02:11 How the Game Has Changed: Recruiting Realities, Politics, and Pathways

Football 360 Show: NIL, D1 recruiting, Transfer portal, Athletic Development, Strength Training.

🔥 Recruiting Landscape & Strategy

• Parents and players are overwhelmed by showcase invites — not all are worth it.

• Matt and JP endorse four key events:

  • Elite Football Combine

  • Middle School Elite Combine

  • KC Varsity Combine

  • Lindenwood Mega Camp (and smaller one at William Jewell)

• Emphasis on having a realistic and strategic camp plan — don’t blindly chase Power 4 invites.

🧠 Real Talk: How Recruiting Really Works

• Power 4 schools increasingly use the transfer portal over high school recruiting.

• Many Power 4-caliber high school athletes are ignored, only to be recruited after proving themselves elsewhere.

• Some schools use offers for leverage — they may not be ready to accept a commitment.

• Fit matters — it’s not always about talent, but how a player matches a program's style and system.

💡 Tips for Athletes & Families

• Start early: Sophomore year film is crucial — aim to play varsity by then.

• Go to combines and camps early to build visibility.

• Early offers often don’t mean much, but they help build momentum and perception.

• Self-promotion matters — recruiting is both a game of exposure and performance.

📈 Recruiting Trends & Data

• 45% of programs now prioritize the transfer portal over high school recruiting.

• For Power 4, the number may be as high as 65–75%.

• Early exposure is more critical than ever due to increased scholarship competition.

🏈 Politics Inside College Football

• Offers and playing time often come down to who on staff is advocating for the player.

• The side of the ball (offense/defense) a recruiter coaches can impact a player’s chances once signed.

• Players should pay attention to coaching staff loyalty, staff connections, and internal power dynamics.

🔦 Examples & Behind-the-Scenes Insight

• Brady Cook’s commitment story shows how internal politics nearly blocked his Mizzou offer.

• Coaches don’t always know recruits’ families — a red flag for personal connection.

• Matt and JP highlight how player rankings are often driven more by who offers first than film.

💼 The Business of College Football

• Head coaches operate like CEOs — sometimes far removed from daily player life.

• Recruiting is not always fair; it’s driven by exposure, politics, and who’s willing to bet on a kid early.

• Parents must dig deeper: who’s recruiting, what’s the fit, who really makes the decisions?

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