BT Thompson's 15-Step Recruiting Guide

The 2026 Game Plan: Mastering High School Football Recruiting in the NIL & Revenue Share Era.

I have been in recruiting for more than thirty years and by far, this is the most complex it's ever been.

The landscape of college football recruiting has fundamentally changed. No longer is the process simply about securing an athletic scholarship; it is now a complex pathway involving academic eligibility, athletic prowess, and personal brand development that can lead to significant financial opportunities.

This guide is designed for high school football players ready to navigate the modern era of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and potential revenue sharing. We will provide you with the critical, step-by-step actions required to not only secure a roster spot but also position yourself as an attractive, marketable asset to college programs across the country.

Why this page matters: College recruiting rewards the families who start early (7th - 8th grade), understand the process, stay organized, and communicate professionally. Use this page as your roadmap — review it together, check off steps, and come back often.

1. Download the NCAA Guide For The College-Bound Student-Athlete. This Guide is designed to help you, your family, your high school counselors and your coaches understand the NCAA initial-eligibility process and prepare you for transitioning from high school to becoming an NCAA student-athlete. The NCAA Eligibility Center encourages every student-athlete to take an active role in their initial-eligibility process. Take time to complete the Eligibility Center registration yourself or jointly with your family, registering with a free Profile Page account at eligibilitycenter.org.

2. Download the NAIA Guide For The College-Bound Student-Athlete. The NAIA is the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, a governing body for small college athletics programs in the United States and Canada, focused on character-driven, intercollegiate athletics for over 83,000 student-athletes. It provides a competitive athletic experience with scholarship opportunities, national championships, and a more balanced schedule than larger athletic organizations

3. Define the Goal & Fit. Clarify level and be realistic, college major, budget, distance from home, and what you want from a program (playing time, culture, academic support). Get an evaluation from your coaches. Specifically, a head coach which carries more clout.

4. Audit Academics Early. Know NCAA/NAIA eligibility basics and your core-course GPA. Build a graduation plan. Meet with your school counselors and map out your academic plan.

Family action: schedule a counselor meeting; track GPA, core courses, test plans.

5. Pick Your Position Identity. Coaches recruit roles, not just athletes. Know how you win at your position (traits, measurables, style).

Family action: list 3 strengths, 2 weaknesses, and a development plan.

6. Develop your skillset. Weight training, speed, agility, quickness, explosiveness, position-specific work, football IQ, proper nutrition, maximum rest and take care of your body & mind.

7. Create A Recruitable Highlight Film. This is your movie trailer (like Netflix), with game film being the movie. Create a 2–3 minute trailer. Best 'splash' plays first. Identify yourself each clip. Link to 2 full games that you dominated against your toughest competitor. 

Family action: update the film after each game and rename it with season + date.

8. Establish your social media. This is your brand and digital resume. This is where recruiters get to know who you really are. You will provide your name, grad year, school, position, height/weight, verified times, GPA, test (if any), coaches’ contacts, highlight + full game links. Post performance, academics, community; remove anything questionable. Tag and DM college coaches and recruiting personnel. 

Family action: pin your highlight link; follow target schools & position coaches.

9. Identify 15 Target Programs (Across Levels). Match your current measurables/film to realistic levels.

Family action: build a sheet with head coach, position coach, recruiting email, camp dates.

10. Write A Professional Intro Email. Short, personal, and athlete-sent (not parent-sent). Include your profile link and a specific reason you fit their program. 

Family action: create 1 master email + 3 tailored lines per school.

11. Fill out online recruiting questionnaires. Follow up every couple of weeks with updates.

12. Compete Where Coaches Will See You. School games, showcases, college camps that match your target level, and off-season events.

Family action: pick 2–3 strategic camps (quality > quantity) based on genuine interest.

13. Get Verified Measurables. Attend credible combines, showcases and camps. Laser 40/Pro-Agility, height/weight, wingspan, agility, athleticsm, competitiveness, strength, and more.

Family action: log verified results and date them on your profile.

14. Prepare For Conversations. Practice a 30-second intro, know your academic plan, and have 3 thoughtful questions ready for every coach.

Family action: role-play coach calls as a family once a week.

15. Visit Campuses (Unofficials & Officials).  Treat every visit like an interview: be on time, engaged, be respectful. College Game Days are a great way to get familiar with a program, coaches and personnel.

Family action: bring a question list (academics, support services, housing, nutrition).

Parents. Let your athlete lead communications; you lead organization.
Praise effort and progress, not just offers.
Keep the whole process student-centered: school + sport + life fit.

Click the link below for your Expert Film Evaluation which includes:

• Position-specific breakdown of strengths & weaknesses with recommendations
• Tips on the "splash plays" that will catch college recruiters attention