Starting your journey as a college football player is both exciting and challenging. Your first year will be a rollercoaster of physical, mental, and emotional experiences, and it’s important to go in with realistic expectations while also enjoying the small moments.
1. Increased Competition at the College Football Level
The level of play in NCAA football is much higher than anything you’ve experienced in high school. You’ll be facing stronger, faster, and more skilled athletes, and you’ll have to prove yourself every single day to earn playing time. Expect every practice to feel like a battle, and even if you don’t start right away, your growth will be noticeable if you put in the effort. If it was easy, everybody would do it.
2. The Physical Demands of College Football
Every part of this journey is a grind and will take a toll on your body. You’ll be working out daily, enduring intense training sessions, and pushing through long practices. Recovery is just as important as training, so learning how to take care of your body is crucial. Strength coaches, athletic trainers, and nutritionists are available to help you stay in peak condition. With proper nutrition, rest, and injury prevention, your future self will be thanking you—and you’ll be much more available to show your full skill set every day.
3. Time Management for Student-Athletes
Football will dominate your schedule, and balancing academics, social life, and athletics will require strong time management skills. For me, this skill developed over time, but I wish I had prioritized creating a daily schedule sooner. Having a solid routine is key. Between practice, team meetings, game travel, and study halls, you’ll need to stay organized to keep up with college coursework and maintain your personal life. It’s challenging, but with the right mindset and planning, it’s absolutely doable.
4. Mental Toughness in College Sports
You’ll face setbacks, without a doubt—whether it’s not getting the playing time you hoped for, dealing with an injury, or receiving constructive criticism from coaches. The mental side of the game is just as important as the physical. Learning how to stay positive, handle adversity, and stay motivated will help you thrive. Sports psychology techniques, mindfulness, and resilience training can all help you stay mentally sharp.
5. Building Strong Team Bonds
Your teammates will become like family. The first year is all about forming strong relationships and building team chemistry. Living in the dorms with fellow athletes, you’ll spend most of your time with your teammates. These friendships will help you through the tough times and make the victories even sweeter. Learning from veteran players and upperclassmen will also help you navigate your first year. Going into college, you have to be like a sponge—soaking up valuable advice while learning who to trust and follow. The people around you shape the experience, and in the end, they’ll be there for you no matter what happens with football.
Final Thoughts on Your First Year of College Football
Your freshman year of college football will push you harder than ever before, but it will also be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Be ready for the grind, stay focused, and embrace the challenge. Each obstacle is an opportunity to grow—not just as an athlete, but as a person.
