Men’s College Soccer Recruiting Rules and Key Dates

Navigating the men’s soccer recruiting process requires a solid understanding of NCAA recruiting calendars and rules, which vary across divisions. Here’s what you need to know to connect with college soccer programs at each level.

NCAA Division 1 Recruiting Rules

June 15 after Sophomore Year: College coaches can start reaching out to recruits, making verbal offers, and initiating text, email, and direct message contact. Coaches can also begin recruiting conversations during camps and clinics.

August 1 before Junior Year: Athletes can start official or unofficial campus visits, and coaches can begin off-campus recruitment contact.

NCAA Division 2 Recruiting Rules

Any Time: Athletes may receive general materials, such as camp brochures, questionnaires, and NCAA publications.

June 15 after Sophomore Year: Coaches can start phone calls, emails, and texts, and schedule official visits for athletes.

NCAA Division 3 Recruiting Rules

Any Time: Athletes may receive recruiting materials with no restrictions on when coaches can initiate phone calls.

Off-Campus Contact: Coaches can begin off-campus interactions after the athlete’s sophomore year.

January 1 of Junior Year: Athletes can start taking official visits.

NAIA Recruiting Rules

NAIA recruiting allows for greater flexibility, with coaches able to contact athletes at any time during high school. Recruiting in NAIA typically begins later than in NCAA Division 1, often aligning more with Division 2 timelines, as NAIA coaches tend to recruit athletes who may have narrowly missed NCAA opportunities.

Key Recruiting Calendar Dates

Division 1 Dead Periods

During dead periods, in-person contact is not allowed, though coaches can communicate through phone, email, or social media.

November 11-14, 2024: National Letter of Intent signing week.

December 13-16, 2024: During the NCAA Division 1 Men’s Soccer Championship.

Division 2 Dead Periods

November 11-13, 2024: During the National Letter of Intent signing period.

Division 3 Recruiting Calendar

Division 3 has no official dead periods, meaning coaches can recruit athletes year-round.

Understanding these key dates and communication rules is essential for athletes looking to connect with college soccer programs and plan their recruiting journey effectively.