junior year.

  • Stay informed about the rules and timelines to make the best decisions for your athletic and academic future.

Additional Context

For a deeper dive into these updates, check out more details here.

We’ll keep a close eye on further clarifications and share updates as they come in. Stay tuned and best of luck navigating this exciting time in your recruiting journey!

Secure Your Spot at the Steve Coxon Soccer Network ID Clinics Powered by Adidas!

We’re thrilled to announce a unique chance to shine in front of college coaches.This spring, we’re hosting exclusive ID Clinics for both boys and girls at the brand-new Day Hill Dome in Windsor, CT. These clinics are the perfect chance to showcase your talent and elevate your game while connecting with top college coaches.

A Premier Showcase for Aspiring Players - Your opportunity to Shine and Get Noticed!

Whether you’re a male or female athlete, these clinics are designed to help you take a confident step toward your college soccer aspirations. We’ve invited college coaches from across New England and the Northeast, representing DI, DII, and DIII programs, making this an incredible opportunity to get noticed by the best in the game.

With only 50 player spots available per clinic, space is very limited. Don’t wait—secure your spot today and make the most of this exciting event!

Don’t Miss Out – Register Now

This is your chance to shine and take your skills to the next level. Slots are filling up fast, so don’t delay! Register today to lock in your place and ensure your spot at this high-profile event.

🔗 Boys (Only 39 spots remain) - Reserve your spot now!

🔗 Girls (Only 33 spots remain) - Reserve your spot now!

Don’t Miss It! Your Roadmap to Soccer Scholarships – Free Zoom Call Tonight at 6 PM

Thank you to everyone who joined last Thursday’s Zoom call—it was a great session!

I’m excited to invite you to Part 2 of our 3-part course today, Thursday at 6pm. We’ll be covering two key steps in the recruiting process that will help guide you through your next steps:

  • Step: Creating a Soccer Social Media Profile

  • Step: From Emails to Phone Calls: Mastering Communication with Coaches

This session is perfect for anyone just starting their recruiting journey or anyone feeling a bit lost along the way. It will run for about 30 minutes, followed by a 15-minute Q&A to answer your questions.

If you know friends or teammates who might benefit from this session, feel free to share the link below—it’s open to everyone who’s interested.

Steve Coxon is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting:
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84239259414?pwd=giAiLOuHyaT5U2DQrNyFQSaxOnaFQZ.1

I’m looking forward to seeing you all later today as we continue on this  recruiting journey!

Best regards,

Steve

Your Go-To Websites/Social Media Leaders

About: Steve Coxon College Soccer Network

Steve has 20 years of college-level experience, 17+ years in D1 as the Head Recruiter. He has facilitated more than $30 million in college scholarships.

Location - Connecticut, USA