Your realistic American Football list (reach / target / safe)

Build a list of 15–25 schools by crossing your verified measurables (40, bench, vertical, position weight) and your game film with each division's benchmark. Be honest: a coach will be.

For a European, the post-House reality matters: the 105 limit in D1 squeezes walk-on and preferred-walk-on spots. So prioritize the more reachable routes:

• D2 (up to 36 equivalency scholarships) and NAIA (~24): partial aid, more projection-based evaluation.
• JUCO (NJCAA DI/DII): a development and academic year before jumping to the NCAA; ideal if you came to the sport late or need core courses.
• D1 FCS as a target/reach if your numbers and film back it; FBS is almost always a reach.

Split by position: size/speed thresholds vary a lot (OL vs WR vs DB). And since no US coach will call you early (see the calendar lesson), you must reach out first to each school on the list by email with your film.