NCAA Dead Period Calendar 2025–26 Recruiting Dates
NCAA Dead Period Calendar
2025–26 Recruiting Dates
Exact contact periods, evaluation periods, quiet periods, and dead periods for every major sport — so your athlete knows exactly when coaches can and can't reach out.
Dates below are representative of typical NCAA Division I recruiting calendars. Always verify exact dates with the NCAA.org official calendar, as dates can shift slightly each year.
Period Types Explained
Contact Period
Coaches may have in-person contact with prospects off campus. Calls and texts allowed.
Evaluation Period
Coaches may watch prospects compete but cannot have off-campus in-person contact.
Quiet Period
In-person contact only on the college campus. No off-campus contact.
Dead Period
No in-person contact on or off campus. Phone, text, and email still allowed.
Football (FBS/FCS)
Spring Evaluation Period
April 1 – May 31
Evaluation PeriodSummer Dead Period
June 1 – July 31
Dead PeriodFall Contact Period
August 1 – November 30
Contact PeriodEarly Signing Period
December 4–6
Contact PeriodWinter Dead Period
December 7 – January 11
Dead PeriodNational Signing Day
February 5
Contact PeriodMen's Basketball
Spring Evaluation Period
April 15 – May 15
Evaluation PeriodSummer Live Period
July 6–9 & July 20–23
Evaluation PeriodSummer Dead Period
All other July dates
Dead PeriodFall Contact Period
October 1 – November 7
Contact PeriodEarly Signing Period
November 8–15
Contact PeriodSpring Signing Period
April 17 – May 21
Contact PeriodBaseball
Spring Contact Period
February 1 – May 31
Contact PeriodSummer Dead Period
June 1 – June 30
Dead PeriodSummer Evaluation Period
July 1 – July 31
Evaluation PeriodFall Contact Period
August 1 – November 8
Contact PeriodEarly Signing Period
November 8–15
Contact PeriodWinter Quiet Period
December 1 – January 31
Quiet PeriodSoccer
Spring Contact Period
February 1 – May 31
Contact PeriodSummer Evaluation Period
June 1 – July 31
Evaluation PeriodFall Contact Period
August 1 – November 30
Contact PeriodEarly Signing Period
November 8–15
Contact PeriodWinter Dead Period
December 1 – January 31
Dead PeriodVolleyball
Spring Contact Period
February 1 – May 31
Contact PeriodSummer Evaluation Period
June 1 – July 31
Evaluation PeriodFall Contact Period
August 1 – November 30
Contact PeriodEarly Signing Period
November 8–15
Contact PeriodWinter Dead Period
December 1 – January 31
Dead PeriodSoftball
Spring Contact Period
February 1 – May 31
Contact PeriodSummer Evaluation Period
June 1 – July 31
Evaluation PeriodFall Contact Period
August 1 – November 30
Contact PeriodEarly Signing Period
November 8–15
Contact PeriodWinter Dead Period
December 1 – January 31
Dead PeriodWhat to Do During Dead Periods
Keep sending emails and texts to coaches — communication is still allowed
Use the time to research schools and update your recruiting profile
Attend camps and showcases — coaches can watch but not approach you
Follow up on any outstanding official visit invitations
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- Year-by-year recruiting timeline (9th–12th grade)
- Coach outreach email templates that get replies
- NCAA eligibility & GPA requirements by division
- Official visit prep checklist