The NCAA transfer portal is a hot topic, and for good reason. While it was designed to give college athletes more freedom, its effects are now being felt by high school recruits. The portal and the “win-now” mentality it has created have made the recruiting landscape more competitive and confusing than ever. This new reality makes having someone in your corner, like a scout from NSR, more important than ever.
How the Transfer Portal Hurts High School Athletes
College coaches are prioritizing experienced college players over high school recruits. This shift is creating significant hurdles for high school athletes.
- Fewer Scholarships: College teams have limited scholarships. Coaches are using the transfer portal to fill immediate roster needs with seasoned players. This means fewer scholarships are available for high school athletes who may need a few years to develop.
- Increased Competition: High school athletes are no longer just competing with their peers for a roster spot. They are also competing with a large and growing pool of college athletes who are looking for a new team.
out in a much more crowded field. - “Free Agency” Mentality: The transfer portal has created an environment that resembles free agency. Coaches are constantly looking for upgrades and players are always looking for a better situation. This constant change can be discouraging for high school athletes trying to build a lasting relationship with a coaching staff.
- Less Focus on Development: In the past, a coach might have offered a scholarship to a talented high school athlete with the understanding they would need time to grow into their role. The pressure to win immediately has made this a less attractive option for many coaches. This can push promising high school athletes to smaller colleges or junior colleges, changing their path to a Division I program.
How to Get Noticed by College Coaches Now
In this new recruiting environment, traditional methods of getting noticed are often not enough. This is where a dedicated and experienced scout from NSR becomes an indispensable asset.
- Proactive Exposure: With college coaches more focused on the transfer portal, high school athletes need a dedicated advocate to ensure they don’t get lost in the shuffle. A scout that works tirelessly to get a player’s profile and highlights in front of the right coaches who are still actively recruiting high school talent.
- Expert Guidance: The rules and timelines of recruiting are constantly changing. An NSR scout is up-to-date on all the new regulations, including transfer windows and eligibility requirements. They can help a family navigate this complex system and understand the realistic opportunities available to them at all collegiate levels.
- Personal Connection: An NSR scout is not a faceless service. They are an on-the-ground expert who personally evaluates, interviews athletes and contracts college coaches. This personal touch gives coaches a level of transparency and reliability that is hard to get from a highlight reel alone. The NSR scout acts as a vital liaison between a high school athlete and a college program.
- Find the Right Fit: The ultimate goal of a good recruiting process is to find a college that is the right fit for the student athlete both academically and athletically. In an era of constant movement, an NSR scout helps a player and their family focus on finding a program where they will have the best chance to thrive, rather than just chasing the biggest name or the most immediate offer.
The transfer portal has changed the game, but it has not eliminated the opportunities for high school athletes. It has simply made the path more difficult. With someone from NSR in their corner, a high school athlete can cut through the noise, get the exposure they need, and find the perfect college to continue their athletic and academic journey. If you’re looking for help in your recruiting journey, visit https://www.nsr-inc.com/how-to-get-recruited to be connected with a scout that can assess your skill sets and where you are in the recruiting process.
National Scouting Report is dedicated to finding scholarship opportunities for athletes who possess the talent, desire, and motivation to compete at the collegiate level. We’ve helped connect thousands of athletes with their perfect college.