'So You Want To Play College Soccer?'

NCAA's Scholarships Won't Stop Roster Cuts! Navigating Verbal Offers + Charting Your Course: High School to College Soccer for Juniors and Seniors!

August 18, 2024

In Today’s Edition

  • Why the NCAA’s ‘Increase in Scholarships’ Won’t Prevent Roster Shrink in College Soccer!

  • Navigating Verbal Offers and Commitments in College Recruiting

  • Charting Your Course: High School to College Soccer for Juniors and Seniors

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Why the NCAA’s ‘Increase in Scholarships’ Won’t Prevent Roster Shrink in College Soccer!

I’ve broken down Jerry Penkala's article in @TheSoccerWire
into key bullet points so you don’t have to.

  • Major Changes Ahead: The House v. NCAA settlement is bringing significant changes to women's college soccer recruiting.

  • Scholarship Increase vs. Roster Shrink: Despite more scholarships, Division 1 roster sizes are expected to shrink.

  • NCAA's New Rule: Every player on a D1 roster must be on a full scholarship, capped at 28 players (*Note from Steve - I am still unsure if this one is in fact accurate)

  • Financial Constraints: Most D1 programs can't afford this, likely reducing rosters to 22-24 players.

  • Current Roster Sizes: Average is around 28, with some programs having up to 35 players.

  • Impact on Future Classes: Significant decrease in available spots for 2025 and 2026 classes.

  • Transfer Ripple Effect: Displaced players will move to mid-majors, smaller D1, D2, and D3 programs.

  • Transfer Portal Surge: Expect unprecedented movement, increasing competition for spots.

  • Verbal Offers Rescinded: Many 2025 recruits are losing offers as coaches downsize rosters.

  • Challenges for 2026 Class: Fewer spots and higher competition make it tough for 2026 recruits.

  • Recruiting Pause: Coaches are pausing 2026 recruiting until roster sizes are finalized.

  • Caution Advised: Recruits should be cautious with visits; offers might be rescinded.

  • Key Advice: Ask if offers will be honored regardless of final roster sizes.

  • Top Recruits: The top 1-2% are likely to receive offers before late fall.

  • Focus on Development: Adjust expectations and focus on skill development to improve chances.

  • Timeline: Finalized roster sizes and offers expected before National Signing Day in November.

For the full article, check out this link. If you need more help, just let me know!

What is a Verbal Offer?
This guide provides detailed insights into what verbal offers mean, how to respond, and the next steps to securing your roster spot.

A verbal scholarship offer occurs when a college coach verbally offers a student-athlete an athletic scholarship during a conversation with the athlete and their family. Since the offer is made by the coach and not the athletic department, it is not legally binding. Essentially, a verbal offer is an agreement that the student-athlete will attend the coach's school and later sign a National Letter of Intent (NLI), which includes financial aid documents and a contract. Both the coach and the student-athlete have the freedom to withdraw from this verbal agreement at any time.

Verbal Offers and Commitments: Key Points

  • Verbal Commitment: Indicates a recruit's intention to attend a school but is not legally binding.

  • Timing of Offers: Can be made during campus visits or phone calls.

  • Confirmation: Athletes should back up verbal commitments with a written letter or email.

  • Scholarship Guarantee: Verbal commitments do not ensure scholarships.

  • School Obligations: Institutions are not required to honor verbal commitments.

  • Early Commitments: Simplify the recruiting process for athletes.

  • NCAA Regulations: No specific rules on when an athlete can verbally commit.

  • National Letter of Intent (NLI): The formal and legally binding commitment to a college.

Read the full article here

Junior Year

  • Get your standardized test(s) taken (ACT or SAT) 

  • Stay focused on academics. 

  • Hone in your realistic college list (top 10 schools + safety schools)

  • Start getting letters of recommendation from high school and club coaches. Build a relationship with your high school counselor to get a strong recommendation down the line.

  • Plan to play in competitive tournaments and attend ID camps, and create an online resume or document to present to college coaches about your soccer activity. (contact info, school and GPA info, and upcoming events you’ll be attending)

  • Record games to create a highlight reel.

  • Register with NCAA National Eligibility Center, attend some college games if possible 

  • Start building real relationships with college coaches and sending key moments after competitive games. Arrange official visits at colleges, attend games if possible at target schools, and attend recruiting seminars at tournaments. 

Senior Year

  • Keep building real relationships with college coaches and sending your updated videos after all competitive games. 

  • Arrange official campus visits at colleges and build relationships with soccer team members at target schools. This could be vital, as players could inform you if a teammate transfers off the team and a spot opens up. 

  • File Financial Aid forms (by January 1) and apply to colleges

  • Choose your school! 

*NCAA recruiting rules can change. It’s important to double-check the official NCAA website here.

Read the full article here

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Join the College Soccer Network: Your Guide Through the Recruiting Process

Navigating the college recruiting timeline can be overwhelmingly complex, especially with the recent rule changes adding to this confusion. The rapid spread of misinformation often leads to misguided decisions, resulting in frustration and disappointment over time.

When is the right time to start? The sooner, the better, but it's never too late to take action. Our College Soccer Network provides extensive support and guidance throughout the entire recruiting process. We aim to help you grasp the timeline, steer clear of common pitfalls, and optimize your chances of playing soccer at the collegiate level.

Currently, we are evaluating qualified players and will be selecting 3 candidates for the month of August. If you're seeking assistance in your college soccer journey, we're here to support you every step of the way.

Interested? Book your FREE 20-Minute consultation and explore your college pathway. Simply send an email to [email protected]

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