2026-2027 NCAA Division I Cross Country/Track & Field Recruiting Calendars

As the 2026-27 academic year gets underway, it’s important for prospective student-athletes, families, and coaches to understand when Division I track and field and cross country coaches can communicate with recruits, conduct evaluations, and make in-person recruiting contacts.

The NCAA Division I recruiting calendars created by NCSA and Sports Recruits outline specific periods throughout the year that determine what recruiting activities are permitted. Understanding the difference between contact, evaluation, dead, and quiet periods can help athletes navigate the recruiting process and know what to expect throughout the year.

Below, you’ll find the 2026-27 NCAA Division I Cross Country and Track & Field Recruiting Calendars along with an explanation of what each recruiting period means. Use the calendar as a helpful reference throughout the recruiting process, and always consult the NCAA and a school’s compliance staff for the most current rules and guidance.

Understanding the Recruiting Periods

• Contact Period: During a contact period, a coach may have face-to-face contact with you or your parents, watch you compete, visit your high school, and write or call you.
• Dead Period: During a dead period, a coach may not have face-to-face contact with you or your parents and may not watch you compete or visit your high school. Coaches may still write or call.
• Evaluation Period: During an evaluation period, a coach may write or call you but may not have off-campus face-to-face contact with you or your parents.
• Quiet Period: During a quiet period, a coach may not have face-to-face contact with you or your parents off campus and may not watch you compete or visit your high school. Coaches may still write or call.

See the original social media post featuring this information: Instagram | Facebook | X.

Get evaluated & matched w/ college coaches. Join NCSA!