At the top levels of college track and field, the line between amateur and professional athletics is increasingly blurred. The level of competition is so elite that divisions no longer define the caliber of talent. Whether you’re in Division I, II, or III, if you’re not capable of holding your own against some of the world’s best athletes, winning an NCAA championship is unlikely.

This reality was on full display during the U.S. Olympic Trials, where not only college athletes from every division competed, but high school athletes were also present. Many of these athletes didn’t just participate—they excelled, with several even going on to win medals at the Paris Olympics. The level of competition is that high.

But if you’re a high school athlete aspiring to compete at the collegiate level, particularly at Division I powerhouses, the road ahead is steeper than most realize. Let’s break down the realities of recruitment, the level of talent required, and the challenges facing aspiring college track athletes.

The Increasing Challenge of Getting Recruited

The landscape of track and field recruitment is more competitive than ever. As someone who works closely with high school athletes, I’ve seen many talented individuals make the same mistakes over and over again. There is a lot of misinformation circulating about what it takes to get recruited, largely because few people are speaking directly to the track and field community.

In my role managing the national rankings for every high school class, I meet one-on-one with athletes and their families, helping them navigate the often confusing process of recruitment. One of the most common misconceptions I hear is the idea that simply wanting to compete in Division I, particularly in a Power Five conference, is enough. The reality is far more complicated.

What It Takes to Get Noticed by Power Conference Programs

When recruits say they want to compete in Division I, most are referring to the top-tier programs they see on TV—schools like LSU, Texas, Florida, Arkansas, and USC. These programs, especially those in the SEC, are essentially professional track and field teams disguised as college athletics. Their resources, facilities, and recruiting budgets far surpass those of most other schools, which is why athletes are drawn to them.

But here’s the catch: these programs are only looking for the best of the best. In fact, many of the top schools are set to adopt a new NCAA rule that limits their rosters to just 45 athletes. Some programs may even have to cut current team members to meet these new limits. If you’re an aspiring recruit, this means the competition for spots is only going to intensify.

So, what kind of athlete are these programs looking for? Typically, they’re after five-star recruits—those who rank at the very top of the national leaderboards. They want athletes who are consistently performing at an elite level, such as those ranked in the top 10 nationally for at least one event. At the very least, they want athletes ranked within the top 25 of their class in multiple events. Simply winning a state championship is no longer enough to guarantee recruitment at this level.

Competing with the World’s Best: The Global Reach of NCAA Recruiting

Another often-overlooked aspect of college track recruitment is the global nature of the talent pool. Top programs are not just scouting American athletes—they’re looking internationally. For example, before Julien Alfred became a 100-meter champion at the Paris Olympics, she was running for the University of Texas. Despite her international status, Texas recruited her because they recognized her ability to help them win championships. The same can be said for other top international athletes like Rhasidat Adeleke, who represented Ireland in the Olympic 400-meter final but also competed for Texas.

As a result, if you’re a U.S. high school athlete vying for a spot on a top-tier NCAA team, you’re not just competing against your peers—you’re competing against the best athletes in the world. Unless you can prove you’re better than these international stars, your chances of getting recruited are slim.

What You Need to Do to Get Recruited

To be considered by top-tier Division I programs, you need to be competing at the highest levels of high school track and field. This means participating in meets like the New Balance Outdoor Nationals, Nike Outdoor Nationals, or the USA Track and Field Junior Championships. More importantly, you need to be a contender in those meets, making it to the finals in your event.

Even if you’re not at the very top, being ranked in the top 10 or 25 nationally for your class in multiple events can still catch a recruiter’s eye. At a minimum, a recruit considered for a Power Five conference should be a low four-star athlete, with a rating of at least 80 on the national recruiting list. For example, a high school boy who runs a wind-legal 100-meter dash in 10.52 seconds would meet this threshold.

But remember, getting recruited is one thing; securing a scholarship is an entirely different conversation. While you may be able to earn a spot on a team, a scholarship may not always follow unless you are performing at an elite level.

Conclusion: The Reality of Competing in College Track and Field

The dream of competing for a major college track and field program is one that many athletes share, but few fully understand the level of commitment and talent required to make that dream a reality. For those aiming to compete in Division I, particularly in the Power Five conferences, the competition is fierce, and the pool of talent is global.

If you’re serious about pursuing this path, be prepared to put in the work. Competing in high-level meets, ranking on national leaderboards, and reaching out to coaches are all critical steps. But most importantly, understand that when you step onto the track with the fastest athletes in the world, someone is always going to look slow. Make sure it’s not you.

LOOK GOOD, FEEL GOOD, RUN GOOD.

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