Recruiting works differently across sports, divisions, and athletes’ timelines, but every path follows the same basic pattern. Coaches identify prospects, evaluate them over time, and then extend an offer.
The process is not a single event. It moves through stages. These stages can begin as early as a student’s sophomore year. They can continue through senior year signing periods.
College sports recruiting follows NCAA rules for coach contact, visits, and scholarships. Knowing these rules matters as much as athletic performance.