Youth Inc. Recommends: Four Resources for Navigating College Baseball Recruiting

The recruiting landscape today is much different than it once was. Between new rules, varying methods of communication, and different strategies to get recruited- it’s a lot to comprehend.  

Understanding the landscape can make all the difference and give parents and athletes a starting point of what steps to take. The Youth Inc. team searched the internet for the best resources to help parents and players understand the landscape. Some of these include TikToks, articles, YouTube videos, and true stories of recruits achieving success. 

Here are four resources to help parents and athletes navigate the college baseball recruiting landscape:  

Understand That Teams are Not Recruiting Players The Same Way 

What it is: A TikTok from Velo University that suggests that players don’t let their ego cloud their judgment when looking to get recruited.  

Why we like it: They suggest being a big fish in a smaller pond and then going to the transfer portal. Being an impact player your freshman year is uncommon- especially at a bigger or more competitive school. Starting at a smaller school where you’re guaranteed to make an impact can set you up for better development which in turn, will allow you to make a bigger impact at a bigger school later on.  

Explaining The New D1 Recruiting Model 

What it is: A YouTube video from Recruiting with Alex that lays out the new D1 recruiting model, including all of the new rules.  

Why we like it: Alex notes the reason for the rules regarding when coaches can reach out to players was made later because athletes were committing in 7th or 8th grade- far too early to decide where you’re going to college. Now, communication between coaches and athletes cannot happen until right before their junior year- arguably an appropriate time to think about college.  

How The Diego Pavia Ruling Could Upend College Baseball Recruiting 

What it is: An article from Baseball America that discusses the breaking of the NCAA rule about eligibility from junior college to D1 in a case for Vanderbilt quarterback, Diego Pavia.  

Why we like it: It shows how these rules can hurt high school players seeking collegiate-level play. Many coaches disagree with the ruling and express concern about the direction college baseball is headed in. Beyond that, if the NCAA broke this rule- no one knows what’s next.  

College Baseball Coaches Voice Concerns Over Looming NCAA Roster Rule Changes 

What it is: An article from Baseball America that discusses the controversies over roster regulation and its impacts on collegiate baseball recruiting. 

Why we like it: Post-fall-ball roster cuts would be required for teams that carry more than 34 players. This would put student-athletes in a tough situation in the middle of their school year- forcing them to sit out for a season, play at D2 or D3, or play for a junior college. Currently, the NCAA prohibits baseball players from transferring schools mid-year. With these roster rules changing, this rule could change too, allowing players transfer mid-year.