Wisconsin Leads Charge in Early College Football Enrollment Trend for Freshmen Success

MADISON, Wis. -- The trend of early enrollment in college football is rapidly gaining momentum, with Wisconsin leading the charge among Power Five programs. What was once a rare occurrence is now becoming increasingly standard, as high school athletes aim to gain a competitive edge before the official start of their college football careers. The journey of Sojourn Shelton, a former cornerback for the Badgers, illustrates how this trend has evolved over the years. Back in 2011, Shelton was inspired by his high school teammates who opted to enroll early at Ohio State. At that time, the practice was not widely adopted, but Shelton’s decision paid off as he became a standout player, setting a program record with 51 career starts that would later be broken. Fast forward to today, and the statistics speak for themselves. Wisconsin has seen a staggering rise in early enrollees. In the span of seven recruiting classes from 2007 to 2013, only 15 scholarship freshmen enrolled early. However, the upcoming 2025 recruiting class is set to have a program-record 15 early enrollees. This follows a record 11 early enrollees from the previous year, highlighting a significant shift in the program's approach and the athletes' aspirations. This trend is not limited to Wisconsin. Across college football, many programs are witnessing similar increases. Ohio State had 15 early enrollees last year, while Michigan is set to welcome 16. Penn State and Nebraska have also seen their numbers rise significantly, reflecting a broader acceptance of early enrollment as a viable path for high school athletes. Pat Lambert, Wisconsin's director of recruiting, noted that while the program doesn’t mandate early enrollment, many high schools are now more accommodating, allowing students to graduate early. "It’s becoming the norm of development," Lambert said, indicating a cultural shift in how student-athletes prepare for collegiate athletics. For athletes, the benefits of early enrollment are clear. Players who arrive on campus in January gain access to offseason workouts and spring practices, allowing for an accelerated development period. Wisconsin’s director of football strength and conditioning, Brady Collins, has showcased the physical transformations that early enrollees can achieve, emphasizing the program's commitment to player development. Cooper Catalano, an incoming linebacker, believes early enrollment allows players to acclimate to the rigors of college life before the season starts. "You get a whole semester with school and football before August comes," he explained. This head start helps athletes manage their time effectively, a crucial skill as they transition from high school to college. While the decision to enroll early comes with sacrifices—such as missing out on senior spring breaks, proms, and other high school traditions—many athletes see it as a necessary trade-off for their professional futures. As defensive lineman Xavier Ukponu noted, the early start is about proving oneself to the coaching staff and establishing trust. As the early enrollees prepare to move into their new homes near Camp Randall Stadium, they carry with them the weight of expectation and the hope of making an early impact on the field. With their commitment and determination, these young athletes are poised to redefine what it means to be a freshman in college football. The landscape is changing, and for many, enrolling early is no longer just an option—it's the pathway to success.