College sports aren’t what they used to be. The path to a dream school was once clear—run fast, play hard, get noticed. But times have changed. With new opportunities like NIL come new challenges, and young athletes today are navigating a system that’s evolving faster than ever. What once opened doors doesn’t guarantee a way in anymore. The stakes are higher, the competition is tougher—so what does it really take to stand out now? Track icon, Justin Gatlin, weighed in.
Not long ago, a blazing 10.3 in the 100 meters had college recruiters knocking at your door. Now? That’s just “cool.” With the explosion of NIL deals and the NCAA Transfer Portal, the game has changed—fast. While NIL has opened up massive financial opportunities for young athletes, it’s also made the road to top college programs steeper than ever. High school prospects aren’t just competing against each other anymore; they’re up against experienced transfer athletes and seasoned JUCO standouts.
Rodney’s question in a recent discussion hit hard on the ‘Ready Set Go’ YouTube channel. Green asked, how has NIL changed things for these kids? The answer isn’t simple. As Justin Gatlin put it, “The environment change is going to demand more out of these kids. It’s not going to be an easy cakewalk to get to the dream school that you want to go to now.” And he’s right. The reality is, times that once-secured scholarships are no longer enough. An 11.50 in high school? Not even in the conversation. Even a 10.3 is just “cool” now. The bar has been raised, and not everyone can keep up.
The NCAA Transfer Portal has made recruitment a revolving door, favoring seasoned college athletes over raw high schoolers. Add NIL, and it’s not just about talent—it’s about marketability. Without a brand or following, even top high school prospects risk being overlooked.
That’s the tough reality for today’s high school athletes. They’re expected to hit elite times earlier, build a brand, and somehow stand out in a system that favors experience. “Looking back when we were in college, it was a little easier for us, for sure,” Gatlin admitted. But for this new generation, “easier” isn’t in the equation. They have to work harder, run faster, and think bigger—because what was once good enough simply isn’t anymore.
The pressure to meet unrealistic standards
College athletics isn’t what it used to be. With the rise of the NCAA Transfer Portal and the explosion of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, the game has changed—not just for college athletes but for high school prospects trying to get in. The dream of getting recruited to a top program straight out of high school? That’s becoming harder by the year. Why? Because schools are prioritizing experienced college athletes from the transfer portal over incoming freshmen. In fact, between 2021 and 2023, the number of Division I transfers jumped by 75%, from 9,806 to 13,025. That’s a massive shift, and it’s leaving high school recruits scrambling for options.
And then there’s NIL. And the game was changed because of NIL, but the stakes were also raised. How? The top prospects are the ones who get paid instead of just going pro, and coaches want more than talent-they want marketability. A college athlete with his built-in fanbase is a much better option than a four-star high school recruit. Hence, it’s no longer just about talent—it’s about marketability, and that’s a tough pill to swallow for young athletes.
DOHA, QATAR – SEPTEMBER 28: Justin Gatlin of the United States celebrates winning silver in the Men’s 100 Metres final during day two of 17th IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019 at Khalifa International Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
And that’s why the expectations have skyrocketed, which is evident. For example, track and field. Like Gatling said in the same video mentioned above, a few years ago, running a 10.3-second 100-meter dash in high school was considered elite. But now? That’s just “okay.” Even times like 11.50 seconds in high school aren’t cutting it anymore. And the bar keeps getting higher, and the pressure on kids is only increasing to hit insane numbers just to stay in the conversation.
It’s a level of pressure that didn’t exist a decade ago. Now the question looms: is NIL a blessing or another roadblock? For some, it’s the ultimate golden ticket. But for others, it’s making the climb to the top even steeper. Whatever may be the case, one thing’s for sure: the game isn’t slowing down for anyone.
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