You'll never get a straight answer to this recruiting question...
Why asking about playing time is the wrong question — and what to ask instead
Every summer, a version of the same question comes from recruits:
“How much playing time will I get?”
On the surface, it makes sense.
You want to know if the school that’s recruiting you really wants you, and sees you fitting into the starting lineup.
But here’s the thing…
That question has no good answer.
Because playing time in college is never guaranteed.
And more importantly, it’s not something any coach can promise you ahead of time.
Four Hard Truths About Playing Time
Here’s what I tell players on visits when this topic comes up:
1) Nobody can predict the future
If coaches are recruiting you, it’s because they think you have the potential to help our team.
But potential isn’t performance. And a lot can change between now and when you arrive on campus.
You might grow.
The team might evolve.
Someone ahead of you might break out… or transfer out.
Anyone giving you a confident answer is either guessing or saying what they think you want to hear.
Neither is useful.
2) Your high school resume means nothing here
Titles, awards, even your offer itself… they all get you in the door.
What happens next is up to you.
Scholarship or walk-on, freshman or fifth-year senior — the only thing that matters is what you do once you're in the building.
3) College sport is a fight
Every player on a college roster wants to play.
Nobody will hand over their minutes. without a fight. Not even to a recruit who was once “highly ranked.”
Playing time has to be earned every single day.
4) Coaches and players think about playing time differently
You want to play.
Coaches want to win.
Those things usually align — but not always.
Sometimes, your best won’t be enough.
Not because you didn’t try… but because someone else is a better bet for what the coaches want.
The best coaches will be up front with you about where you’re falling short.
It’s a tough pill to swallow. But it’s part of college sports.
One Thing That Works
Skip the question: “How much will I play?”
Instead, ask: “How do you make playing time decisions?”
It’s more revealing, more respectful, and far more likely to help you find the right fit.
That will tell you more about your future than any guarantee.
You’ll learn what the coach values and how they communicate.
And you’ll start to understand what you’ll need to do if and when you get your opportunity.
Reality Check
If you’re asking “How much will I play?” — you’re probably thinking too far ahead.
There’s no shortcut to a spot on the field; when you are recruited, all you are promised is a chance to go and earn it.
Later this week for paid subscribers, I’ll share what most players really don’t know about how playing time decisions are made once you're on a college roster — the behaviors coaches watch for, the conversations we have behind closed doors, and how to put yourself in a position to earn more minutes when it matters most.