PrepRedzoneOhio
Member
It's up, but is still drastically down from all of the other years. You're correct we are at a point where D2's and FCS's are offering 2023's. Most FBS schools are done with the 2023 class. So that 46 number will absolutely increase. That being said, even if it triples, it's not going to come to a fraction of what it has been in most years. Yes D3 cannot offer athletic scholarships, but there's a trickle down. Some of the should be D1 FBS kids are taking the spots of would be D1 FCS and D2 kids and some of those would be D2 & FCS kids will take spots of kids who could have played D3 (regardless of who's dime it's on). For some it's about getting athletic scholarships and college paid for and for others it's about opportunities to continue their careers at a higher level and get a degree.D1 is up from the year prior.
I am assuming the prior year numbers are the final year totals where this year is thru 12/22 as you said. My understanding is the divisions under d1 typically wait until d1 is basically finished with their recruiting so that will probably grow yet over the next weeks/months. Another thing I have seen in the sub-D1 ranks is kids simply aren't wanting to play at that level anymore. Full rides aren't offered many times, the schools are more expensive, and the they calculate the personal investment in time against getting to play football a few more years.
And there are not athletic scholarships in D3 last I heard and typically if you can get in and afford tuition you can find a team if you really want at d3. You might never see the field but you can say you were on the team if that is important to you.