For those players looking to play at the next level, the college commitment is a big step. But what does the commitment really mean? A verbal commitment is non-binding. The school offers the athlete, and the athlete commits to their intent to attend the school. In D1 this can happen August 1 before the junior year of high school. It used to be allowable much earlier. The pressure was on the schools to find and commit the projectable athletes, and then hope they develop as expected and be able to compete at that level.
The verbal agreement, when announced, effectively halted the pursuit of committed players by other schools. As time passes, the player assumes that the mutual commitment is intact until signing day approaches. Sometime between the last summer or fall showcase and signing day, the school informs the player they no longer have a roster spot for them. The search begins again, but with a lot less time to find an alternative.
The player or the coach can initiate the de-commitment. School acceptance and enrollment can present another roadblock. Coaches have usually researched and addressed any concerns prior to making an offer. The verbal commitment establishes expectations for both the player and the coach, but it does not guarantee a roster spot or scholarship.
The Causes
What are the drivers behind a de-commit? Some players de-commit when there is a coaching change at the school. Schools expect some de-commits because of coaching changes, since many of the players have established relationships with the coach versus the school itself.
As situations change for the coaches, they need to restructure their rosters. This leads to coaches informing players that they no longer have a roster spot or scholarship money for them. Rosters may need to be restructured due to injuries, players getting drafted, and recently due to 5th year players being eligible. Coaches recruit a team, not just individual players. They need to fill positions in order for the team to be able to compete. With the roster sizes decreasing, now at 34 (plus some DSAs and 5th years), they can’t afford to have too many players set positions or with limited versatility.
Sometimes between the commitment and the approach to signing day, the coach determines the player has not developed as expected. The coach will then let the player know that he no longer has a spot available. A lot of coach-initiated de-commits happen late summer or early fall of the players’ senior year in high school. As coaches watch the players through the summer and early Fall, they realize that they have not progressed as expected. There has been a lot of discussion about whether the Jupiter, FL tournament is worth it, since it happens in the fall. If you are not at peak readiness, the exposure may do more harm than good.
Often it just comes down to a recruiting decision by the coach. He may have committed more than he will need, and wants to adjust prior to everyone making it on campus. Over-committing can be an issue. If you have 50+ players arriving in the fall, and you need to cut down to 34 or so by December 1, it’s easier to make some of those decisions earlier.
The Effects
De-commits from either the player or the coach can impact the team, the school, and the relationship between the player and the coach. It’s a non-binding agreement, but there should be some respect for the agreement from both sides. Over-committing just to be safe is not the best situation, and will negatively impact the coach’s and school’s reputation, making it more difficult to recruit quality players in the future. Understanding the pressure on coaches to win NOW makes it difficult to maintain a balance.
As coaches de-commit players, it affects the player financially. If they are counting on scholarship money or need to find another school, it may be too late to receive the aid they may need. As a player it is important to consider where you are in the recruiting mix. How many others at your position are there on the roster? How many returners versus new recruits? What about portal players or transfers? All of these will impact potential roster decisions.
Late roster and scholarship decisions can significantly erode trust in the player-coach relationship. Player initiated de-commits can also impact that relationship. Coaches talk too, and a late de-commit could negatively impact other opportunities.
As you look to commit, realize that it is non-binding. Do your homework to understand the prospective team’s needs, processes, and past practice to ensure you understand where you are. We have seen the recruiting timelines slow down with the rule changes recently. Coaches tried to lock-up recruits really early, but with the transfers and portal players, they are taking their time to fill spots. For some high schoolers, it can be frustrating to see offers coming later and later.
Players, stay aware! Have a backup plan. Even though you committed, don’t treat it like a guarantee. Maybe at some point, the NCAA will have “early signings.” If the coach really wants you, he can sign you early. Then, at least, you know where you stand for the first year. If they don’t offer you to sign early, that would also let you know how high on their recruiting list you are.