Lower-tier college football coaches are confronting the reality of losing top draft talent to FBS programs, marking a significant shift in the landscape of college football. For the first time since the 1978 split, no FCS players were selected in the first three rounds of the NFL Draft, with only four from FCS overall. Coaches like Southeastern Louisiana's Frank Scelfo highlight the financial allure of FBS, leading to smaller programs' best talents being scooped up. The trend has coaches adapting by focusing heavily on the transfer portal to remain competitive, reflecting a changing dynamic where traditional recruitment methods are becoming obsolete.

By the Numbers
  • Only 4 players were selected from FCS in the NFL Draft, compared to 20 a decade ago.
  • 239 of the 257 NFL Draft picks came from Power Conference programs.
State of Play
  • Financial disparities between small colleges and FBS programs are widening, complicating talent retention.
  • Coaches are increasingly leveraging transfer portal strategies to build competitive teams.
What's Next

As FCS and lower-tier programs grapple with maintaining competitive rosters, a shift in recruitment strategies is likely to become more pronounced. Success in the transfer portal will take precedence over traditional recruitment, with small colleges prioritizing immediate-impact players. The mobility of athletes may create evolving pipelines to and from levels below FBS as institutional support and NIL opportunities continuously change.

Bottom Line

Coaches in lower-tier college football must adapt to a new reality where traditional recruitment alone is insufficient. Embracing the transfer portal and enhancing NIL opportunities are crucial strategies for retention and competitiveness. In a landscape defined by financial disparities, the ability to pivot quickly could make the difference between struggling to field a competitive team and achieving success.