In college football, the reliance on homegrown talent remains significant despite the rise of the transfer portal. Programs that successfully recruit in-state players can enhance team cohesion, strengthen connections with local high schools, and foster familiarity with the sport's competitive landscape. A recent study indicates that FBS rosters for 2026 are composed of 32.2% homegrown talent on average, with notable examples like Texas Tech at 64.8% and TCU leading the way at 72.6%. Meanwhile, Georgia focuses heavily on high school recruits, boasting 85.3% of its roster from local talents. In contrast, programs like Oregon and Notre Dame struggle to recruit locally, with homegrown rates as low as 10.6%.

By the Numbers
  • 2026 average FBS roster is 32.2% homegrown.
  • Texas Tech's roster: 64.8% homegrown talent.
  • TCU's homegrown percentage leads Power Four at 72.6%.
  • Georgia recruits 85.3% of its roster from high school players.
State of Play
  • Programs in Texas and California benefit from abundant local talent.
  • Georgia emphasizes high school recruiting, limiting transfers.
  • SEC teams show strong local recruiting, with Alabama and Louisiana leading in player concentration.
  • Pac-12 leads national localized recruiting at 36.3% homegrown.
What's Next

The trend toward homegrown recruiting may continue to grow as programs emphasize building strong relationships with local high schools amid increasingly competitive transfer portal dynamics. Expect high school programs to become even more integral to colleges' recruiting strategies, particularly in talent-rich states.

Bottom Line

Homegrown talent remains a crucial component of college football success, offering teams a blend of familiarity and trust that cannot be easily replicated through transfers. Programs that effectively cultivate local talent are better positioned for long-term stability in an era of rapid roster changes.