Is the Portal Crushing Your Chances of Earning College Football Scholarships?
Are you worried that the transfer portal is affecting your chances of earning a college football scholarship? You’re not alone—many parents and high school coaches express these concerns. However, there's good news: the portal is actually opening more scholarship opportunities for high school players than ever before. In this blog post, we'll explore the data behind these opportunities and how you can leverage this information to your advantage.
Debunking the Myths: The Real Impact of the Transfer Portal
According to various articles, the transfer portal supposedly reduces opportunities for high school players, but these reports often lack real numbers. In reality, the transfer portal has made 33% more football scholarships available for high school players compared to the pre-portal era. While many believe that entering the portal guarantees finding a new team, this is not the case. Around 54% of players who enter do not secure a new team immediately, which means scholarships become available that would otherwise be tied up.
The Numbers Behind the Opportunities
From August 2022 to May 2023, over 88,699 NCAA football players entered the transfer portal, a 5.5% increase from the previous year. A significant portion did not secure new teams, resulting in available scholarships. This reality, combined with the natural cycle of players graduating, means that scholarships are constantly being freed up.
Additionally, programs are creatively maximizing scholarship slots through NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) agreements. Some schools use NIL funds to support athletes financially, thus keeping scholarship slots open for other recruits, including high school players.
Taking Advantage of New Opportunities
High school athletes must adapt and take action to maximize these opportunities. This process goes beyond athletic talent; it involves effective marketing and salesmanship. Here's how aspiring players can turn potential into reality:
Focus on Outreach and Marketing: Engage effectively with coaches through direct messaging, calls, and emails. Every communication is an opportunity to market yourself.
Leverage Social Media: Platforms like X (formerly Twitter) are tools for showcasing your talent and connecting with potential recruiters.
Build Relationships: Establish and maintain connections with college coaches to ensure they notice your efforts, skills, and dedication.
Rather than focusing on factors outside of your control, take proactive steps to market yourself effectively. It’s about showing who you are and what you can bring to their program.
Next Play Event: A Unique Opportunity for Families
For those ready to take control of their recruiting journey, the upcoming Next Play event is the perfect opportunity. This conference focuses on equipping high school football players with business skills, covering marketing, sales, and relationship-building with coaches. Attendees will receive a complimentary 45-minute one-on-one game plan session with top advisors.
This event is designed specifically for athletes and their families who understand the importance of marketing and are willing to invest in an experience that could be a game-changer.
Concluding Thoughts
The transfer portal, contrary to popular belief, is creating new scholarship opportunities for high school athletes. By focusing on marketing and personal branding, coupled with engagement at events like Next Play, aspiring athletes can transform potential into offers. Don't let the myths blindside you—invest time and effort into what truly matters and seize control of your athletic future.
Remember, every day presents an opportunity to review your strategy and ensure you're doing everything possible to open scholarship doors. Stay informed, stay proactive, and the odds will be in your favor.
Apply To Work 1-on-1 With Richie
Richie's mentorship program provides access to the entire Next Play® protocol for earning a football scholarship, complete with mentorship, coaching, and accountability for your son, thereby ensuring he develops into an elite communicator, leader, and businessman, and ultimately earns a full-ride scholarship.
