What Is the NCAA Dead Period?

The NCAA Dead Period is a time of restricted communication between coaches and recruits. While it might seem like a standstill in the recruiting process, it's actually an opportunity to focus on other important aspects of your athletic and academic journey.

Understanding the Dead Period

During a dead period, coaches are prohibited from any in-person contact with recruits or their families. This includes phone calls, emails, and social media messages initiated by the coach. However, athletes are still allowed to initiate contact with coaches through these channels.

Scout Tip: During a dead period, focus on self-improvement by enhancing your athletic skills, boosting your academic performance, and researching potential schools. Use this time to build your personal brand, stay prepared, and position yourself as a strong recruit for when in-person interactions resume.

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Making the Most of a Dead Period

During a dead period, in-person interactions with coaches may be limited, but you can still be productive. Focus on self-improvement by enhancing your athletic skills and academic performance.

Set goals for your training, such as improving speed and strength, and maintain or boost your grades for recruitment. By using this time wisely, you’ll stay prepared and position yourself as a competitive recruit ready to impress when the dead period ends. Remember, preparation is key!

  • Strengthen Your Academic Profile: Focus on maintaining strong grades and improving test scores.
  • Enhance Athletic Skills: Develop new skills or refine existing ones through independent training.
  • Expand Your College Search: Research potential schools and programs.
  • Build Your Personal Brand: Develop a strong online presence through social media.
  • Network With Others in Your Sport: Connect with other athletes and coaches.

Navigating NCAA Rules Can Be Tough

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NCAA Division I Dead Periods by Sport

Division I Bowl Subdivision Football Dead Periods
  • August 1–31, 2024
  • December 2–8, 2024
  • December 23, 2024 – January 5, 2025
  • January 13–15, 2025
  • February 3 – March 2, 2025
  • May 25–28, 2025
  • June 23 – July 31, 2025
Division I Championship Subdivision Dead Periods
  • August 1–31, 2024
  • December 2–5, 2024
  • December 18, 2024 – January 5, 2025
  • January 13–15, 2025
  • February 3 – March 2, 2025
  • May 25–28, 2025
Division I Baseball Dead Periods
  • November 11–14, 2024
  • January 2–5, 2025
  • May 26 – June 2, 2025
  • June 21–23, 2025
  • July 3–5, 2025
Division I Men’s Basketball Dead Periods
  • August 6–20, 2023
  • November 6–9, 2023
  • December 24–26, 2023
  • April 4–11, 2024 (noon)
  • May 16–24, 2024
  • July 6–25, 2024
  • August 1–31, 2025
Division I Women’s Basketball Dead Periods
  • December 24–26, 2024
  • April 3–7, 2025
  • June 10–11, 2025
  • July 9–10, 2025
  • July 15–17, 2025
Division I Men’s/Women’s Cross Country and Track & Field Dead Periods
  • November 11–14, 2024
  • November 23, 2024
  • December 9, 2024 – January 1, 2025
  • March 14–15, 2025
  • June 11–14, 2025
Division I Men’s Golf Dead Periods
  • November 11–14, 2024
  • November 28 – December 1, 2024
  • December 10–12, 2024
  • December 23, 2024 – January 1, 2025
Division I Men’s Lacrosse Dead Periods
  • August 13–31, 2024
  • November 11–14, 2024
  • November 25 – December 1, 2024
  • December 11–15, 2024
  • December 24 – January 5, 2025
  • May 23–27 (noon), 2025
  • July 2–6, 2025
Division I Women’s Lacrosse Dead Periods
  • August 28 – September 3, 2024
  • November 11–14, 2024
  • November 20–21, 2024
  • May 23–25, 2025
  • July 2–6, 2025
Division I Women’s Volleyball Dead Periods
  • November 11–14, 2024
  • December 19 – January 1, 2025
Division I Women’s Beach Volleyball Dead Periods
  • November 11–14, 2024
  • December 18–31, 2024
  • April 30 – May 1, 2024
Division I Softball Dead Periods
  • August 28 – September 3, 2024
  • November 11–14, 2024
  • December 4–7, 2024
  • May 27 – July 31, 2025

Division II Dead Periods by Sport

Division II Football Dead Periods
  • December 2 (7 am) – December 4 (7 am), 2024
  • January 13–15, 2025
  • February 3 (7 am) – February 5 (7 am), 2025
Division II Men’s Basketball Dead Periods
  • November 11 (7 am) – 13 (7 am), 2024
Division II Women’s Basketball Dead Periods
  • November 11 (7 am) – 13 (7 am), 2024
Division II All Other Sports Dead Periods
  • November 6 (7 am) – 8 (7 am), 2023
  • December 4–12 (noon), 2023
  • May 23–28 (noon), 2024

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