The Houser Playbook

The recruiting process is a journey that starts earlier than most families think. Here is exactly what to do at every stage from youth football all the way to signing day.

Pop Warner and Youth Football Through 8th Grade

Build the Right Foundation Early

+

My son started playing at age 6. Every child is different - the right age to start depends entirely on your child's ability and desire to play tackle football. Never force it.

The single most important skill in youth football is footwork. The ability to move your feet correctly is the foundation of every position on the field. Start here.

Invest in an agility ladder and use it every single day - through youth football, middle school, and all the way through high school. A ladder is the most important training tool a football player can own. It builds the foot speed that every position requires.

Focus on pad level from day one. Learning to play low and maintain proper pad level is a habit that must be built young. It is very hard to correct later.

Learn to tackle correctly and safely. Proper tackling technique protects your athlete and makes them a better player.

If your son has the ability to play multiple positions - let him. Learning the game from different perspectives makes a smarter and more versatile football player.

Learn the basics of football - not just your position. A defensive back should understand cover 2, cover 3, and man coverage concepts even at a young age. A lineman should know a proper 3-point stance. A linebacker should know how to read keys. These fundamentals must be built early.

Do not always chase the best or most winning team. At this age find a coach who is willing to actually teach your son football. A fundamentally skilled coach at the youth level is more valuable than almost anything else. I have watched too many kids show up to high school not knowing how to get in a proper 3-point stance. That comes from youth coaches who were so focused on winning that they skipped the teaching.

Start watching film early - even at the most basic level. I started watching film with my son when he was young even though he did not fully understand what he was looking at yet. He was still seeing it. He was still absorbing it. The earlier you introduce a young player to watching film the faster their football IQ develops. Watch his own games together. Watch college or NFL games and talk about what you see. You are building a football mind.

Running mechanics, catching fundamentals, pass route basics, blocking footwork - these are the things that separate athletes who make it from those who do not. They must be learned young.

Coach Houser Personal Note: I coached my son from this age all the way to D1. The habits he built in youth football - footwork, pad level, position knowledge, film study, and learning the game the right way - are what made everything else possible. Build the foundation right and the rest follows.

9th Grade

Your First High School Year

+

Create a profile on NCSA or Hudl

Start emailing coaches - brief direct intro emails

Attend college camps to get evaluated in person

Take the PSAT and target 3.0+ GPA

If you played varsity as a 9th grade freshman your Hudl should already be set up through your high school coaches - you would just need to make your own personal account

Focus on technique and skills specific to your position

For O-line and D-line find camps or coaches that focus on line skills and technique work

10th Grade

Get On the Radar

+

Create a profile on NCSA or Hudl

Start emailing coaches - brief direct intro emails

Attend college camps to get evaluated in person

Take the PSAT and target 3.0+ GPA

11th Grade

The Critical Year

+

For D1 football September 1 of your junior year is when coaches can begin sending personal recruiting correspondence including emails and direct messages

D1 football coaches can make their first permitted phone call to a recruit between April 15 and May 31 of junior year - after that no additional calls until September 1 of senior year

Official visits can begin August 1 before junior year for most D1 sports - football follows its own calendar so confirm with each school

You as the athlete can contact and call coaches at ANY time - there are no restrictions on athlete-initiated contact

Take SAT or ACT - many schools still require it for admission

Check with your high school counselor on whether the colleges you are targeting require SAT or ACT scores for verification and admissions

Narrow your school list to 10-15 real targets across different division levels

Note: The National Letter of Intent has been eliminated - athletes now sign a Written Offer of Athletic Financial Aid to formalize commitments

12th Grade

Commit and Sign

+

Early Signing Period: December 4-6

National Signing Day: February

Take final official visits before committing

Send thank-you notes to all coaches who recruited you

Coach Houser Personal Note: We made our son personally call every school he was seriously considering and in regular communication with before he committed. Not every school that offered - but the ones he had built a real relationship with. He called each coach directly, told them he appreciated the opportunity, and let them know he would not be coming. It is a courtesy, a sign of respect, and a reflection of your character. This is a small world and coaches remember how you handled yourself.

NIL has changed dramatically with the 2025 House v. NCAA settlement and the April 2026 Executive Order. Here is what every parent and athlete needs to know right now. Last updated June 2026.

A Note From Coach Houser

Look - I am going to be honest with you. NIL is a moving target right now. What is true today may change by next month. I have done my best to put together what we know as of right now but every kid's situation is going to be different. Use this as a starting point - not a final answer.

At some point you are going to need to talk to someone who does this for a living and we will have some good people for you to connect with. But please - do your own homework too. Never just hand this off to someone and walk away.

- John Houser, The Houser Playbook

The Biggest Change - House v. NCAA Settlement 2025

On June 6 2025 a federal court approved the landmark House v. NCAA settlement. Schools can now DIRECTLY pay their athletes up to $20.5 million per school per year on top of scholarships. All Power 4 schools in the SEC, Big Ten, ACC, and Big 12 plus Notre Dame were required to opt in.

New Reporting Rules - NIL Go Platform

As of June 2025 all D1 athletes MUST report any third-party NIL deal worth $600 or more to the College Sports Commission through the NIL Go platform within 5 business days of signing. Failure to report can cost you eligibility. This is not optional.

College Sports Commission - New Enforcement Body

The CSC replaced informal NCAA NIL oversight in 2025. It is an independent enforcement body that reviews deals, investigates violations, and has a confidential NIL tip line. The CSC is actively rejecting deals that look like pay-for-play. Take this seriously.

Direct School Payments - What This Means for You

Schools now split their $20.5 million annual pool directly among athletes. Most schools are allocating 74 percent or more to football and basketball. Top football players at major programs can now receive direct school payments ON TOP of their scholarship AND outside NIL deals. Ask about the school revenue share structure on every campus visit.

April 2026 Executive Order - Federal Involvement

On April 3 2026 President Trump signed an Executive Order on college sports. It targets pay-for-play collectives, pushes for national NIL standards, limits transfers, and ties compliance to federal funding. It takes effect August 1 2026. Consult a sports attorney before signing major deals.

Football Roster Changes - 105 Player Cap

Under the House settlement football rosters are now capped at 105 players. The old 85-scholarship limit is gone and all 105 can receive scholarships. This means fewer walk-on spots but more scholarship opportunities. Ask coaches exactly how many spots they have available when recruiting.

High School NIL - State by State

35 states now have active NIL policies for high school athletes. Rules vary widely by state. High schoolers can generally work with NIL marketing advisors and sign brand deals. But signing with an NFLPA-certified contract agent ends D1 eligibility. Always check your state specific rules before signing anything.

What Athletes Are Actually Earning in 2026

Top D1 football players at major programs earn $500K to $2M or more annually from school revenue share plus NIL deals combined. Average D1 football athlete earns $10,000 to $50,000 per year depending on school market and position. Most Group of 5 athletes earn $1,000 to $10,000 per year.

What Is Still Prohibited - Pay for Play Rules

NIL deals must have a valid business purpose. You must actually perform a service such as posting content, making appearances, or endorsing products. Schools and collectives cannot pay athletes purely to sign or stay as that is pay-for-play and the CSC is actively cracking down.

Taxes - What Athletes Are Getting Wrong

NIL income is self-employment income and is taxable at federal and state level. If your athlete earns over $5,000 per year in NIL hire a CPA who works with athletes. Keep records of every payment, every contract, and every expense. Quarterly estimated tax payments may be required. This catches athletes completely off guard.

How to Find Deals in 2026

Top platforms include Opendorse, INFLCR, Athlete Syndication, MOGL, and NIL Go for reporting. For local deals reach out directly to gyms, car dealerships, restaurants, and sports brands in your college market. Social media following is the number one driver of deal value. Build your Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube now before you get to campus.

Federal Legislation Still Unresolved

Congress is debating national NIL rules. The SCORE Act passed in the House but was pulled before a vote in December 2025. As of June 2026 athletes operate under the House settlement framework, CSC oversight, state laws, and the April 2026 Executive Order. Expect more changes and stay informed.

JUST UPDATED June 24 2026: The NCAA passed a brand new 5-in-5 eligibility rule on June 23 2026. This changes everything about redshirts and eligibility clocks. Read carefully and always verify with your school compliance office.

BRAND NEW - 5-in-5 Eligibility Rule June 23 2026

The NCAA Division I Cabinet unanimously approved the most significant eligibility change in decades. Athletes now get FIVE seasons of competition over FIVE years. The clock starts at full-time enrollment OR the academic year after their 19th birthday whichever comes first. This eliminates the old system of 5 years to play 4 seasons.

HIGH PRIORITY - Verify with your school compliance office

Who Does the New Rule Affect

Athletes completing their 4th season by spring 2026 have no additional eligibility. Currently enrolled athletes with eligibility remaining after 2025-26 can choose the new age-based model OR continue under old rules whichever benefits them most. High school class of 2026 and beyond must use the age-based model only. New rules take effect fall 2026.

Redshirts Are Essentially Eliminated

Under the new 5-in-5 rule traditional redshirt years no longer exist. Athletes use all 5 years competing with no sitting out to save a year. Exceptions remain ONLY for religious missions, maternity leave, and active-duty military service. Injury waivers are NO LONGER granted. This is a massive change for linemen and developmental players.

HIGH PRIORITY - Verify with your school compliance office

What This Means for Football

Football rosters are already capped at 105 under the House settlement. The 5-in-5 rule means older players will no longer occupy roster spots for 6 or 7 years. Coaches can plan rosters more predictably. Redshirt strategies for linemen and backup quarterbacks must be completely rethought. Ask coaches directly how they plan to handle roster development.

Legal Challenges Expected

Legal experts warn lawsuits challenging the 5-in-5 rule are likely especially from injured athletes who lose the ability to get medical waivers. The Diego Pavia case against the NCAA is still pending trial. Rules may evolve through courts. Always verify current status with your school compliance office before making any eligibility decisions.

Academic Eligibility Requirements Still Apply

Regardless of the 5-in-5 rule academic eligibility standards remain in effect. Athletes must maintain 2.0 or higher GPA, complete 40 percent of degree by end of year 2, 60 percent by end of year 3, and 80 percent by end of year 4. Must be enrolled full-time with 12 or more credit hours during the season.

NCAA Eligibility Center - Register Early

Every D1 and D2 prospect MUST register with the NCAA Eligibility Center at eligibilitycenter.org by the start of junior year. Cost is $100 for US students. They verify your core course GPA, test scores, and amateurism status. Without clearance you cannot compete at D1 or D2. Do not wait until senior year to register.

Unlimited Transfers Now Allowed - 2024 Rule

Since 2024 athletes can transfer as many times as they want without sitting out as long as they remain academically eligible and enter the portal during the designated window. No more one-time transfer rule. No more sitting out a year for multiple transfers.

Football Transfer Portal 2026 - ONE Window Only

Starting in 2026 there is only ONE transfer window for D1 football. The spring portal is ELIMINATED. The window runs January 2 through 16 only. Players in the CFP National Championship game get an extra 5-day window from January 20 through 24. Graduate transfers must follow this same window.

HIGH PRIORITY - Verify with your school compliance office

Coaching Change Exception

If your head coach leaves or is fired you get a 15-day transfer window that opens 5 days after a new coach is announced. This replaced the old 30-day window. If your coach leaves after January 16 you may have to wait until the next year's window unless a new coach is hired quickly.

December is Now a Dead Period for Recruiting

The entire month of December is now a recruiting dead period. Coaches can still have contact with recruits but cannot do on-campus or off-campus visits or evaluations in December. Plan official visits for October and November not December.

Entering the Portal - What Families Must Know

Entering the portal is a one-way street in many cases. Your current school is notified immediately when you enter. Your scholarship may be at risk as soon as the next term even if you decide to stay. Coaches at your current school cannot actively recruit you back once you are in the portal. Scholarships do NOT automatically transfer. Negotiate everything in writing before committing to a new school.

HIGH PRIORITY - Verify with your school compliance office

Academic Requirements to Transfer

Athletes must be in good academic standing to enter the portal and compete immediately. Minimum 2.0 GPA required, no serious unresolved disciplinary issues, and must complete an NCAA educational module before entering. Transferring athletes must also meet the new school own academic admission standards.

How to Enter the Transfer Portal Step by Step

Step 1 notify your current coach before entering. Step 2 contact your school compliance office to initiate the process. Step 3 complete the required NCAA educational module online. Step 4 your school has 7 calendar days to enter your name into the portal. Step 5 once in the portal coaches from other schools can contact you. Step 6 visit, evaluate offers, and commit. Never ghost your current school.

Tampering Rules - Coaches Cannot Contact You First

NCAA rules prohibit coaches from discussing transfer opportunities with athletes who are NOT in the portal. A coach cannot call, text, or have anyone contact you about transferring until your name is officially in the portal. Violations result in serious penalties. Report any improper contact to your compliance office.

DISCLAIMER: Eligibility and transfer rules are changing rapidly. This information reflects rules as of June 24 2026. Always verify current rules directly with your school NCAA compliance office and at eligibilitycenter.org before making any eligibility or transfer decisions. The Houser Playbook and HPDS LLC are not responsible for eligibility decisions made based on this information.

A campus visit is your chance to evaluate the school as much as they evaluate you. Come prepared with the right questions.

->Email the coach a specific question you will ask on the visit

->Research the program graduation rate and NFL draft history

->Look up the major you want and visit the academic building

->Prepare 5 to 7 thoughtful questions in advance

->Talk privately to current players away from coaches

->Ask players what they would change about the program

->Visit the training facility, film room, and weight room

->Sit in on a class if possible and see the campus as a student

->Compare scholarship packages side by side including tuition, room, board, and books

->Understand multi-year vs one-year renewable scholarships

->Ask about transfer portal rules if things do not work out

->Trust your gut - where do you feel most comfortable

Coaches receive hundreds of emails. Yours needs to be clear, personal, and direct. Use these templates as your starting point and personalize every single one.

Coach [Last Name],

My name is [Athlete Name], a [Year] at [High School] in [City, State]. I play [Position] and am genuinely interested in [University] football program.

My stats this season: [Key stat 1], [Key stat 2], [Key stat 3].

I have attached my Hudl highlight tape and would love the opportunity to hear more about your program.

GPA: [X.X] | 40 time: [X.XX] | Height/Weight: [Height / Weight]

Thank you for your time, Coach.

[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
[Hudl Link]

Coach [Last Name],

I wanted to follow up on my email from [date]. I remain very interested in [University] and the opportunity to play for you.

I recently [update - new film, award, improved GPA] and wanted to make sure you had my latest information.

Is there a camp or visit I could attend to get evaluated in person?

Thank you,
[Your Name]

Coach [Last Name],

Thank you for having me on campus this past [weekend/date]. Meeting the coaches and players gave me a real sense of what makes [University] special.

I am very excited about the possibility of being part of your program. Please let me know if there is anything else you need from me.

[Your Name]

The right trainer can accelerate development. The wrong one can waste years and thousands of dollars. Know the difference before you write a check.

What to Look For

Credentials matter. Look for NSCA-CSCS, USAW, or NFL-certified trainers. Ask for athlete references not just testimonials. Watch a session before committing any money.

Red Flags to Watch

You will run into trainers who specialize in specific positions, strength and conditioning, or both - and some of them will tell you they have relationships with college coaches and can get your athlete offers. Be very careful. In my experience those offers are rarely legitimate and mean nothing until your athlete actually signs their name. If your son is a quarterback make sure his quarterback coach has actually played quarterback. If he is an offensive lineman make sure that coach has played offensive lineman. It is no different than if I needed heart surgery - I would not go to a dentist. A dentist went to school and has medical training but that does not make them a heart surgeon. Make sure the person coaching your son has actually done what they are teaching. That is the standard.

Position-Specific Training

QBs need throwing mechanics, footwork, and reading defenses. WRs and DBs need route running, hip flexibility, and ball tracking. Linemen need leverage, hand combat, and film study.

Cost Expectations

Private sessions typically run $60 to $150 per hour. Group camps run $200 to $500 per weekend. Elite trainers with NFL connections charge $150 to $300 per hour. Many offer package deals - always negotiate before committing.

7v7 and Showcases

Top programs include Under Armour All-America, Elite 11 for quarterbacks, and The Opening. These events put athletes directly in front of college coaches. Standing out matters more than winning.

Recruiting Services

NCSA, Hudl, BeRecruited, and CaptainU are all legitimate platforms. Be very wary of services charging $2,000 or more with vague promises. You can email coaches yourself and coaches actually prefer direct contact from athletes.

Navigating agents is one of the most confusing and highest-stakes parts of an athlete career. Know the rules, know your rights, and never sign anything you do not fully understand.

Coach Houser Hard Lesson - Get a Tax Attorney First

Before you sign any NIL deal get a tax attorney - not just an accountant, a tax attorney who understands athlete income. Most NIL agents are not going to know the tax laws for every state your athlete earns money in. If your son does a deal in Texas, California, and Florida in the same year those states all have different tax rules. You need someone who either knows each state or can refer you to a tax attorney in that specific state. The last thing you want is to earn $50,000 in NIL money and then get hit with a tax bill you never saw coming. A good tax attorney will also tell you what you can legally write off. This is a hard lesson that cost real money. Do not skip this step.

Do High Schoolers Need an Agent?

High school athletes cannot sign with an NFLPA-certified agent and retain D1 eligibility. However they CAN hire an NIL advisor, marketing agent, or attorney to help with brand deals as long as that person does not negotiate pro contracts.

When College Athletes Can Hire an Agent

NCAA rules allow college athletes to hire agents for NIL purposes at any time. For pro contracts you can sign with an agent once you declare for the draft, enter the transfer portal with intent to go pro, or exhaust eligibility.

NFLPA Certified Agents

To represent players in NFL contract negotiations an agent must be NFLPA-certified. Always verify an agent is certified at NFLPA.com before signing anything.

Agent vs NIL Advisor vs Attorney

A sports agent negotiates pro contracts. An NIL advisor helps build your brand and negotiate endorsement deals. A sports attorney reviews contracts and protects your legal rights. Many athletes in 2026 use all three. Under the April 2026 Executive Order NIL deals must have a valid business purpose - your agent needs to understand this or your deals could get flagged by the CSC.

->Hire an NIL marketing agent to secure brand deals

->Use a sports attorney to review any contract before signing

->Work with a financial advisor to manage NIL income

->Get agent evaluations from NFL scouts with no commitment required

->Signing with an NFLPA agent while still D1-eligible causes you to lose eligibility

->Accepting money or benefits from agents including meals, gifts, and travel

->Allowing an agent to negotiate a college scholarship on your behalf

->Working with unlicensed or unverified agents - always check credentials

->Ask your coach or athletic director for vetted referrals

->Look for advisors with experience in your sport specifically

->Understand their fee structure including flat fee, monthly retainer, or percentage

->Get everything in writing including duration, services, and termination clauses

->Can be hired immediately upon enrollment - no waiting period

->Verify the agent is registered in your state under the Uniform Athlete Agents Act

->Under federal SPARTA law agents must notify your school within 72 hours of signing you

->Commission rates in 2026: brand endorsement deals 15 to 20 percent is standard. Revenue share and collective dollars should be 3 to 5 percent - anything above 10 percent on revenue share is a red flag

->You can get evaluated by agents before committing with no strings attached

->Once you declare for the NFL Draft you can sign with an NFLPA agent

->Research the agent existing client roster and who they currently represent

->Smaller boutique agents often give more personal attention to mid-round prospects

->Never pay upfront fees - legitimate agents earn commission after you get paid

->Read every contract with a sports attorney before signing

->Ask the agent to name three currently enrolled athletes they represent right now

->Under SPARTA your agent must notify your school within 72 hours of signing you

->Report any improper contact or benefits offers immediately to your school compliance office

RED FLAG: Upfront Fees

Legitimate agents earn a percentage after you get paid. Anyone asking for money upfront before securing deals is a red flag. Walk away immediately.

RED FLAG: Guaranteed Promises

No one can guarantee a draft round, contract value, or specific deals. Agents who make these promises are lying to get you to sign.

RED FLAG: Pressure to Decide Fast

Any agent creating urgency by saying sign now or lose this deal is using a manipulation tactic. Real opportunities have reasonable timelines.

RED FLAG: No Verifiable Clients

Ask for references. Legitimate agents can name current or past clients. If they cannot or will not provide references that is a major warning sign.

RED FLAG: Not NFLPA Certified

For NFL contract work certification is mandatory. Verify at NFLPA.com before signing anything. An uncertified agent negotiating pro contracts is operating illegally.

RED FLAG: Excessive Commission Rates

Brand endorsement deals: 15 to 20 percent commission is the 2026 industry standard. Revenue share and collective dollars: 3 to 5 percent is defensible and anything above 10 percent is a red flag. Pro NFL contracts: 3 percent is the NFLPA maximum allowed.

Every college conference and division has different academic requirements. Know exactly what you need to qualify before your junior year.

SEC

Southeastern Conference

D1 - Power 4

Min GPA

2.3+ core GPA (NCAA sliding scale)

Test Score

900+ SAT / 75+ ACT

Core Courses

16 NCAA core courses required

Key Academic Notes

Each school sets its own admissions GPA above NCAA minimums. Top SEC schools like Georgia and Florida often expect 3.5+ for general admission

Vanderbilt is the most academically rigorous SEC school - expect 3.7+ GPA and 1400+ SAT

Athletes must clear both NCAA eligibility AND the university own admissions standards

Summer bridge programs are available at some schools for borderline academic admits

Big Ten

Big Ten Conference

D1 - Power 4

Min GPA

2.3+ core GPA (NCAA sliding scale)

Test Score

900+ SAT / 75+ ACT

Core Courses

16 NCAA core courses required

Key Academic Notes

Big Ten schools are generally more academically demanding than other Power 4 conferences

Northwestern requires near-standard admissions and athletes must meet close to 3.7+ GPA

Michigan, Wisconsin, and Penn State expect 3.3 to 3.7+ GPA for most athlete admits

Big Ten leads all conferences in Academic Progress Rate

ACC

Atlantic Coast Conference

D1 - Power 4

Min GPA

2.3+ core GPA (NCAA sliding scale)

Test Score

900+ SAT / 75+ ACT

Core Courses

16 NCAA core courses required

Key Academic Notes

Duke and Notre Dame have near-Ivy academic standards with 3.8+ GPA and 1400+ SAT expected

Wake Forest, Boston College, and Virginia also have high academic bars of 3.5+

Georgia Tech emphasizes STEM and engineering programs are extremely rigorous for athletes

ACC leads Power 4 in overall academic reputation

Big 12

Big 12 Conference

D1 - Power 4

Min GPA

2.3+ core GPA (NCAA sliding scale)

Test Score

900+ SAT / 75+ ACT

Core Courses

16 NCAA core courses required

Key Academic Notes

TCU and Baylor have stronger academic reputations and expect 3.3 to 3.5+ GPA

BYU has a unique honor code athletes must agree to follow

Texas and Oklahoma are selective and athletes often need 3.0+ GPA minimum

Big 12 has shown flexibility with partial qualifiers at some programs

Group of 5

AAC, Mountain West, Sun Belt, MAC, Conference USA

D1 - Group of 5

Min GPA

2.3+ core GPA (NCAA sliding scale)

Test Score

820+ SAT / 68+ ACT

Core Courses

16 NCAA core courses required

Key Academic Notes

Generally more accessible academic admissions than Power 4 schools

Great option for athletes who need development time before potentially transferring up

Boise State and Tulane are academically stronger Group of 5 programs

Many Group of 5 schools offer partial qualifiers a path through academic redshirt year

D2

NCAA Division II

D2

Min GPA

2.2+ core GPA

Test Score

No minimum required by NCAA

Core Courses

16 core courses required

Key Academic Notes

Less stringent NCAA academic requirements than D1 and a good path for athletes who struggled early

Partial scholarships are common and often stacked with academic aid

Strong regional programs with good pro pipelines at skill positions

Many D2 athletes transfer to D1 after establishing academic and athletic records

D3

NCAA Division III

D3

Min GPA

No NCAA minimum

Test Score

No NCAA minimum

Core Courses

No NCAA requirement

Key Academic Notes

No athletic scholarships - aid is need-based and merit-based only

Academic standards vary widely from MIT and UChicago to open enrollment schools

Athletes often have strong post-football career outcomes due to academic rigor

No NCAA Eligibility Center registration required

NAIA

National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics

NAIA

Min GPA

2.0+ GPA

Test Score

18+ ACT or 860+ SAT

Core Courses

No specific requirement

Key Academic Notes

Most accessible division academically and a good path for athletes who need a fresh start

Full athletic scholarships are available

Strong football programs exist especially in the Midwest and South

Register at PlayNAIA.org rather than the NCAA Eligibility Center

JUCO

Junior College - NJCAA

Junior College

Min GPA

Varies - many very flexible

Test Score

Often no minimum required

Core Courses

Varies by school

Key Academic Notes

The most accessible entry point and accepts athletes who could not qualify for 4-year schools

2-year path to a 4-year D1 or D2 school and many D1 programs recruit heavily from JUCO

Must earn 24 credit hours with 2.0+ GPA to transfer D1 as a sophomore

Kansas and Mississippi are hotbeds for elite JUCO football programs

Have a question? Submit it below and John Houser will personally respond to every single one. No bots. No automated replies. Just Coach Houser answering your question directly.

A Personal Note From Coach Houser

I am going to answer every question personally. That is my commitment to you. I have been on every side of this process and if I do not know the answer I will tell you that too. Submit your question below and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

- John Houser, The Houser Playbook

Your Name * Your Email * Your Athlete's Position and Grade Topic Your Question *

By submitting you agree to our privacy policy. Your information will never be sold or shared. Coach Houser reads and responds to every question personally.

100%

Personal Responses

24-48hr

Response Time Goal

Free

No Cost to Ask