What Level of College Football Can I Play?

Most athletes ask for one label: FBS, FCS, Division II, Division III, NAIA, or junior college. Honest evaluation rarely works that neatly.

Your current college football level is better treated as a range supported by film, position-specific traits, competition, academics, development history, and direct feedback. That range can move.

What to do next

Complete the College-Level Fit Assessment with a high school coach or trusted evaluator. Record evidence, not hopes. Then make sure the same current information appears in your athlete materials.

RepMax athletes can create or update their profile with current film links, academics, contacts, and accurate athlete-entered measurables.

Begin with transferable football actions

Coaches evaluate whether the athlete's actions can transfer to their speed, size, scheme, and competition. The useful question is not “Do I have a good highlight?” It is “What does the film consistently prove?”

Look for repeated evidence: processing before the snap, first-step quickness, change of direction, contact balance, play strength, ball skills, block destruction, leverage, pursuit, accuracy, timing, and decision-making. The exact traits depend on position.

Use an evidence hierarchy

Current game film: repeated position actions against credible competition.
Direct evaluation: specific comments from college or experienced high school coaches.
Position traits: accurate size, speed, strength, movement, production, and technique in context.
Academic access: courses, GPA, admissions preparation, and intended major.
Development trend: how quickly the athlete is improving and what remains trainable.

A camp time or social clip can add context. It should not erase what full-speed game film shows.

Avoid universal measurable cutoffs

Programs use different schemes, recruiting boards, testing methods, and roster needs. A hand-timed sprint is not identical to an electronically timed result. Height and weight may change. A position label may hide different roles.

Enter accurate measurements in RepMax and retain the testing source and date in your records. Use numbers to support film, not replace it.

Ask for feedback that produces action

“What level am I?” often produces a polite, vague answer. Better questions include:

Which two traits translate best on my current film?
Which trait limits me most for the level I am targeting?
What additional film would help you evaluate me?
Would you recruit me at my current position, or another role?
Which programs or levels should I research based on what you see today?

Compare patterns across several credible evaluators. One opinion is information. Repeated specific feedback is direction.

Composite example: Avery changes the target range

Fictional example. Avery is a 6-foot linebacker whose best clips show pursuit and open-field tackling. Early outreach focuses only on major-conference programs and receives generic camp invitations. Avery's coach asks three college staffs for direct feedback. Each likes the motor but wants more evidence of coverage movement and block separation.

Avery adds full-game film, trains the missing traits, and expands the school list across FCS, Division II, Division III, and NAIA programs with suitable academics. The range becomes more realistic—and creates better questions—without declaring a permanent ceiling.

Build a working range, not a fixed identity

Choose three bands: programs that require more evidence, programs that fit the current evidence, and programs that may offer a strong development path. Update the bands after a season, meaningful testing, direct evaluation, or position change.

The goal is not to win an argument about status. It is to find environments where the athlete can earn an opportunity, develop, and succeed academically.

How RepMax supports the work

RepMax helps athletes maintain a shareable profile with film, academics, contacts, and accurate athlete-entered information. It does not grade film, verify measurables, predict a division, or automatically match athletes with schools.

Get the next useful evaluation

Use your current range to guide school research and outreach. Ask for specific feedback, improve the evidence, and revisit the range as you develop.

Download the College-Level Fit Assessment or update your RepMax profile.

Related resources

How to Build a Realistic College Football School List

Sources and editorial notes

NCAA recruiting overview: NCAA Eligibility Center recruiting resources
Reviewed 2026-07-20. Program evaluation standards vary; seek direct feedback from coaches and confirm academic requirements with each institution.