Transfer Portal Era: FCS or Junior College for FBS Aspirations?

[BigMann08]

Recently, I've observed many qualifying players with FCS offers opting for community college football instead.

In the era of the transfer portal, for players aiming to compete at the FBS level, is it more advantageous to initially accept scholarships at FCS schools or to attend junior colleges, particularly considering development opportunities and visibility to scouts?

 

[Macallan]

I have always thought about it in terms of finances. One can go to a juco for free. If the FCS offer is a full boat, then go to the FCS school. There are more than a few NorCal student-athletes that have gone juco out of high school and then went on to big time FBS football. Obviously it is a small percentage. But for the overwhelming majority of student-athletes looking to continue playing beyond HS, juco is usually the best route, and for two main reasons: 1- Juco is free, 2- the offer coming out of juco will be significantly better than the offer out of HS.

 

[BigMann08]

Indeed! The financial factor is a huge component! Right alongside of academic/athletic readiness, location, program fit, etc.

JuCo is an incredible option.