The Decision That Shapes Your Life

Choosing where to play college football isn’t just a sports decision — it’s a life decision. The school you pick can shape the people you meet, the career you pursue, the values you form, and the perspective you carry for the rest of your life.

And yet, most of us are asked to make that choice at just 16 to 18 years old.

I’ve stood at that crossroad not once, but three times — first out of high school, then entering my first year of grad school, and again for my final year of eligibility. I’ve felt the pressure, asked the questions, and lived through the results.

This post isn’t about telling you the "right" school to choose. Everyone’s goals are different. But I want to share the questions and lessons that helped guide my decisions. My hope is that it gives you — or someone you care about — a better framework for one of the biggest choices a young athlete can make.

Ask Yourself: “What if?”

When I was first going through recruiting, someone asked me: “What if your football career ended tomorrow — would you still be happy at this school?”

At the time, it didn’t hit me. But after six years in college football, I now believe it’s the most important question you can ask yourself.

Injuries happen. Coaching changes happen. Life happens. I’ve seen teammates go from scholarship athletes to regular students overnight. In those moments, what matters isn’t the locker room or the stadium — it’s the people around you, the environment you live in, and how much you enjoy being a student at that school.

There will be tough times — bad days, bad weeks, maybe even bad seasons. But if you genuinely like where you’re living, if the town and campus feel like home, your mental health and overall well-being will be stronger. And ironically, that leads to better performance on the field too.

So ask yourself: Would I be happy here without football? If the answer is yes, you’re already ahead.

Think About Life After Football

Here’s a hard truth: not everyone makes it to the league. You may have the talent, drive, and belief — and you should — but the numbers don’t lie. Thousands of players compete every year for 32 NFL rosters.

That’s why it’s so important to think about your long-term goals. What do you want your life to look like after football?

Let’s say you’re passionate about flying. There are schools that have both strong football programs and top-tier aviation departments. Want to be a doctor? Engineer? Entrepreneur? You can use football as a vehicle to access world-class education in those fields.

You don’t need to have your entire life figured out at 17. But you can be strategic. Don’t treat college like a chore you just have to get through. Use it as a launchpad to the life you want — whatever that looks like.

Don’t Choose a School for a Coach

One of the toughest lessons I’ve learned: coaches come and go. Fast.

In my six years of college football, I played for four different head coaches and five different position coaches. Some were gone just weeks after I arrived. That coach who recruited you, who you bonded with, who “gets you”? There’s a good chance they’ll move on — sometimes before your first game.

It’s not personal — it’s just the nature of college football. Coaches are constantly climbing the ladder, being hired, promoted, or let go.

So here’s the takeaway: don’t choose a school because of a coach. Choose it because it’s a place where you can grow — as a student, an athlete, and a person — no matter who’s on the sideline.

Make a Thoughtful Decision

There’s no perfect formula. And I’m not here to hand out one-size-fits-all advice. But I have been through this process — multiple times — and I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t.

The college decision is huge. It’s one of the most influential choices you'll ever make. But it doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you ask the right questions:

• Would I still love this school without football?

• Does this place help me get where I want to go in life?

• Am I choosing this school or just a coach?

At RecruitSync, we know how stressful this time can be. If you need guidance, have questions, or just want someone to talk through your options with — we’re here to help.

Feel free to reach out to me directly at Jared@recruitsync.net. I’d love to support you any way I can.