Standing Out in the Chaos: How High School Athletes Can Still Get Recruited in the Transfer Portal Era
By: Matt Flanagan | Sportzwire | July 3, 2025 | Photo courtesy Justin Focus Photography
With the NCAA transfer portal turning college recruiting upside down, it’s never been tougher for high school athletes to get noticed. Coaches can now fill roster spots with proven college players in an instant, making it harder for high schoolers to grab attention.
But here’s the good news: college programs still need young talent — they just want athletes who make it impossible to ignore them. Here’s exactly how high school players can stack the odds in their favor:
Make a Highlight Reel Coaches Can’t Skip
College coaches spend less than two minutes on a highlight video before deciding if they’ll keep watching — so yours needs to open with your best plays, stay short, and show crisp quality. Over 90% of coaches say they check highlight reels before reaching out, according to NCSA.
Show Up at the Right Events
Big stages like showcases, AAU tournaments, club soccer events, 7-on-7 camps, and travel team competitions matter. The NCAA found more than 75% of Division I athletes played in exposure events before being recruited. If you want eyes on you, these are the places to be.
Don’t Let Academics Hold You Back
Great grades open doors. NCAA stats show over 85% of Division I athletes meet or exceed the required GPA and test scores, giving them more choices. Coaches know strong students handle college life better — and many programs simply won’t look at athletes who can’t clear academic hurdles.
Be Your Own Advocate
Sending personalized emails — not generic mass messages — shows coaches you’re serious. Include your intro, key stats, highlight link, academic info, and game schedule. Surveys show over half of recruits reached out first to the coaches who eventually offered them.
Keep Your Online Profiles Fresh
Platforms like HUDL, NCSA, CaptainU, and FieldLevel are recruiting central. A 2023 NCSA report found over 60% of tracked scholarship offers went to athletes with complete, up-to-date profiles.
Build Relationships Early
The earlier you connect, the better. Attending college camps lets you meet coaches in person, show your work ethic, and get on their radar. Many college staffs start tracking players in their freshman or sophomore year — long before official offers are made.
Dominate Where You Are
All-conference, all-state, or travel team star — coaches want athletes who consistently stand out against their peers. Show them you’re already excelling at your current level.
Use Social Media the Right Way
Post highlights, achievements, and glimpses of your work ethic on platforms like Twitter/X or Instagram. More than 60% of college coaches use social media to evaluate skills, but they’re also watching for signs of character. Be smart about what you share.
The Bottom Line
The transfer portal has changed the game — but it hasn’t closed the door for high school athletes. By taking charge of your recruitment, excelling in the classroom and on the field, and making it easy for coaches to find you, you can still make your college dreams a reality.
