Athletic Scholarships & Financials

Understanding Verbal Offers vs National Letters of Intent

One of the most confusing aspects of college recruiting is understanding the difference between verbal offers and National Letters of Intent (NLI). Families often think a verbal offer guarantees a scholarship, while coaches sometimes rescind offers without warning. Here's what you need to know about both to protect your family's interests.

Verbal Offers: What They Really Mean

Definition

A verbal offer is a coach's spoken promise of an athletic scholarship. It has no legal binding power and can be withdrawn at any time, for any reason, without penalty to the coach or school.

What Verbal Offers Include

• Scholarship percentage (e.g., "50% scholarship")
• Duration (usually one year, renewable)
• Conditions (maintaining GPA, athletic performance)
• Timeline for decision

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What Verbal Offers DON'T Include

• Legal protection - Can be withdrawn anytime
• Guaranteed playing time - Never part of scholarship offers
• Four-year guarantee - Usually one year renewable
• Written documentation - Often just spoken promises

The Reality of Verbal Offers

Why Coaches Make Verbal Offers

• Test your interest without committing resources
• Speed up your decision by creating urgency
• Secure early commitments from top prospects
• Maintain recruiting momentum in competitive situations

When Verbal Offers Get Withdrawn

Coaching changes: New coaches aren't bound by previous offers Better recruits: Coaches may upgrade their recruiting class Academic issues: Poor grades or test scores disqualify you Athletic concerns: Injury or performance decline Program needs change: Position needs shift with transfers/returns

Real Examples

• Football coach offers 80% scholarship in June, withdraws in August when higher-ranked recruit becomes available
• Soccer coach makes verbal offer, gets fired, new coach honors no previous commitments
• Baseball player receives verbal offer as junior, suffers injury senior year, offer disappears

National Letters of Intent (NLI): Legal Protection

Definition

The NLI is a legally binding contract between you and the college that guarantees:

• Athletic scholarship for one academic year
• Admission to the institution (if you meet academic requirements)
• Your commitment to attend that school

Key NLI Facts

• Binding on both parties - You must attend, they must honor scholarship
• One year guarantee - Renewable but not guaranteed beyond first year
• Only during designated signing periods - Cannot be signed anytime
• Limited exceptions for getting out of the agreement

NLI Signing Periods (2025)

Early Period: November (varies by sport) Regular Period: February/April (varies by sport) Late Period: August (limited sports)

Note: Signing periods vary by sport - check NCAA website for specific dates

The Gap Between Verbal and Written

Timeline Reality

Verbal offers: Can happen anytime (within NCAA rules) NLI signing: Only during designated periods, often months later The gap: Vulnerable period where offers can disappear

What Happens in Between

• Other recruits may receive better offers
• Coaching staff changes can void previous commitments
• Your performance may improve or decline
• Academic issues may arise
• Family circumstances may change

Protecting Yourself and Your Family

Get Details in Writing

While not legally binding, written communication shows seriousness:

• Email confirmation of scholarship percentage
• Written outline of renewal conditions
• Academic requirements specified
• Timeline for NLI signing

Ask the Right Questions

1. "What could cause this offer to be withdrawn?"
2. "How many other players are you recruiting for my position?"
3. "What happens if you leave or get fired?"
4. "Can you put the offer details in writing?"
5. "What are the academic requirements I must maintain?"

Document Everything

• Screenshot or save all text messages
• Forward recruiting emails to a dedicated folder
• Keep records of phone call dates and content
• Track all communication with coaches

Red Flags to Watch For

Verbal Offer Red Flags

• Pressure to commit immediately - "This offer expires today"
• Vague scholarship details - "We'll find money for you"
• No written follow-up - Won't put anything in writing
• Avoiding questions about offer conditions
• Multiple "final" deadlines that keep extending

Coach Red Flags

• New to the program - May not honor predecessor's offers
• Hot seat situation - Job security issues
• Recent recruiting violations - Program instability
• High player transfer rate - May not honor commitments

What to Do When You Get a Verbal Offer

Immediate Steps

1. Thank the coach professionally and express interest
2. Ask for details about scholarship percentage, conditions, timeline
3. Request written confirmation via email
4. Ask about their recruiting timeline and other prospects
5. Discuss with family before making any commitments

Before Verbally Committing

• Visit the campus if possible
• Meet with academic advisors about your intended major
• Talk to current players about their experience
• Research coaching staff stability and program culture
• Have backup options ready

Common Misconceptions

"Verbal Commits Are Binding"

Myth: Once you verbally commit, you can't change your mind Reality: Verbal commitments work both ways - neither side is legally bound

"Coaches Always Honor Verbal Offers"

Myth: Coaches are honorable and always keep their word Reality: Coaching is business - offers get withdrawn regularly

"Getting Better Offers Is Unethical"

Myth: You can't consider other offers after verbally committing Reality: Until you sign an NLI, you can consider all options

The National Letter of Intent Process

When You Can Sign

• Only during designated periods for your sport
• Must have turned 17 and completed junior year
• Must meet initial eligibility requirements
• Must be admitted to the institution

What Signing Guarantees

For the athlete:

• One year of athletic scholarship
• Admission to the school (if academically qualified)
• Protection from recruiting by other schools

For the school:

• Your commitment to attend their institution
• Protection from losing you to other programs
• Certainty in their recruiting class

Getting Out of an NLI

Very limited exceptions:

• Coaching staff completely changes
• Program receives significant NCAA sanctions
• You become permanently unable to participate
• Academic program you want is discontinued

Cost of breaking NLI:

• Loss of eligibility for one year
• Must serve residency requirement at new school
• Scholarship forfeited

Smart Strategies for Families

Multiple Options Strategy

• Keep multiple coaches interested until NLI signing
• Don't burn bridges with honest communication
• Maintain academic excellence to preserve options
• Continue showcasing until you sign

Communication Strategy

• Be honest about your timeline and other interests
• Professional always - today's backup could be tomorrow's best option
• Regular updates to maintain relationships
• Respectful declining of offers you won't accept

Backup Plan Strategy

• Academic safety schools where you can still play
• Lower division options that value your abilities
• Financial backup plans if athletic aid doesn't materialize
• Transfer opportunities if first choice doesn't work out

Questions to Ask Coaches

About the Verbal Offer

1. What exact percentage of scholarship are you offering?
2. What could cause this offer to be withdrawn?
3. How many other players are you recruiting for my position?
4. When do you expect to finalize your recruiting class?
5. Can you provide this information in writing?

About the Program

1. How long have you been the head coach here?
2. What's your coaching philosophy and style?
3. What are your academic expectations for players?
4. What happens to scholarships if coaches leave?
5. How many players have transferred out recently?

The Bottom Line

Verbal offers are promises, not guarantees. They show genuine interest but provide no legal protection. The National Letter of Intent is your only protection, but it comes with its own binding commitments.

Smart approach:

• Appreciate verbal offers but don't rely on them completely
• Keep multiple options open until NLI signing
• Get details in writing when possible
• Have backup plans at multiple levels
• Make decisions based on your family's best interests

Remember: College recruiting is ultimately a business transaction. While most coaches are honorable, protect your family by understanding exactly what verbal offers do and don't guarantee.

For more guidance on evaluating offers and making decisions, see our article on How to Negotiate or Ask for More Aid.