If you’re wondering how to try out for college football, you’re already ahead of most players.
Honestly… so many athletes wait too long, get confused, or don’t even know where to start. I’ve seen talented guys miss their shot simply because nobody explained the process in simple words.

The truth is… getting on a college football team is not just about being good. It’s about knowing what coaches look for, how recruiting works, and how to get yourself noticed.

What Coaches Look for in College Football Tryouts

Before you even start the tryout process, it helps to know what college coaches actually want.

Most coaches look for:

• Speed and explosion
  
• Strength and conditioning
  
• Position-specific skills
  
• Football IQ
  
• Coachability
  
• Academic eligibility
  
• Consistency, not one good play

Think about this… a coach won’t recruit someone who can run fast but can’t stay eligible, show up on time, or follow instructions.

How to Try Out for College Football

Let’s walk through the whole process in a simple way.

1. Understand the Two Ways Players Make a College Team

There are only two paths:

A. Being Recruited

This is when coaches find you through:

• High school games
  
• Camps and showcases
  
• Recruiting websites
  
• Hudl film
  
• Referrals from your coaches

This is the most common way players get onto a roster.

B. Walking On

This is when you contact the college and ask to join the team as a walk-on.
You’re not guaranteed anything, but you get a chance to prove yourself.

This guide covers both.

2. Make Sure You Meet Academic Requirements

This part is not fun to talk about… but it’s the most important.

To play NCAA football, you need:

• A qualifying GPA
  
• Required core classes
  
• SAT or ACT (some schools are test-optional, but requirements vary)
  
• Eligibility through the NCAA Eligibility Center

3. Build a Football Resume

A football resume helps coaches evaluate you quickly.

Include:

• Full name and contact info
  
• Height, weight, position
  
• GPA / test scores
  
• High school and graduation year
  
• Stats (honors, awards, numbers)
  
• Link to highlight film
  
• Coach references

Keep it simple and clean.

4. Create a Strong Highlight Tape

Coaches watch film before anything else.

A good highlight video should be:

• 2–4 minutes
  
• Your best plays first
  
• Clear, close-up, easy to follow
  
• Focused on your position skills

If you’re a RB → show cuts, vision, breakaway speed
If you’re a WR → routes, hands, yards after catch
If you’re a LB → tackling, pursuit, reads
If you’re OL → footwork, power, technique

In my experience… A bad film kills chances faster than a slow 40 time.

5. Contact College Coaches Directly

Most players wait for coaches to message them.
That’s a mistake.

Here’s how to reach out:

Step 1

Find the coaching staff emails on the school’s athletics website.

Step 2

Send a simple email:

• Introduce yourself
  
• Include your GPA
  
• Include your highlight link
  
• Attach your football resume
  
• Tell them why you’re interested in their program

Step 3

Follow up every 3–4 weeks.

Coaches get thousands of emails.
Be polite and consistent.

Common Mistakes Players Make

• Waiting too long to start recruiting
  
• No highlight film
  
• Poor academics
  
• Not emailing coaches
  
• Showing up to tryouts out of shape
  
• Only aiming for Division I
  
• Bad communication
  
• Not knowing the playbook at tryouts

Avoid these and your chances improve instantly.

FAQs

Can anyone try out for college football

You must meet academic requirements, get medical clearance, and follow the school’s walk-on process.

How hard is it to walk on to a college football team

It’s not easy, but thousands of walk-ons make rosters every year. With great film, athletic ability, and discipline, it’s very possible.

Do walk-ons get scholarships

Not at first. But many walk-ons earn scholarships later after proving themselves.

Can you play college football with no experience

It’s rare, but possible at smaller schools if you’re athletic and willing to learn fast.

Do you need film to get recruited

Yes. Film is the #1 thing coaches evaluate.

What age is simply too overdue to play university soccer

As long as you meet NCAA eligibility rules and have amateur status, age is not the problem. Skill and fitness matter more.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to try out for college football is not as scary as it seems.
Once you understand the process, build your film, contact coaches, and train the right way, your chances get a lot better.