“Trust is earned, respect is given, and loyalty is demonstrated. Betrayal of any one of those is to lose all three.” ― Ziad K. Abdelnour
There’s a quiet wish echoing through college coaching circles right now.
It’s a wish for the old days—when a recruit lit up just knowing a coach was interested. When a campus visit was sacred. When getting recruited felt like the honor it was, not a transaction. Coaches remember when the process was about relationships and respect—not offers, negotiations, and followers.
But that era is fading.
The National Letter of Intent? Gone. The finality of Signing Day? A memory. Today’s recruiting world is built on fluidity—athletes can commit, de-commit, transfer, and re-enter the portal at any time. NIL has added a business lens to decisions. And the word “commitment” doesn’t always carry the weight it once did.
But here’s the thing:
Even in this new era, the best coaches still want the same core things.
They’re still looking for recruits who bring more than talent. They’re searching for athletes who love the game, value education, and understand what it means to be part of something bigger than themselves.
Here’s what that looks like in 2025.
1. A Love for the Game—and the Degree
Coaches light up when they meet athletes who are excited to play at the next level—not just entitled. They want recruits who crave the chance to chase a degree and compete. Athletes who still understand how rare and special this opportunity really is. That passion? It’s still a game-changer.
2. Long-Term Thinkers, Not Short-Term Dealmakers
Even though it will change dramatically multiples of times over the next few years, NIL is here to stay, but that doesn’t mean athletes should be chasing checks. Coaches respect recruits who are building for the long haul—who see college as a springboard to a career, not just a platform for monetization. The truth is, education plus opportunity still equals long-term earning power. That hasn’t changed.
3. “Here’s What I Bring” > “Here’s What I Want”
One of the biggest red flags coaches are seeing? Recruits who lead with demands. The athletes who stand out are the ones who talk about what they bring to a program: culture, leadership, toughness, character. Coaches still want competitors—but they’re craving team-first, value-driven competitors more than ever.
4. Loyalty Still Wins
The transfer portal has turned roster management into a revolving door. That’s why loyalty has never been more valued. Coaches are looking for athletes who want to stay, grow, struggle, and thrive—together. Recruits who want to be coached, who buy into a team culture, and who are committed to building something lasting are rare. And rare stands out.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a recruit, ask yourself:
Am I excited to be part of a program—or just trying to get a deal?
Am I looking to grow and be coached—or control the terms from the start?
Do I bring loyalty, gratitude, and grit—or just highlight videos and expectations?
Because in this new world of college sports, substance still beats flash—and it always will.
Looking for more help on your recruiting journey?
👉 Visit coachmattrogers.com to grab your copy of Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes, schedule a 1-on-1 strategy session, or browse our library of free resources.
🎙️ And don’t forget to tune in to the Significant Coaching Podcast, where I interview college coaches from across the country each week to give you an inside look at what really matters in today’s recruiting world.
