By identifying recruits who fit your scheme, you’ll get more out of  them on the field and maximize your program’s potential.

Look Beyond the Rankings: Discover Hidden Gems

Not every recruit will be a 5-star talent, but that doesn’t mean they’re not worthy of a scholarship. Hidden gems are recruits who may not have high rankings but possess the potential to become stars in your system.

Scouting is your best tool to identify these players.

    Lower-ranked recruits who possess great athleticism but may not have fully developed skills can often turn into breakout players.

    Recruits with specialized talents—such as speed, agility, or size—can sometimes be overlooked in rankings but may fit perfectly into your team’s needs.

Additionally, look for players who might have great intangibles—such as leadership, work ethic, and football IQ. These traits often get overlooked in rankings but can have a significant impact on a team’s success.

Hidden gems are often found in places where recruiting services don’t focus—such as small-town high schools or less competitive regions. If you scout wisely, you can uncover diamonds in the rough and develop them into key contributors on your roster.

Use Scouting Reports and Combine Results

In College Football 26, scouting reports and combine results provide a wealth of information on each recruit’s abilities. Scouting reports give you a detailed look at a recruit’s strengths and weaknesses, while combine results help you assess their athleticism and physical traits.

Combine results—such as 40-yard dash times, vertical jump, bench press reps, and agility drills—can be incredibly valuable when evaluating athleticism, especially for positions like wide receiver, defensive back, and linebacker. These reports provide additional insight that might not be captured in a player’s rankings but are crucial in determining how well they’ll perform in college football.