Best Sports Positions for College Scholarships?

As an athlete interested in landing a scholarship, I'm wondering which sports positions tend to offer the best opportunities for college scholarships. Are certain positions more in demand than others? If so, why, and how can I pursue those roles?

College athletic scholarships can be a great way to help pay for your education while participating in the sport you love. To enhance your chances of landing a scholarship, you might want to consider positions in sports that colleges are actively recruiting and have more scholarships to offer.

1. Division I Football: Football tops the list when it comes to the sheer number of scholarships available, with Division I FBS teams having 105 scholarships on offer (beginning in the 2025-2026 academic year). Colleges often recruit quarterbacks and running backs, given their central role in most offensive schemes.

2. Basketball: Like football, basketball scholarships are plentiful, especially in Division I and II schools. Point guards might have an edge in recruiting processes because of their leadership roles on the court.

3. Baseball/Softball: For men, baseball can offer many scholarship opportunities, particularly for pitchers, while for women, softball tends to be a sport with available scholarships. Again pitchers often have an advantage in the recruiting process due to the pivotal role they play in the game.

4. Soccer: There's a substantial demand for goalkeepers due to the specialized nature of their role, and teams typically need multiple ones.

Remember that regardless of the sport, the more flexible you are in playing different positions, the more attractive you are likely to be to college recruiters.

Additionally, the best position tends to be the one you excel at and actually enjoy. Scouting and athletic scholarships aren't just about meeting a demand, they are about outstanding athletic skill and potential, academic achievement, and character. Even the most in-demand positions won't help if you're not enjoying your time or performing at your best.

Start early, keep your grades up, cultivate your skills, and reach out to coaches with a highlight reel and a resume of your achievements. Best of luck in your athletic career!