Playing college football after serving in the military?

Hey, so here's my situation: I'm planning on enlisting in the military right after high school but I also want to play football at the college level someday. Is it possible to play college football after serving in the military? Curious about any potential age restrictions or recruit criteria. Thanks!

Hello! It's completely possible to play college football after serving in the military. In fact, some athletes have done exactly that and succeeded. NCAA rules allow for military service exception, which means your time in the military doesn't count against your NCAA eligibility clock. Normally, college athletes have five 'calendar years' to compete in up to four seasons athletically, with the 'time clock' beginning when you enroll in any collegiate institution. However, time spent in the military service, on official church missions, or with recognized foreign aid services is excluded from your five-year clock.

As for age restrictions, there's no maximum age limit for NCAA sports. However, there might be individual conference rules or team policies that could potentially affect this, so it’s always a good idea to check with the specific program you're interested in.

In terms of recruiting criteria, you'll be evaluated on the basis of your athletic performance and potential, just like any other prospective student-athlete. Keep in mind, though, that meeting the academic requirements of the NCAA and the college or university you wish to attend is also an essential aspect. It might be beneficial to keep working on athletic and academic skills whenever you can throughout your military service.

Finally, it’s worth noting that the GI Bill can be a great asset for funding your education post-military service. The Post-9/11 GI Bill, for example, can cover a significant portion of your tuition and fees, especially if you've served active duty for at least 36 months.

It's a unique path you're embarking on, and your military service combined with a desire to compete in college athletics can make for a compelling profile as you apply to college!