Recruiting Playbook

The NCAA recruiting calendar, explained

The NCAA recruiting calendar controls when college coaches can and cannot recruit you. Learn the four periods, when coaches can reach out, and how to use the calendar to plan your recruiting with confidence.

Key thing to know

You can contact a college coach at any time. The recruiting calendar only limits when coaches can initiate contact with you. So there is never a wrong time to be proactive about your recruiting.

What is the NCAA recruiting calendar?

The NCAA sets specific rules for when and how college coaches can recruit athletes. These rules protect student-athletes from overwhelming contact and keep the recruiting environment fair. The recruiting calendar puts those rules on a timeline: it divides the year into periods that define what kind of recruiting activity is allowed at any given moment.

Each calendar is specific to a sport and division, and the exact dates are published every year. Key milestones often include June 15 or September 1 of an athlete's junior year, the points at which coaches can typically begin contacting recruits in many sports.

The recruiting timeline: start early

Although the NCAA limits when coaches can contact you, nothing stops you and your family from starting the process early. The most prepared recruits get a head start.

Middle School

Begin researching colleges, exploring division levels, and learning the NCAA eligibility requirements. Build good academic habits now.

High School

Focus on academics, athletic development, and building relationships with coaches. Get an honest evaluation so you target the right division and schools.

Want a recruiting calendar built around you?

Generic dates only get you so far. Get a free evaluation from an NSR scout and we will help you map the timing, targets, and next steps that fit your sport, grad year, and goals.

How to use the recruiting calendar

1

Understand the terms

Know the four periods: contact, evaluation, quiet, and dead.

2

Find your calendar

Locate the official calendar for your specific sport and division.

3

Plan ahead

Anticipate when coaches can act, and time your outreach and events.

4

Know the rules

Follow the NCAA's communication guidelines to protect your eligibility.

Find your current calendar

The NCAA publishes official recruiting calendars for each Division I and II sport, and updates them every year. Because the exact dates change annually, always confirm the current windows from the official source for your sport and division.

Official NCAA recruiting calendars

The authoritative, current Division I and II recruiting calendars by sport, straight from the NCAA.

View the official NCAA calendars →

NCAA guide for college-bound athletes

The NCAA's annual guide to academic eligibility, the recruiting process, scholarships, and registration. A smart read for athletes and parents.

Explore NCAA student resources →

Recruiting calendar FAQ

What is the NCAA recruiting calendar?
The NCAA recruiting calendar is a sport-by-sport, division-by-division schedule that defines when college coaches can and cannot recruit athletes. It divides the year into periods, contact, evaluation, quiet, and dead, that control what kind of recruiting activity is allowed at any given time. The calendars protect student-athletes from constant contact and keep recruiting fair.
What are the four NCAA recruiting periods?
There are four periods. A contact period allows in-person, off-campus contact plus calls and messages. An evaluation period lets coaches watch you compete but not have off-campus contact. A quiet period allows in-person contact only on the college campus. A dead period allows no in-person contact at all, though coaches can still call, email, and write.
When can college coaches start contacting athletes?
For most sports, coaches can begin reaching out starting June 15 after sophomore year or September 1 of junior year, depending on the sport and division. Remember: you, the athlete, can contact a coach at any time. The calendar only limits when coaches can initiate contact with you.
Where can I find the current recruiting calendar for my sport?
The NCAA publishes official, up-to-date recruiting calendars for each Division I and II sport every year. Because the exact dates change annually, the safest source is always the official NCAA recruiting calendars. Use them to confirm the current windows for your sport and division, then build your outreach around them.

Turn the calendar into a plan

An NSR scout can help you read the calendar for your sport and build a recruiting timeline that actually fits your goals. Start with a free evaluation.