The Recruiting Game

Recruiting Reality: Level Gaps, JUCO Grind, Scholarships

From D3 starter to Washington’s national-title run and on to D2—Alex breaks down what really wins scholarships (and what doesn’t). We cover the full arc: choosing D3 for academics, betting on himself at JUCO, earning a shot at Washington during a title chase, and transferring to Tiffin for scheme fit and a finance degree. Alex explains the real differences between levels (size/speed/depth vs. skill), how preparation beats politics, and why “go where you’re wanted” is the most profitable recruiting rule. You’ll learn how to evaluate fit, keep every door open with coaches, and avoid D1-or-bust tunnel vision—plus hard-won tips for thriving in four-way QB battles and building relationships that pay off later.

Beating Nerves, Bias & Tryout Pressure with Weston

The honest walk-on blueprint—how to handle pressure, “old-school” coaches, and perform when your shot finally comes. Weston breaks down the mental game he wishes he had in high school: turning nerves into poise, dealing with volatile coaching, and avoiding the overthinking trap that stalls performance. We dig into his Colorado tryout experience (timelines, what actually happens, and how to prep), the “self 1 vs. self 2” shift for smoother mechanics, and why confidence isn’t a pep talk—it’s a practice. You’ll leave with practical cues for game day presence, social-pressure management (friends in the stands, coach bias), and a starter reading list: The Inner Game of Tennis, The Art of Learning, Body Mind Mastery, and Phil Jackson’s Sacred Hoops. Perfect for QBs, walk-on hopefuls, and any athlete chasing consistency under the lights.

D2 to D1: How Kia Won His Shot

From Hawaii to Division I—Kiai breaks down the exact moves that took him from D2 to Northern Colorado and how families can win the recruiting game. In this episode, Kiai shares the realities of football recruiting from an under-recruited state, why social media becomes your “national camp,” and how he leveraged data (bye weeks, staff activity, roster needs) to stand out in a crowded transfer portal. We unpack D2 vs. FCS differences (depth, speed, support staff), how to be intentional about your goals, and creative outreach tactics that actually get coaches to respond—plus how he helped his brother land a PwO at BYU. If you’re serious about football scholarships, recruiting strategy, and transfer-portal navigation, this is a step-by-step blueprint you can copy this week.

Late Start, Big Scholarship: Luke’s Recruiting Story

From JUCO setbacks to a full-ride scholarship—Luke’s story shows exactly what it takes to stand out in football recruiting. In this episode, Luke shares his unique path through JUCO football, a devastating ACL tear, and the lessons that ultimately landed him a scholarship at Quincy University. You’ll hear insider recruiting insights from his own experience and his work as a coach at Your First Scholarship: how to talk to college coaches with confidence (but not cockiness), what families often get wrong in the recruiting process, and why consistency on social media can make or break opportunities. We also dive into JUCO realities, the myth of division-level gaps, and the training principles that fueled Luke’s comeback.

D3 to D1: Will Straka’s Recruiting Journey

From D3 to Boston College: Will Straa shares how he leveled up through grit, strategy, and smart recruiting moves. In this episode, we sit down with Boston College linebacker and AthletesU co-founder Will Straka to unpack his incredible journey from a small-town D3 program to playing Power Four football. He dives deep into the reality of gray shirting, what really separates athletes at different levels, and how outreach (yes, emails!) opened unexpected doors in the transfer portal.