D2, D3 and NAIA Recruiting: Where Most College Athletic Careers Actually Happen

Why these levels deserve a serious look

Many families start recruiting with a Division I-or-bust mindset. It's understandable: those are the programs on TV. But together, Division II, Division III and NAIA schools make up a huge share of college programs in baseball, softball, football, soccer, lacrosse and basketball, and they're full of talented athletes who are developing, competing for championships and earning degrees.

The landscape at the top has also tightened. Following the 2025 House settlement, Division I schools that opted in moved to roster limits: for example, 34 in baseball, 25 in softball, 105 in football, 28 in men's and women's soccer, 48 in men's lacrosse, 38 in women's lacrosse and 15 in men's and women's basketball. Where those limits are below the roster sizes many programs used to carry, more strong athletes are choosing Division II, Division III, NAIA and junior college programs, which makes being well-positioned at those levels more important than ever.

How the levels differ

• NCAA Division II programs can offer athletic scholarships, often split across a roster as partial awards. Many D2 programs play an extremely competitive brand of their sport. Jeff Walker's son is one example: he "really developed over the course of his high school career and received a d2 scholarship."
• NCAA Division III schools don't offer athletic scholarships, but many offer meaningful academic and need-based aid. D3 includes some of the strongest academic institutions in the country.
• NAIA schools can offer athletic scholarships and operate under their own eligibility and recruiting rules, which often allow coaches more flexibility in contacting recruits. NAIA programs frequently recruit later into the cycle.

Each level has different rules, calendars and financial aid structures, and those vary by sport. Part of our job is explaining them clearly so your family can compare options apples to apples.

Recruiting at these levels is its own skill

Coaches at Division II, Division III and NAIA programs often have smaller staffs and tighter budgets than big Division I programs. They may not travel to every showcase or club event, and they lean heavily on video, camps and recommendations from people they trust. That's good news for a well-prepared athlete: a clear video, a thoughtful email and a credible reference can carry a lot of weight.

Timing matters differently too. Some of these programs make decisions earlier than families expect; others fill spots well into senior year. Knowing which is which, and keeping a balanced list across levels, is how athletes avoid being left without options in the spring.

Who's guiding the process

Chase Grant is a former Division I player and spent six years as the recruiting coordinator at Palomar College, where helping athletes move on to four-year programs at every level was part of the job. He's a long-time San Diego-area coach, a college professor, and he has relationships with current and former college coaches and mentors at many levels.

That experience means he knows how Division II, Division III and NAIA staffs evaluate athletes, and how to put your athlete in front of them in a way they take seriously.

Finding the right fit, not just any offer

At these levels, the right school depends on more than athletics. An athlete choosing between a Division II scholarship, a Division III school with strong academic aid and an NAIA program closer to home is comparing very different experiences. Playing time, coaching style, majors offered, campus size, distance from home and total cost after aid all deserve a place in the decision. We help families lay those factors side by side honestly.

The offer, plainly stated

$6,000 total per family, in every sport. $3,000 upfront, and $3,000 only when your athlete signs with a school or earns a college roster spot. If your athlete doesn't get a college roster spot, you get your money back. If your athlete suffers a career-ending injury, you get your money back.

What we do for D2, D3 and NAIA prospects

1. Evaluate where your athlete fits today and where they could be with development.
2. Build a list balancing athletic fit, academics, cost after aid and playing time.
3. Help your athlete present themselves well: film, emails and conversations with coaches.
4. Open doors through our network of coaches and mentors.
5. Help your family compare athletic, academic and need-based aid offers clearly.