When coaches can talk, and when they cannot.

The NCAA recruiting calendar controls when coaches can contact prospects, visit schools, and attend games. Coaches know this calendar cold. Prospects often do not. That gap costs kids.

The four periods.

Contact period: Coaches can have in-person contact with prospects off campus and at events. This is the most open window. Evaluation period: Coaches can attend events to evaluate prospects, but cannot have in-person contact off campus. Quiet period: Coaches can meet prospects on campus only, not off campus or at events. Dead period: No in-person contact anywhere.

Key points for San Diego kids.

September 1 before senior year is historically when the contact period fully opens for most FBS programs for Class of 2027 seniors. Week 1 games often fall before or right at that date. Coaches in the stands can evaluate — they may not approach players.

The October/November evaluation windows are when coaches travel to watch regular-season games. That is when good film from your Friday nights in San Diego directly affects your recruiting.

What SD Prospects has posted on X.

We have referenced these dates publicly: the NCAA amateurism rules that took effect around April 1, and the late October/November windows for FBS evaluations. For current dates — which change year to year — always confirm at ncaa.org.

This page is informational only. Rules change; the NCAA official calendar is always the authoritative source.