The Football Scholarship Podcast

Richie Contartesi
  • 5.0 (9)
  • FOOTBALL
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Football Scholarship Podcast is hosted by Richie Contartesi, founder of Next Play, this podcast is dedicated to helping high school football players transform into confident leaders, communicators, and businessmen. Richie shares his personal journey of overcoming the odds to earn a D1 football scholarship in the SEC at Ole Miss, despite being just 5'7" and 150 pounds. Through stories, interviews, and expert advice, this podcast equips athletes with the tools and mindset needed to secure the best college football scholarships possible. Tune in to learn how to live your dream!

  1. 2D AGO

    What D1 Coaches REALLY Want in Recruits (2026)

    In this laid-back, family-focused conversation, a Division I FCS head coach, Shawn Watson, with 40 years of experience breaks down what really matters in recruiting in 2026, beyond highlights and measurables. You’ll hear why character and long-term life plans are a separating factor, how the transfer portal has accelerated everything, and why camps, calls, FaceTime, and real relationships are now critical to getting on a coach’s radar. Coach Watson also shares the exact questions recruits should ask to get clarity, “Where do I stand on your board?”, how parents can support without taking over, and what makes the Wofford academic + alumni network a legitimate “life after football” advantage.⁣ ⁣ Want Some 1:1 Help With Getting Your Son a College Football Scholarship? Click Here To Learn More & Schedule Your 15 Minute Scholarship Evaluation:⁣ https://gonextplay.com/book-evaluation-call?el=youtube-org⁣ ⁣ Click Here to Register for My Free Live Training:⁣ https://gonextplay.com/free-training?el=richie-yt-bio⁣ ⁣ 📖 Get a FREE copy of Richie’s #1 bestselling book, where he shares how he earned a D1 football scholarship at just 5'7" and 150 lbs—so your son can too:⁣ https://gonextplay.com/free⁣ ⁣ Follow us on different Social Media Platforms:⁣ IG: https://www.instagram.com/richiecontartesi?igsh=MWlmaTZyZ2lnMGg3bw==⁣ X: https://x.com/richcontartesi?s=11⁣ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@richiecontartesi?_r=1&_t=ZG-

    52 min

  2. FEB 24

    How To Get Recruited By Every College In 2026

    Richie Contartesi sits down with John Perin, Head Football Coach at Georgetown College (NAIA), to break down how 2026 recruits can build real relationships, communicate confidently, evaluate their true level, and take proactive steps that actually lead to college offers.⁣ ⁣ Want Some 1:1 Help With Getting Your Son a College Football Scholarship? Click Here To Learn More & Schedule Your 15 Minute Scholarship Evaluation:⁣ https://gonextplay.com/book-evaluation-call?el=youtube-org⁣ ⁣ Click Here to Register for My Free Live Training:⁣ https://gonextplay.com/free-training?el=richie-yt-bio⁣ ⁣ 📖 Get a FREE copy of Richie’s #1 bestselling book, where he shares how he earned a D1 football scholarship at just 5'7" and 150 lbs—so your son can too:⁣ https://gonextplay.com/free⁣ ⁣ Follow us on different Social Media Platforms:⁣ IG: https://www.instagram.com/richiecontartesi?igsh=MWlmaTZyZ2lnMGg3bw==⁣ X: https://x.com/richcontartesi?s=11⁣ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@richiecontartesi?_r=1&_t=ZG-

    41 min

  3. FEB 3

    Head College Coach Reveals How To Get Attention From D1 Coaches

    Texting coaches won't get you recruited, calling will. In this episode, college head coach Nourse breaks down exactly what separates recruits who get remembered from ones who get forgotten: availability, consistency, and showing genuine interest. Plus the one rule every football parent needs to hear before their son starts reaching out.02:11 Recruiting Process Insights05:35 Effective Communication with Coaches06:15 Building a Relationship with Coaches06:35 Recruiting Strategies and Fit18:56 Social Media Best Practices23:45 Final Advice for Recruits and Parents28:25 Conclusion and Podcast OutroWant Some 1:1 Help With Getting Your Son a College Football Scholarship? Click Here To Learn More & Schedule Your 15 Minute Scholarship Evaluation:https://gonextplay.com/book-evaluation-call?el=youtube-orgClick Here to Register for My Free Live Training:https://gonextplay.com/free-training?el=richie-yt-bio📖 Get a FREE copy of Richie’s #1 bestselling book, where he shares how he earned a D1 football scholarship at just 5'7" and 150 lbs—so your son can too:https://gonextplay.com/freeFollow us on different Social Media Platforms:IG: https://www.instagram.com/richiecontartesi?igsh=MWlmaTZyZ2lnMGg3bw==X: https://x.com/richcontartesi?s=11TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@richiecontartesi?_r=1&_t=ZG-

    29 min

  4. JAN 27

    Head D2 Football Coach Reveals The #1 Question To Ask That Gets You Offers

    D2 Head Football Coach reveals exactly how his staff recruits—and what gets players NOTICED (or ignored).Coach Brian Mistro from the University of Jamestown breaks down his team's entire recruiting system: how they track players, who gets letters vs. texts vs. phone calls, and the ONE question that instantly gets coaches excited about a recruit.If you're a 2026 or 2027 recruit (or parent), this episode is a masterclass in understanding how coaches actually think.🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS:→ Why you NEED to answer the phone when coaches call (and what happens when you don't)→ The question that makes coaches stop and pay attention: "How do you see me fitting into your culture?"→ How to find out where you actually stand on a coach's board→ What turns coaches OFF about parents during the recruiting process→ The systematic way D2 programs track and evaluate hundreds of recruits00:00 Head D2 Football Coach Reveals The #1 Question To Ask That Gets You Offers02:25 Transition to Division II07:51 Facilities and Resources09:54 Recruiting Process and Challenges15:54 Recruiting High School Athletes16:21 Effective Communication with Coaches16:41 Importance of Phone Calls in Recruitment19:29 Evaluating Player Fit and Culture23:35 Recruitment Process and Strategies29:53 Role of Parents in Recruitment33:49 University of Jamestown's Approach37:26 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsWant Some 1:1 Help With Getting Your Son a College Football Scholarship? Click Here To Learn More & Schedule Your 15 Minute Scholarship Evaluation:https://gonextplay.com/book-evaluation-call?el=youtube-orgClick Here to Register for My Free Live Training:https://gonextplay.com/free-training?el=richie-yt-bio📖 Get a FREE copy of Richie’s #1 bestselling book, where he shares how he earned a D1 football scholarship at just 5'7" and 150 lbs—so your son can too:https://gonextplay.com/freeFollow us on different Social Media Platforms:IG: https://www.instagram.com/richiecontartesi?igsh=MWlmaTZyZ2lnMGg3bw==X: https://x.com/richcontartesi?s=11TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@richiecontartesi?_r=1&_t=ZG-

    39 min

  5. JAN 20

    Head College Coach Shares How To Send Messages That Get Offers

    In this episode, college head coach Nigel Lawrence breaks down how recruiting really works in 2026. We talk email vs DM, what to say in the first 1 to 2 sentences so a coach actually opens your message, how coaches evaluate character beyond the film, and why grades can directly impact your scholarship money. If you want more coach responses and more real opportunities, this is the playbook. __________________________________________________ Want Some 1:1 Help With Getting Your Son a College Football Scholarship? Click Here To Learn More & Schedule Your 15 Minute Scholarship Evaluation:https://gonextplay.com/book-evaluation-call?el=youtube-orgClick Here to Register for My Free Live Training:https://gonextplay.com/free-training?el=richie-yt-bio📖 Get a FREE copy of Richie’s #1 bestselling book, where he shares how he earned a D1 football scholarship at just 5'7" and 150 lbs—so your son can too:https://gonextplay.com/freeFollow us on different Social Media Platforms:IG: https://www.instagram.com/richiecontartesiX: https://x.com/richcontartesiTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@richiecontartesi

    37 min

  6. 12/30/2025

    Former football coach has shared it journey in one book: For God and the Game

    Coach Brian's book:https://www.amazon.com/God-Game-Play-Honor-Christ-ebook/dp/B0F9CP6NK2Want Some 1:1 Help With Getting Your Son a College Football Scholarship? Click Here To Learn More & Schedule Your 15 Minute Scholarship Evaluation:https://gonextplay.com/book-evaluation-call?el=youtube-orgClick Here to Register for My Free Live Training:https://gonextplay.com/free-training?el=richie-yt-bio📖 Get a FREE copy of Richie’s #1 bestselling book, where he shares how he earned a D1 football scholarship at just 5'7" and 150 lbs—so your son can too:https://gonextplay.com/free____________________________________________________________In this episode of the Football Scholarship Podcast, Richie and Brian share crucial insights for athletes and parents on securing football scholarships. Brian also introduces his new spiritual guide eBook, 'For God in the Game,' aimed at young athletes and coaches. He discusses his journey of faith, the inspiration behind the book, and how it can be utilized by parents and coaches to support athletes. The hosts also encourage viewers to engage with the podcast and provide feedback through reviews.00:00 Intro01:16 The Inspiration Behind 'For God in the Game'02:01 Challenges Young Athletes Face04:20 How Coaches and Parents Can Use the Book08:29 Brian's Personal Reflections and Lessons13:32 How to Get the Book15:52 Closing Remarks and Subscription Info____________________________________________________________Follow us on different Social Media Platforms:IG: https://www.instagram.com/richiecontartesi?igsh=MWlmaTZyZ2lnMGg3bw==X: https://x.com/richcontartesi?s=11TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@richiecontartesi?_r=1&_t=ZG-

    17 min

  7. 12/23/2025

    Head College Coach Explains the Importance of Making a Good Impression on Football Coaches

    Want Some 1:1 Help With Getting Your Son a College Football Scholarship? Click Here To Learn More & Schedule Your 15 Minute Scholarship Evaluation:https://gonextplay.com/book-evaluation-call?el=youtube-orgClick Here to Register for My Free Live Training:https://gonextplay.com/free-training?el=richie-yt-bio📖 Get a FREE copy of Richie’s #1 bestselling book, where he shares how he earned a D1 football scholarship at just 5'7" and 150 lbs—so your son can too:https://gonextplay.com/freeSlippery Rock Pennsylvania Footballhttps://rockathletics.com/sports/football_____________________________________________________________00:36 Intro01:38 Importance of Player Evaluation04:28 Importance of Player Attitude and Presentation25:47 Social Media's Role in Recruiting25:47 Social Media's Role in Recruiting41:40 Advice for Parents and Recruits43:14 Parental Involvement in Recruiting48:24 Final Thoughts and Opportunities at Slippery RockIn this episode, Coach Lutz provides an in-depth look at the college football recruitment process, emphasizing the importance of identifying players who truly love the game. He discusses the challenges of sustaining a successful program and the critical role of recruiting players who are relentless, passionate, and tough. Coach Lutz offers practical advice for recruits and parents on how to approach interviews, the importance of social media branding, and the value of multi-sport athletes. He also shares personal anecdotes about home visits and the significance of building genuine relationships with recruits. This episode is invaluable for parents and players looking to navigate the complex world of college football recruitment._____________________________________________________________Follow us on different Social Media Platforms:IG: https://www.instagram.com/richiecontartesi?igsh=MWlmaTZyZ2lnMGg3bw==X: https://x.com/richcontartesi?s=11TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@richiecontartesi?_r=1&_t=ZG-

    51 min

  8. 12/15/2025

    D1 Head Coach Warns: Stop "Supporting" Your Son Like This (Do This Instead)

    Want Some 1:1 Help With Getting Your Son a College Football Scholarship?Click Here To Learn More & Schedule Your 15 Minute Scholarship Evaluation:https://gonextplay.com/book-evaluation-call?el=youtube-orgClick Here to Register for My Free Live Training:https://gonextplay.com/free-training?el=richie-yt-bio📖 Get a FREE copy of Richie’s #1 bestselling book, where he shares how he earned a D1 football scholarship at just 5'7" and 150 lbs—so your son can too:https://gonextplay.com/freeGrab Coach Bernard book in this link:https://www.amazon.com/Ascension-Coachs-Becoming-Better-Husband/dp/B09XSS83QC _______________________________________ Navigating College Football Recruiting: Expert Advice from Coach ClarkIn this detailed discussion, Coach Clark of Robert Morris University dives deep into the college football recruiting process, offering invaluable insights for parents and high school football players. Key topics include the importance of character, realistic evaluation of talent, and the significance of academics. Clark shares personal experiences and provides actionable advice on selecting the right university, understanding different levels of college football, and the critical role of GPA in securing scholarships. Parents will learn practical steps to support their children and avoid common pitfalls in the recruiting journey. Additionally, Clark emphasizes the importance of developing young athletes into better men, husbands, and fathers, highlighting the holistic development approach at Robert Morris University.

    57 min
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The Football Scholarship Podcast is hosted by Richie Contartesi, founder of Next Play, this podcast is dedicated to helping high school football players transform into confident leaders, communicators, and businessmen. Richie shares his personal journey of overcoming the odds to earn a D1 football scholarship in the SEC at Ole Miss, despite being just 5'7" and 150 pounds. Through stories, interviews, and expert advice, this podcast equips athletes with the tools and mindset needed to secure the best college football scholarships possible. Tune in to learn how to live your dream!

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