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How NCAA rules have changed college baseball recruiting
TL;DR
NCAA rules have significantly changed college baseball recruiting, affecting how players are scouted and recruited. These changes aim to create a more equitable environment for student-athletes.
Key points
- NCAA rules have changed college baseball recruiting
- New regulations aim for fairness and transparency
- Student-athletes benefit from improved recruiting opportunities
- Changes address inequity in recruiting practices
Passaic Tech junior Randis Rosario (4) celebrates after hitting a home run in a game against the DePaul Spartans at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
DePaul senior Aiden Ogando (3) dodges the ball during a game against the Passaic Tech Bulldogs at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
The Passaic Tech Bulldogs cheer during a game against the DePaul Spartans at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
DePaul senior Aiden Ogando (3) hits the ball during a game against the Passaic Tech Bulldogs at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
DePaul senior Christopher Marano (13) pitches during a game against the Passaic Tech Bulldogs at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
Passaic Tech junior Jackson Burger (15) looks on during a game against the DePaul Spartans at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
The DePaul Spartans cheer during a game against the Passaic Tech Bulldogs at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
The Passaic Tech Bulldogs cheer during a game against the DePaul Spartans at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
Passaic Tech junior Jackson Burger (15) pitches during a game against the DePaul Spartans at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
DePaul freshman Jackson Toland (18) runs to home plate during a game against the Passaic Tech Bulldogs at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
DePaul senior Christopher Marano (13) looks on during a game against the Passaic Tech Bulldogs at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
Passaic Tech senior Melvin Genao (6) reacts during a game against the DePaul Spartans at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
DePaul senior Aiden Ogando (3) slides into second base as Passaic Tech senior Melvin Genao (6) defends during a game at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
Passaic Tech senior Mickey Gilligan (12) tags DePaul senior J.C. Pacheco (9) at home plate during a game at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
DePaul senior Bryan Gonzalez (11) signals during a game against the Passaic Tech Bulldogs at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
Passaic Tech junior Jackson Burger (15) looks on during a game against the DePaul Spartans at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
DePaul senior Erick Pinales (17) attempts to catch the ball during a game against the Passaic Tech Bulldogs at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
Passaic Tech head coach Robert Nutile looks on during a game between the DePaul Spartans and the Passaic Tech Bulldogs at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
The Passaic Tech Bulldogs cheer during a game against the DePaul Spartans at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
DePaul senior Erick Pinales (17) throws the ball during a game against the Passaic Tech Bulldogs at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
Passaic Tech senior Jack Gilligan (18) pitches the ball during a game against the DePaul Spartans at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
DePaul senior Jason Amalbert (1) celebrates during a game against the Passaic Tech Bulldogs at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
DePaul head coach Joe Gambardella looks on during a game against the Passaic Tech Bulldogs at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
Passaic Tech senior Jack Gilligan (18) looks on during a game against the DePaul Spartans at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
DePaul senior Erick Pinales (17) celebrates during a game against the Passaic Tech Bulldogs at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
Birds fly over a game between the DePaul Spartans and the Passaic Tech Bulldogs at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
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DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos
Passaic Tech junior Randis Rosario (4) celebrates after hitting a home run in a game against the DePaul Spartans at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
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DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos
Passaic Tech junior Randis Rosario (4) celebrates after hitting a home run in a game against the DePaul Spartans at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
2 / 26
DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos
DePaul senior Aiden Ogando (3) dodges the ball during a game against the Passaic Tech Bulldogs at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
3 / 26
DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos
The Passaic Tech Bulldogs cheer during a game against the DePaul Spartans at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
4 / 26
DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos
DePaul senior Aiden Ogando (3) hits the ball during a game against the Passaic Tech Bulldogs at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
5 / 26
DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos
DePaul senior Christopher Marano (13) pitches during a game against the Passaic Tech Bulldogs at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
6 / 26
DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos
Passaic Tech junior Jackson Burger (15) looks on during a game against the DePaul Spartans at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
7 / 26
DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos
The DePaul Spartans cheer during a game against the Passaic Tech Bulldogs at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
8 / 26
DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos
The Passaic Tech Bulldogs cheer during a game against the DePaul Spartans at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
9 / 26
DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos
Passaic Tech junior Jackson Burger (15) pitches during a game against the DePaul Spartans at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
10 / 26
DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos
DePaul freshman Jackson Toland (18) runs to home plate during a game against the Passaic Tech Bulldogs at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
11 / 26
DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos
DePaul senior Christopher Marano (13) looks on during a game against the Passaic Tech Bulldogs at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
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DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos
Passaic Tech senior Melvin Genao (6) reacts during a game against the DePaul Spartans at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
13 / 26
DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos
DePaul senior Aiden Ogando (3) slides into second base as Passaic Tech senior Melvin Genao (6) defends during a game at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
14 / 26
DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos
Passaic Tech senior Mickey Gilligan (12) tags DePaul senior J.C. Pacheco (9) at home plate during a game at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
15 / 26
DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos
DePaul senior Bryan Gonzalez (11) signals during a game against the Passaic Tech Bulldogs at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
16 / 26
DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos
Passaic Tech junior Jackson Burger (15) looks on during a game against the DePaul Spartans at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
17 / 26
DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos
DePaul senior Erick Pinales (17) attempts to catch the ball during a game against the Passaic Tech Bulldogs at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
18 / 26
DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos
Passaic Tech head coach Robert Nutile looks on during a game between the DePaul Spartans and the Passaic Tech Bulldogs at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
19 / 26
DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos
The Passaic Tech Bulldogs cheer during a game against the DePaul Spartans at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
20 / 26
DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos
DePaul senior Erick Pinales (17) throws the ball during a game against the Passaic Tech Bulldogs at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
21 / 26
DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos
Passaic Tech senior Jack Gilligan (18) pitches the ball during a game against the DePaul Spartans at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
22 / 26
DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos
DePaul senior Jason Amalbert (1) celebrates during a game against the Passaic Tech Bulldogs at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
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DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos
DePaul head coach Joe Gambardella looks on during a game against the Passaic Tech Bulldogs at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
24 / 26
DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos
Passaic Tech senior Jack Gilligan (18) looks on during a game against the DePaul Spartans at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
25 / 26
DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos
DePaul senior Erick Pinales (17) celebrates during a game against the Passaic Tech Bulldogs at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
26 / 26
DePaul takes on Passaic tech in NJ baseball. See photos
Birds fly over a game between the DePaul Spartans and the Passaic Tech Bulldogs at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
Sal Garcia’s college baseball recruiting process was brief.
Just weeks before starting high school, the now-senior at Delbarton gave his verbal commitment to Duke in August 2022.
Passaic Tech now-senior Mickey Gilligan and DePaul now-senior Jason Amalbert weren’t far behind, each pledging to major Division I programs a few months later.
Three of New Jersey’s top-ranked players, their experience won't be replicated by today's up-and-coming stars.
In April 2023, the NCAA overhauled its recruiting calendar, tightening rules on early contact and unofficial visits – changes that reshaped how soon elite high school athletes could land college scholarships.
May 16, 2025; Montville, NJ, USA; West Morris baseball vs. Delbarton in the Morris County Tournament championship game at Montville High School. D #1 Sal Garcia.
Under current NCAA Division I rules, college coaches are prohibited from initiating contact until Aug. 1 before a player’s junior year.
The rule is designed to slow down college baseball’s recruiting process to allow for a later, more carefully-considered and mature decision.
“A lot has changed with the recruiting process since I committed a few years ago. I went through it before playing my first high school game,” said Gilligan, who committed to Rutgers in October 2022. “I like everything about Rutgers. I was comfortable with committing early. Though I was young, I felt the school was a fit and it offered what I wanted in a college program. It goes fast.”
May 10, 2025; Wayne, NJ, USA; Wayne Valley baseball at Passaic Tech. PT #9 catcher Mickey Gilligan.
Change in direction
Amalbert, now the No. 2 ranked prospect in New Jersey's 2026 class and the No. 29-ranked prospect nationally, committed to Oklahoma last September after originally pledging to Indiana three years ago.
The East Hanover resident is among 10 DePaul seniors committed to play college ball and the only one to commit before the NCAA changed its rules.
“Every athlete’s timeline is different. But it’s important for those looking to play at the next level create their own path and find a school that best fits their needs,” DePaul first-year coach Joe Gambardella said. “For the few athletes out there that happened to commit early freshman year, it’s important to keep up with that college program and respective coaching staff to see if it’s still a fit or if there’s been any changes.”
DePaul senior Jason Amalbert (1) celebrates during a game against the Passaic Tech Bulldogs at DePaul Catholic, Mar 30, 2026, Wayne, NJ, United States.
Garcia flipped his commitment from Duke to Virginia last summer.
His journey took a detour after Duke coach Scott Pollard was hired to lead the Cavaliers. Pollard took over in Charlottesville after longtime Virginia coach Brian O’Connor left to take the Mississippi State job.
“I have a good relationship with coach Pollard. He was a big reason why I originally committed to Duke,” Garcia said. “When he announced that he was leaving for Virginia, I had the opportunity to reevaluate my future. I re-committed before the start of senior year. I was happy to settle it when I did.”
A coaching change also prompted Amalbert to re-open his recruiting process. Shortly after learning that Indiana assistant and elite recruiter Derek Simmons was leaving the Big Ten school for other opportunities, Amalbert decided to look elsewhere.
“I liked everything about Indiana. I have all the respect for everyone out there,” Amalbert said. "I connected with the coaching staff, especially coach Simmons. But when he left, I felt it was time to explore other options.
“I also bet on myself. As time passed and my game evolved, I felt a bigger, SEC school was a better fit for me.”
Don Bosco senior Michael Hanna, another class of 2026 athlete who committed early his freshman year, was originally committed to Virginia but flipped to Mississippi State last summer to follow O’Connor to Starkville, Mississippi.
"Committing to Virginia at the time made sense. Coach O'Connor and his staff had an established relationship with [Don Bosco] coach [Mike] Rooney and some of my older teammates were already committed to Virginia," Hanna said. "I felt good about it. But when Coach O left for Mississippi State, I started talking to other schools and eventually opened my recruitment. I followed Coach O. I'm looking forward to playing for him."
May 24, 2025; Demarest, NJ, USA; Pascack Valley vs. Don Bosco in the Bergen County baseball tournament championship at Northern Valley Regional High School at Demarest. DB #1 Michael Hanna scores a run.
Looking ahead
The 2026 recruiting class stands out as one of the deepest and most talented in recent years.
It marks the final group to commit before the most recent recruiting rules took effect three years ago.
As college baseball continues to adapt to evolving rules and frequent coaching changes, successful commitments increasingly depend on fit, timing and trust.
With relationships playing a greater role than ever, recruits are approaching the process with increased patience and perspective.
“I’ve been doing this a long time and the message hasn’t changed much over the years, although the college recruiting process is constantly changing,” Gambardella said. “Weigh and evaluate everything. And go where you’re wanted and where you can realistically play. That's my best advice.”
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: How NCAA rules changed college baseball recruiting
Q&A
What are the recent changes in NCAA rules for college baseball recruiting?
The NCAA has implemented new rules to enhance fairness and transparency in the recruiting process for college baseball.
How do NCAA recruiting rules impact student-athletes in baseball?
The changes in NCAA recruiting rules aim to provide student-athletes with better opportunities and a more level playing field during recruitment.
What is the significance of the NCAA's new recruiting regulations?
The NCAA's new regulations are significant as they address long-standing issues of inequity in college baseball recruiting practices.
Who is affected by the changes in NCAA baseball recruiting rules?
The changes affect high school players, college coaches, and recruiting organizations involved in college baseball.
