When you're being recruited by college coaches, you'll hear terms like "verbal commitment," "official commitment," and references to signing agreements.
Understanding these different stages of the commitment process is critical, especially with recent major changes to NCAA rules. This guide explains what each term means, when they happen, and what makes a commitment binding.
🗣️ What is a Verbal Commitment?
A verbal commitment (also called a verbal offer) is when a student-athlete verbally agrees to attend a college and play for their program before signing any official paperwork. This can happen over the phone, during a campus visit, or through any conversation with a coach.
Key characteristics of verbal commitments:
Not binding ❌
Neither the athlete nor the school is legally obligated to follow through
Either party can change their mind at any time
No penalty for backing out
Can happen anytime 📅
There are no NCAA rules about when athletes can verbally commit
Most athletes commit during their junior or senior year of high school
Some athletes commit earlier, especially in high-profile sports like basketball and football
Common but unofficial 📣
Athletes often announce verbal commitments on social media
High schools may celebrate these commitments
Schools and coaches cannot publicly comment on verbal commitments until official paperwork is signed
Why athletes make verbal commitments:
Athletes commit verbally for several reasons:
To secure a roster spot before the coach offers it to someone else
To stop the recruiting process and focus on school and their sport
Because a coach has given them a deadline to decide
To signal to other programs they are no longer available
Important warning: Some coaches extend more verbal offers than roster spots available. A verbal commitment does not guarantee you will ultimately play at that school.
📝 What is an Official Commitment?
An official commitment happens when you sign a binding financial aid agreement with a college. This is the moment when your commitment becomes real and enforceable.
Major change in October 2024: The NCAA Division I and Division II eliminated the National Letter of Intent (NLI) program after 60 years. Athletes now sign Written Offers of Athletic Aid or Athletic Financial Aid Agreements instead.
What makes it official and binding:
Legally binding ✅
Once you sign, you commit to attending that school for one academic year
The school commits to providing the financial aid outlined in the agreement
This is a real legal contract between you and the institution
Ends recruiting 🛑
Other schools are prohibited from recruiting you once you sign
Coaches cannot contact you about their programs
Your recruiting process is officially complete
What's included in the agreement:
Athletic scholarships (if offered)
Academic scholarships
Merit-based aid
Need-based aid
Potentially revenue-sharing details (as new NCAA rules develop)
What replaced the National Letter of Intent:
The new Athletic Financial Aid Agreement serves the same core function as the NLI:
Creates a binding commitment between athlete and school
Guarantees financial aid for one academic year
Prohibits other schools from recruiting the athlete once signed
Uses the same signing dates as the old NLI system
🎯 Key Differences
Factor | Verbal Commitment | Official Commitment |
Binding? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
When can it happen? | Anytime | Only during signing periods (senior year) |
Can you change your mind? | ✅ Yes, no penalty | ⚠️ Yes, but requires transfer process |
Stops recruiting? | Informally | Yes, officially |
Requires paperwork? | No | Yes—signed agreement |
School obligation? | None | Must provide promised financial aid |
Public announcement? | Athlete can announce | School can announce after signing |
Legal contract? | No | Yes |
⚠️ What Happens if You Change Your Mind?
Backing out of a verbal commitment:
✅ No official penalty
⚠️ May damage relationship with that coaching staff
⚠️ Word can spread in the coaching community
✅ Generally accepted as part of the recruiting process
✅ Simply inform the coach and do not sign the financial aid agreement
📍 Division-Specific Rules
NCAA Division III 🎓
Does NOT use binding financial aid agreements
Does NOT offer athletic scholarships
Athletes sign "Celebratory Signing Forms" or "Letters of Intent" that are not binding
Commitment becomes real when athlete is admitted and enrolls
No official National Signing Day, but schools often celebrate during DI signing periods
Transfer rules are simpler—athletes must fill out NCAA Division III Self-Release form
NAIA 🏫
Uses its own Letter of Intent program (separate from NCAA)
Binding once signed
Generally more flexible eligibility rules than NCAA
Athletes can transfer to or from NAIA schools
Must register with NAIA Eligibility Center
Check with specific NAIA institution for their signing requirements and dates
NJCAA (Junior College) 🚀
Uses NJCAA Letter of Intent
Binding for one academic year
Different signing periods than NCAA
Football signing period begins February 5
Athletes often use JUCO as a pathway to transfer to four-year NCAA or NAIA schools
Transferring from JUCO to four-year schools follows NCAA transfer rules
💡 Important Tips for Student-Athletes
Before making a verbal commitment:
✅ Consider the academic fit, not just athletics
✅ Research the coaching staff's stability and history
✅ Visit campus if possible (take unofficial visits)
✅ Discuss thoroughly with family and trusted advisors
✅ Understand you're not locked in yet—it's not binding
✅ Ask about the typical scholarship amounts and what's guaranteed
When you're ready to sign officially:
📋 Read the entire financial aid agreement carefully—every word
💰 Understand exactly what financial aid is guaranteed and for how long
📅 Know the terms: one year, renewable, or multi-year?
❓ Ask questions about academic requirements to keep the scholarship
📝 Understand what happens if you get injured
👨👩👧 Have your parents or guardians review everything with you
⚖️ Consider having a lawyer review if the amount is substantial