247 Sports in the world of college athletics, recruiting is more than a behind-the-scenes process—it’s the heartbeat of every successful program. Fans, coaches, and athletes all keep a close eye on the stars of tomorrow, hoping to spot the next big name before anyone else does. That’s where 247 Sports comes in. Founded in 2010, 247 Sports has become the go-to destination for reliable, data-driven coverage of college football and basketball recruiting. What began as a small startup has evolved into one of the most respected sources in the sports media industry, trusted by fans, analysts, and even college coaches.
With its unique Composite Rating System, team-specific subsites, and deep scouting network, 247 Sports offers a one-stop hub for anyone passionate about recruiting. Whether you’re tracking the latest commitment to your favorite team, analyzing national rankings, or exploring the future stars of college sports, understanding 247 Sports gives you a front-row seat to how athletic talent is discovered and ranked.
Quick Bio Information
Founded: 2010
Founder: Shannon Terry
Owner: Paramount Global (via CBS Sports Digital)
Headquarters: Nashville, Tennessee
Primary Focus: College Football and Basketball Recruiting
Core Feature: 247 Sports Composite Rating System
Major Acquisition: Scout.com (2017)
Partnerships: CBS Sports, Pro Football Focus, U.S. Army All-American Bowl
Popular Show: Late Kick Live with Josh Pate
Reputation: Trusted Source For College Recruiting And Rankings
Main Platforms: Website, Mobile App, YouTube, and CBS Sports HQ
The Story Behind 247 Sports: From Startup To Sports Media Giant
The rise of 247 Sports is one of the most remarkable success stories in digital sports media. When founder Shannon Terry launched the platform in 2010, the goal was simple—create a more accurate and transparent way to evaluate and discuss college prospects. Terry, who also co-founded Rivals.com, saw an opportunity to combine professional journalism with modern technology and fan-driven community engagement.
By 2012, 247 Sports had partnered with CBS Sports, allowing the network to handle advertising and promotion while the site focused on content and analysis. Three years later, CBS fully acquired the company, integrating it into its digital ecosystem under Paramount Global. This move gave 247 Sports access to powerful media resources and an even wider audience.
In 2017, the platform took another big leap by acquiring Scout.com, merging two of the largest recruiting databases into one. It also partnered with Pro Football Focus, bringing advanced analytics into the world of recruiting coverage. These milestones transformed 247 Sports from a niche startup into an industry leader trusted by millions of fans across the country.
How 247 Sports Works: Inside The Recruiting Network
At its core, 247 Sports operates as a massive, interconnected recruiting network. Each major college football program—and many basketball teams—has its own subsite, managed by local experts who cover every development around their specific team. These pages feature player profiles, rankings, breaking news, interviews, podcasts, and insider discussions.
Fans can follow their favorite programs to see who’s visiting campus, who’s committing, and which players might flip to rival schools. Beyond the surface, 247 Sports also provides in-depth scouting reports, highlight videos, and predictions known as “Crystal Ball” forecasts, where analysts predict where top recruits will commit.
This structure allows fans and coaches alike to get a complete, real-time view of the recruiting world. With its focus on accuracy and community engagement, 247 Sports isn’t just a news site—it’s a living, breathing recruiting ecosystem.
Understanding The 247 Sports Composite Rating System
Perhaps the most important feature that separates 247 Sports from other recruiting platforms is its Composite Rating System. This proprietary formula combines data from several major sources—247 Sports’ own scouts, Rivals, and ESPN—into a single, balanced ranking. The goal is to reduce bias and provide a fair assessment of each player’s potential.
Each prospect receives a score on a scale from 0.70 to 1.00, representing their standing among other recruits nationally. A perfect 1.0000 rating is rare and reserved for the most elite athletes. This comprehensive approach means that fans, coaches, and analysts can trust that the rankings reflect a broad consensus rather than just one outlet’s opinion.
The Composite has become the industry standard for measuring recruiting success. College programs use it to evaluate their classes, and media outlets rely on it to track national recruiting trends. In a sport where numbers matter, the 247 Sports Composite is the most complete and transparent rating system available today.
The Star Ratings Explained: What They Really Mean
Every recruiting fan recognizes the buzz that comes with being a “five-star” athlete—but what do those stars actually represent? On 247 Sports, the star rating system simplifies complex scouting data into an easy-to-understand scale.
Five-star players are the cream of the crop—usually the top 32 athletes in each class, representing future NFL-level talent. These are players expected to make an immediate impact at the college level. Four-star recruits, typically the next 10 percent of players, are highly skilled prospects with major potential. Three-star athletes make up the bulk of recruits nationwide and are considered strong contributors, often developing into college starters and even professional athletes. Two-star prospects are less polished but can still excel at smaller programs or with proper coaching.
It’s important to note that these ratings are projections, not guarantees. Many college stars and NFL players began as three-star recruits, proving that potential and development often outweigh early rankings. Still, the 247 Sports star system provides a valuable benchmark for evaluating talent and understanding recruiting dynamics.
How 247 Sports Rankings Shape College Football And Basketball
Recruiting rankings may seem like just numbers, but in college sports, they’re often the blueprint for future success. Programs that consistently rank near the top of 247 Sports’ team recruiting rankings—such as Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, and Texas—tend to dominate national championships.
These rankings don’t just reflect individual talent—they measure how well a program is building depth, balance, and long-term potential. Coaches rely on these rankings to gauge their progress, while fans use them to track rival schools and celebrate major commitments.
In recent years, the influence of recruiting rankings has expanded beyond football. College basketball programs also use 247 Sports to evaluate high school and transfer prospects, especially as the transfer portal reshapes rosters year by year. Whether you’re following March Madness or the College Football Playoff, chances are the stars on those stages were first discovered through 247 Sports.
Partnerships And Media Expansion
Over time, 247 Sports has grown from a data-driven website into a multimedia powerhouse. Its partnership with CBS Sports allows analysts to appear regularly on CBS Sports HQ, the network’s 24/7 streaming sports channel. The brand also provides coverage for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl and the National Combine, where top high school players showcase their skills on national television.
Another major step forward was the collaboration with Pro Football Focus, integrating performance metrics into player evaluations. This partnership gives fans and coaches a deeper understanding of each athlete’s strengths and weaknesses beyond traditional scouting.
The platform’s presence on YouTube and social media has also skyrocketed, led by shows like Late Kick Live with Josh Pate, which dives into weekly recruiting updates and college football insights. Today, 247 Sports is not just a website—it’s a complete digital sports brand with influence across every major media channel.
The Experts Behind 247 Sports Rankings
Behind every rating and ranking on 247 Sports is a team of highly trained analysts and scouts who dedicate their careers to evaluating talent. These experts watch game film, attend live matchups, and study each player’s athleticism, skill set, and growth potential. Many come from backgrounds in coaching, sports journalism, or player development, giving them the experience to make informed evaluations.
The site also emphasizes transparency. Analysts regularly publish articles explaining why certain players rise or fall in the rankings, helping fans understand how the process works. This combination of expertise, consistency, and openness has made 247 Sports a trusted source not just for fans but also for college coaches and professional scouts.
Why Fans And Coaches Trust 247 Sports
Trust is the foundation of 247 Sports’ reputation. Its success comes from a commitment to accuracy, professionalism, and community. While many recruiting sites rely on user-generated content, 247 Sports maintains high editorial standards and uses data from multiple sources to ensure fairness.
Coaches use the site’s data to identify potential recruits, fans depend on it for breaking news, and players use it to track their progress against peers. The site’s user-friendly layout, frequent updates, and expert commentary make it the most complete recruiting resource available. In a world full of speculation and hype, 247 Sports stands out as a reliable voice in college sports coverage.
How To Use 247 Sports Effectively
For new users, navigating 247 Sports is simple and rewarding. Fans can start by visiting their favorite team’s subsite, where they’ll find news, commitment trackers, and national rankings. Each player’s profile includes highlights, statistics, and recruiting timelines, making it easy to follow their journey.
The platform’s filters allow users to search recruits by position, state, or class year. Subscriptions provide deeper insights, such as insider updates, advanced analytics, and exclusive interviews. The 247 Sports mobile app delivers real-time alerts, ensuring you never miss a commitment or ranking update. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, 247 Sports offers all the tools you need to stay connected to the recruiting world.
The Future Of 247 Sports And College Recruiting
As college sports continue to evolve, 247 Sports is adapting right alongside them. With the rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, the transfer portal, and the growing influence of social media, recruiting has become more dynamic than ever before. 247 Sports is embracing these changes by expanding its data tools, launching new digital platforms, and incorporating AI-driven analytics into player evaluations.
The site’s ongoing partnership with CBS ensures that it remains at the forefront of modern sports coverage. As technology advances and the recruiting landscape grows more competitive, 247 Sports will continue to provide fans and professionals with the most accurate and engaging insights available.
Final Thoughts
247 Sports has completely changed how fans experience college recruiting. By combining technology, expert analysis, and a passionate community, it has turned the once-hidden world of recruiting into a year-round event. Whether you’re following the next Heisman contender, tracking your team’s future stars, or simply exploring the latest rankings, 247 Sports offers a front-row view into the future of college athletics. In 2025 and beyond, it remains the most powerful and trusted guide for anyone who loves the game—and the journey that leads to it.
FAQs About 247 Sports
What Is 247 Sports Known For?
247 Sports is best known for its comprehensive coverage of college football and basketball recruiting, offering player evaluations, team rankings, and expert insights.
Who Owns 247 Sports?
The platform is owned by Paramount Global and operated through CBS Sports Digital, ensuring credibility and professional oversight.
What Is The 247 Sports Composite Rating?
It’s a combined rating system that merges data from multiple recruiting sources, including 247 Sports, Rivals, and ESPN, to create a fair and balanced ranking for every recruit.
How Are Star Ratings Determined On 247 Sports?
Star ratings are based on a player’s athletic performance, potential, and projection at the college level, with five-star athletes representing the top-tier prospects.
Is 247 Sports Free To Use?
Most of the site’s features are free, including rankings, player profiles, and news. Premium memberships provide deeper analysis and insider updates.
Does 247 Sports Cover Sports Other Than Football?
Yes, while football is its primary focus, 247 Sports also provides extensive coverage of college basketball recruiting and team rankings.
Why Is 247 Sports Considered Reliable?
Its credibility comes from its data-driven approach, expert scouting network, and partnerships with major sports organizations, making it one of the most trusted recruiting sources in America.
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