What Is the NCAA Evaluation Period?

The NCAA Evaluation Period allows coaches to observe athletes in action, focusing on their performance and potential. It's an important time for athletes to demonstrate their skills in real-time competition.

The NCAA Evaluation Period is a specific window when college coaches can watch recruits compete in person or visit their schools. However, there are strict limitations on coach-athlete interactions during this time.

Scout Tip: To boost your chances of attracting college coaches, perform consistently in games, show good sportsmanship, and stay focused on academics. Making a positive impression during the evaluation period is key to standing out.

GET EVALUATED

Key Points About the Evaluation Period

  • In-Person Observation: Coaches can attend games, practices, or other athletic events to evaluate recruits.
  • No Off-Campus Contact: Coaches cannot talk to recruits or their parents in person outside of the college campus.
  • Purpose: Assess a recruit's athletic abilities, character, and potential fit for the team.
  • Communication Restrictions: Coaches can still communicate with recruits via phone, email, and social media.

What Coaches Look for During Evaluations

Coaches are evaluating more than just athletic talent during this time. They're also assessing:

  • Athletic Performance: How the athlete competes under pressure.
  • Character and Attitude: How the athlete interacts with teammates and coaches.
  • Academic Environment: The recruit's school culture and support system.

It's important to note that while coaches can attend events, they have a limited number of evaluation days. They prioritize athletes they have a genuine interest in.


Evaluation Period by Sport and Division

Division I Football FBS
  • September 1 – December 1, 2024
  • September, October, and November: 42 evaluation days (54 for U.S. service academies); coaches can visit an athlete’s school only once per calendar day
  • April 15 – May 25, 2025: 168 evaluation days (216 for U.S. service academies); separate days for athletic and academic assessments allowed
Division I Football FCS
  • September 1 – December 1, 2024
  • September, October, and November: 42 evaluation days; coaches can visit an athlete’s school only once per calendar day
  • April 15 – May 24, 2025
Division I Men’s Basketball
  • May 16–18, 2025 (NCAA certified events only)
  • June 20 (noon) – 22 (6 pm), 2025
  • June 27 (noon) – 29 (6 pm), 2025
  • July 10–13, 2025 (NCAA certified events, institutional camps, and permissible governing body events)
  • July 18–20, 2025 (NCAA certified events, institutional camps, and permissible governing body events)
  • July 21–23, 2025 (NCAA College Basketball Academy only)
Division I Women’s Basketball
  • October 1, 2024 – February 28, 2025 (only scholastic events)
  • April 25–27, 2025 (only certified non-scholastic events)
  • May 16–18, 2025 (only certified non-scholastic events)
  • June 12 (noon) – 14 (6 p.m.), 2025 (only scholastic events approved by the NCAA and NFHS)
  • July 11–14, 2025
  • July 18–21, 2025
  • July 25–28, 2025 (NCAA College Basketball Academy only)
Division I Men’s/Women’s Cross Country and Track & Field
  • August 1–21, 2024
  • January 2 – July 31, 2025
Division I Women’s Lacrosse
  • November 8–10, 15–17, 22–24, 2024 (Friday–Sunday): Evaluation periods
  • June 13 – July 31, 2025
  • Except: July 2–6, 2025: Dead period
Division I Women’s Volleyball
  • Coaching staff can evaluate recruits on one day only during the NCAA Division 1 Women’s Volleyball Championship
Division I Women’s Beach Volleyball
  • December 2–17, 2024
  • January 1–17, 2025
  • May 5–23, 2025
Division I Softball
  • August 12 – November 24, 2024 (only scholastic practice and competition activities)
  • October 19–20, 26–27, 2024 (only scholastic and non-scholastic practice or competition activities)
  • November 2–3, 9–10, 16–17, 23–24, 2024 (only scholastic and non-scholastic practice or competition activities)
  • January 3 – May 26, 2025 (only scholastic practice and competition activities)
Division II Football
  • During the recruit’s high school or junior college football season
  • November 1–26, 2023
  • April 15 – May 31, 2024 (excluding Memorial Day and Sundays)
  • Note: March 7 – May 31, 2024 is a quiet period except for 4 weeks from April 15 through May 31
Division II Women’s Basketball
  • June 15 – July 31, 2024
Division II Men’s Basketball
  • June 15 – July 31, 2024

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