What D1 Coaches REALLY Want in Recruits (2026)

In this laid-back, family-focused conversation, a Division I FCS head coach, Shawn Watson, with 40 years of experience breaks down what really matters in recruiting in 2026, beyond highlights and measurables. You’ll hear why character and long-term life plans are a separating factor, how the transfer portal has accelerated everything, and why camps, calls, FaceTime, and real relationships are now critical to getting on a coach’s radar. Coach Watson also shares the exact questions recruits should ask to get clarity, “Where do I stand on your board?”, how parents can support without taking over, and what makes the Wofford academic + alumni network a legitimate “life after football” advantage.⁣⁣Want Some 1:1 Help With Getting Your Son a College Football Scholarship? Click Here To Learn More & Schedule Your 15 Minute Scholarship Evaluation:⁣https://gonextplay.com/book-evaluation-call?el=youtube-org⁣⁣Click Here to Register for My Free Live Training:⁣https://gonextplay.com/free-training?el=richie-yt-bio⁣⁣📖 Get a FREE copy of Richie’s #1 bestselling book, where he shares how he earned a D1 football scholarship at just 5'7" and 150 lbs—so your son can too:⁣https://gonextplay.com/free⁣⁣Follow us on different Social Media Platforms:⁣IG: https://www.instagram.com/richiecontartesi?igsh=MWlmaTZyZ2lnMGg3bw==⁣X: https://x.com/richcontartesi?s=11⁣TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@richiecontartesi?_r=1&_t=ZG-