Home » How to Earn a Roster Spot in College Football: Persistence Pays Off

How to Earn a Roster Spot in College Football: Persistence Pays Off

How to Earn a Roster Spot in College Football: Persistence Pays Off

Want to know the real difference between players who get a spot — and those who don’t?

It’s not always speed.
It’s not always size.
It’s persistence.

If you’re not getting offers right away, that doesn’t mean you’re done. In fact, many players earn their place by simply refusing to quit. Here’s how to earn a roster spot in college football — and why staying persistent is often the key to getting recruited.

🔒 No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Trusted by athletes, parents and coaches every month.

✅ Roster Spots Don’t Always Go to the Flashiest Player

Coaches don’t just look for talent — they look for fit, dependability, and drive.

✅ Teams need special teams players, scout team guys, and role players
✅ Coaches fill spots based on need, timing, and attitude
✅ You may not be the first pick — but you can be the right one

📌 Tip: Your film is important — but how you follow up and show effort is just as crucial.


✅ How to Show Coaches You’re Worth a Roster Spot

Coaches want to know one thing: Can I count on this kid?

✅ Reach out consistently and professionally
✅ Stay in shape and keep training — even after the season
✅ Update your highlight tape with new footage or combine clips
✅ Be coachable in every conversation and on social media

📌 Tip: Treat every message, DM, or email like an interview — because it is.


✅ Use College Football Openings to Find Real-Time Needs

You don’t need to cold-email 100 schools and hope.

✅ Go to CollegeFootballOpenings.com
✅ Filter by position, class year, and division
✅ Reach out to coaches who are actively building their rosters

📌 Tip: Mention what makes you valuable: versatility, leadership, speed, GPA — give coaches a reason to follow up.


✅ Don’t Be Afraid to Walk On

Many full-ride athletes started as walk-ons who proved they belonged.

✅ Walk-on players often earn scholarships after year one
✅ It gives you a chance to be seen, compete, and grow
✅ If you’re coachable and relentless, you’ll earn respect fast

📌 Tip: Ask coaches if they have PWO (preferred walk-on) options available — especially at D1 FCS, D2, and NAIA programs.


✅ Persistence = Progress

Here’s what most players get wrong: they stop too early.

✅ One email isn’t enough
✅ One tryout isn’t everything
✅ If you’re improving weekly and showing up consistently, you’re already separating yourself

📌 Tip: Keep a weekly routine: check openings, send 3–5 targeted emails, post workouts or clips online, and stay ready.


🔥 Final Thoughts

If you want to know how to earn a roster spot in college football, remember this:

✅ Keep showing up
✅ Keep improving
✅ Keep reaching out

The players who stay in the game the longest are the ones who eventually break through.

👉 Ready to start now? Visit College Football Openings and find programs still recruiting for your position and class year. Because in football — and in life — persistence pays off.