Didn’t get a scholarship offer? That doesn’t mean your football career is over.
Every year, determined athletes prove their worth by earning a spot through a college football walk-on tryout — and many go on to become starters, captains, and even NFL prospects. If you’re willing to grind, learn, and prove yourself, you absolutely can walk on.
This blog breaks down how to walk on to a college football team, the steps you need to take, and how to increase your odds of success.
✅ Understand the Two Types of Walk-On Opportunities
Not all walk-ons are treated the same — here’s the difference:
✅ Preferred Walk-On (PWO): You’re invited to join the team with no guaranteed scholarship, but you have a spot
✅ Tryout Walk-On: You attend an open tryout and compete for a spot on the roster
📌 Tip: If you can secure a preferred walk-on spot, you’ll avoid the risk of getting cut before the season starts — but either path requires effort and preparation.
✅ How to Find Walk-On Opportunities
These opportunities aren’t always public — you have to know where to look and who to contact.
✅ Email the recruiting coordinator or position coach to ask about walk-on options
✅ Check College Football Openings for programs still filling out their roster
✅ Look at lower-division and smaller-school programs where depth is still needed
📌 Tip: Include your highlight tape, position, GPA, and graduation year when you reach out. Even walk-ons need to show value fast.
✅ What Coaches Look for in Walk-Ons
They’re not expecting you to be perfect — but they are expecting you to hustle.
✅ High-effort, low-drama athletes who contribute on scout team or special teams
✅ Athletes who take practice seriously and bring up the energy level
✅ Players who stay eligible, stay healthy, and stay ready to step in
📌 Tip: Be known for how you prepare and how you compete — coaches always notice the walk-ons who treat it like a full-time job.
✅ Prepare for the Walk-On Tryout
If you’re going the open tryout route, you’ll likely get 1 shot to prove yourself.
✅ Be in peak physical shape — don’t show up undertrained
✅ Know your 40 time, bench, shuttle, and vertical — they will ask
✅ Bring your gear, transcripts, and proof of insurance if required
📌 Tip: Treat the tryout like a job interview. Be early, be respectful, and be locked in from the moment you step on the field.
✅ Make the Most of the Opportunity Once You’re In
Walking on is just the beginning — now it’s time to earn your spot every day.
✅ Be the hardest worker in the room
✅ Learn the playbook faster than anyone else
✅ Ask questions, take feedback, and stay coachable
✅ Be ready when your number is called — and stay humble when it isn’t
📌 Tip: Some of the most respected players in college football started as walk-ons. Your attitude and effort will define your path.
✅ Use College Football Openings to Find Programs That Welcome Walk-Ons
✅ Some programs openly state they are looking for walk-ons
✅ Others keep roster spots open for the right player — especially at the D2, D3, NAIA, and JUCO levels
✅ College Football Openings helps you find schools that are actively building their rosters right now
📌 Tip: Reach out even if you don’t see a walk-on listing — coaches are often open to it, especially if you fit a need.
🔥 Final Thoughts
Walking on to a college football team takes guts, commitment, and belief in yourself.
But it’s been done — and you can do it too.
✅ The path may be harder, but the reward is real: a chance to wear the jersey, be part of a brotherhood, and prove you belong.
✅ Don’t wait for permission — show up, stand out, and earn your spot.
👉 Head to College Football Openings today and find programs still recruiting. Whether it’s a scholarship or a walk-on spot, your opportunity is out there — if you’re ready to take it.
ADDITIONAL RELEVANT INFORMATION
Can Walk-Ons Earn a Scholarship?
Absolutely — earning a spot as a walk-on is just the first step. Prove yourself on and off the field, and you can put yourself in line for an athletic scholarship down the road. Coaches regularly reward walk-ons who outwork scholarship athletes, contribute on special teams, or fill a key role during the season.
It’s not an overnight process, but if you keep grinding, stay eligible, and make an impact, that scholarship offer could be yours. Plenty of walk-ons at powerhouse schools have ended up with full rides after relentless effort.
Balancing Football and Academics
Walking on isn’t just a physical grind—it’s a juggling act with your classes, too.
Here’s how to stay on top of both:
- Plan your schedule wisely: Before the semester kicks off, map out practices, lifting sessions, and study blocks so nothing sneaks up on you.
- Communicate early: Let your professors know you’re on the team, especially if games or travel could affect class attendance—they’ll appreciate the heads-up.
- Use every resource: Take advantage of tutoring, study halls, and campus academic centers for athletes (they’re there for a reason).
- Stay disciplined: Treat schoolwork like another training block—knock out assignments early, and never play catch-up.
Tip: The most successful walk-ons are usually the ones who manage their time like pros. Coaches and professors both respect a player who shows up prepared—in the classroom and on the field.
Leverage Connections Within the Team
Building relationships with teammates can open unexpected doors. When you earn the trust and respect of current players, they might be the first to hear about an open spot or a position switch—and they’re often willing to put in a good word for hardworking walk-ons. Players vouching for you can make a difference when roster changes come up or when coaches are filling special teams roles.
Tip: Show up, help others, and be the kind of teammate people root for—your network can become your biggest asset in sticking around and moving up.