Everything has shifted, and so has the landscape of recruiting.
Gone are the days of waiting for February and the reliance on fax machines (which is a positive change).
“It’s just a bit different now,” said Colorado State coach Jay Norvell on Wednesday as he announced the addition of 13 high school recruits.
The early signing period has been moved up, closely followed by the opening of the transfer portal from December 9-28. There will still be the traditional signing day in February, but coaches can only begin in-person visits in January, making December visits no longer permissible. The portal will reopen briefly in April (April 16-25), and if a coach leaves a program, affected players will have a 30-day window to explore their options, creating a constantly shifting environment.
Another aspect of recruiting involves retaining players already on the roster.
Norvell must navigate these complexities while balancing the needs of his current team with his recruiting strategy. This results in a more nuanced approach, allowing for additions at various stages, although he still prioritizes high school players as the foundation for program development.
“We aim to build our program through high school recruiting, much like the NFL drafts,” Norvell explained. “We believe we can effectively evaluate character and academics in high school players, which helps us establish a strong recruiting base. While the portal is now a reality in college football—essentially like free agency—we don’t want to rely on it entirely but will use it to supplement areas where we might lack depth or experience.”
This recruiting class includes players from eight states and Australia, with many being multi-sport athletes or contributors on both sides of the ball during their high school careers—qualities Norvell values, shaped by his NFL experience.
“I believe my time in the NFL helped me recognize what to look for in players,” he said. “As a coach, while you can prepare them for different situations, once they’re on the field, unexpected things can arise. Players with versatility, like Owen Long, who has played running back, safety, and is now a linebacker, possess invaluable skills and instincts that allow them to excel in various situations.”
While the desired traits remain the same, the timing and methods have significantly changed.
The staff at Colorado State plans to evaluate more high school prospects in February, including local talent, like Gabe Kirschke, who is returning from another program.
“This year differs from previous ones because we typically push hard during the summer, completing our recruiting by December. However, with restrictions on road recruiting in December, we’ve essentially lost a month of evaluating players. This has moved visits to January and placed the transfer portal in between, so how we perform there will impact our January strategy,” Norvell noted. “It’s a new reality for everyone.”
Norvell mentioned that they aim to add 15-16 players through the portal, focusing on positions such as tight ends and defensive tackles, which are in high demand nationwide, as well as running back, receiver, cornerback, safety, and traditionally, a quarterback each year.
The timeline for these acquisitions is still being determined.
The recruiting landscape has undeniably changed. Norvell pointed out that larger conferences are advocating for a summer signing date, which he believes would not benefit Colorado State, so they oppose such moves.
“There are still many changes ahead,” he remarked. “It feels like every year brings more adjustments.”
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