Episode 2: How the Transfer Portal, International Recruiting & JUCO Eligibility Are Reshaping Recruiting

The Landscape Has Changed

For years, college coaches built their rosters primarily by recruiting high school athletes. But today, that landscape is shifting fast.

The rise of the NCAA Transfer Portal, an increase in international recruiting, and recent developments in JUCO eligibility rules are reshaping how programs fill their rosters. High school athletes are feeling the squeeze, and those who aren’t prepared early risk being left behind.

If you’re aiming to compete at the next level, it’s critical to understand how these shifts are affecting your opportunities, timelines, and expectations.

The Transfer Portal

The transfer portal has become a powerful tool for college coaches to reshape their rosters with less risk.

• Transfers bring college experience—they’ve adjusted to training, academics, and competition.
• Coaches often view them as a safer bet—they know what they’re getting.
• With limited scholarships, many programs prioritize athletes who can contribute immediately.

The downside for high school athletes?

Coaches, especially at the DI and top-tier DII levels, are far less likely to take a chance on unproven athletes when they can recruit someone who’s already competed at the collegiate level.

The Rise in International Recruiting

Another trend shifting the landscape: U.S. programs are recruiting internationally at unprecedented levels.

• Programs across DI, DII, NAIA, and JUCO are targeting international athletes, especially in distance events.
• Many arrive with advanced training, consistent performances, and often lower scholarship expectations.
• Some have experience from national teams or professional training environments.

The result? A growing share of roster spots is being filled by international recruits who are ready to score points right away.

JUCO Eligibility Waiver: Important but Temporary

Recent legal rulings have allowed some JUCO athletes transferring into four-year schools in 2025 to apply for a temporary waiver that could extend their eligibility up to six total years of collegiate competition.

But here’s the fine print:

• This is a one-time exception, not a permanent rule.
• It only applies to a specific group of athletes whose eligibility would have ended after the 2024–25 season.
• The NCAA is currently appealing the decision that allowed it.
• Athletes must meet strict academic and eligibility criteria.

Bottom line: This is a rare exception, not a trend to rely on. High school athletes should not count on extra years when planning their athletic future.

What This Means for High School Athletes

You’re no longer just competing with your peers. You’re competing with:

• NCAA transfer athletes who are older and more experienced
• International athletes with backgrounds competing at a high-level
• JUCO transfers with potential 4–6 years of eligibility

Which means:

• Coaches are recruiting earlier
• There are fewer roster spots and scholarships available
• Waiting until senior year to get serious can cost you, not just at DI, but at DII, NAIA, and even JUCO programs
  

How to Stay in the Game

Start Early

Coaches begin building their classes around juniors, sometimes even earlier for top performers. If you’re not on their radar by the end of XC season (November), it’s possible that roster space is already limited.

Create a list of ~10 schools by the end of junior year. Narrow it to 5 by summer. By the end of XC, aim to be choosing between 2–3 strong fits.

Be Complete

It’s not just about PRs. Academic eligibility, communication, character, and consistency all matter.

Coaches get frustrated when athletes:

• Don’t apply to their school
• Haven’t decided on a major
• Haven’t taken the SAT/ACT (if required)
• Are inconsistent or vague in communication

Reach Out with Intention

Don’t DM a coach saying “Hey.” Send a professional email with:

• Your top times and events
• Why you’re interested in their program
• What you value in a coach, culture, and development path

Consider ALL Levels

There are incredible opportunities at DII, DIII, NAIA, and JUCO. Don’t chase logos—chase fit.

A lot of high school athletes dream of trying out and walking on at a DI program, hoping to earn a spot. While that can happen, it’s rare and the numbers back it up.

Only about 2% of high school athletes go on to compete at the Division I level, and that number drops even lower in distance events. Most the ~ 1 million HS track and XC athletes will never race in a DI uniform.

Think of it like Rudy—inspiring, emotional, but not how most college athletics works.

Most DI programs are near roster limits. Coaches have limited travel slots, training attention, and bandwidth to invest in “maybe” athletes. Even when you make the team, you may not get the same support or race opportunities as scholarship athletes.

Ask yourself: Do I want to be a program piece—or a practice body?

Get Guidance

You don’t have to figure this out alone. Having a coach or mentor who understands the recruiting process can save you months of stress—and help you land somewhere you’ll thrive.

Final Takeaway

The transfer portal. International recruiting. JUCO waivers.

These aren’t trends—they’re now part of the system. Recruiting is changing rapidly, and if you want to land a roster spot, you need more than talent—you need a strategy.

The earlier you prepare, the better your chances.

Need Some Guidance?

I work with high school athletes and families, not just in training and racing, but in navigating the recruiting process, finding the right academic fit, and preparing for life at the next level.

If you’re not sure where to start or feel like you’re falling behind, let’s talk.

Tap the links to:

✅ Fill out the HS Questionnaire

✅ Download the “Are You Recruitable?” checklist

📩 Reach me directly: [email protected]