What 40-yard-dash time do you need for D2 football?
The short answer
For D2 football, the 40-yard-dash time roster floor is around 4.85, scholarship-track sits near 4.70, and the elite band is around 4.55. These are entry zones, not hard cutoffs — verify with each program.
Academic filter for the same division: GPA floor 2.2, scholarship-track 2.8, elite 3.4.
40-yard dash by division
Full comparison across every division we have sourced data for. Roster floor · scholarship band · elite band.
| Division | Roster floor | Scholarship-track | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|
| D1 | 4.70 | 4.55 | 4.40 |
| D2 | 4.85 | 4.70 | 4.55 |
| D3 | 5.00 | 4.85 | 4.65 |
| NAIA | 4.90 | 4.75 | 4.60 |
lower_is_better. Composite reference; varies by position.
Honest caveats
- • These are entry zones, not hard cutoffs. A player one tick below the floor can still make a lineup with strong academics, position scarcity, or a program fit no one else spotted.
- • Numbers reflect the 2025–26 post-House recruiting landscape. Roster caps and revenue-sharing status vary by program.
- • Coaches filter on the metric before they filter on character — but character, film, and outreach are what turn a filter-pass into an offer.
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Get my free Reality ReportFrequently asked questions
What 40-yard-dash time do you need for D2 football?
For D2 football, the roster floor is around 4.85, scholarship-track sits near 4.70, and the elite band is around 4.55. Entry zones, not hard cutoffs — verify with each program.
Is 4.85 40-yard-dash time enough for D2 football?
4.85 sits at the D2 football roster floor — the lower lineup / walk-on band. Scholarship-track programs typically want closer to 4.70, and elite lineups look for 4.55+.
What is a good 40-yard-dash time for college football?
"Good" depends on the division you're targeting. D2 football coaches filter starting at 4.85, with scholarship-track around 4.70 and elite 4.55+. Use the full division table above to see where your athlete's number lands.
How were the D2 football 40-yard-dash time numbers sourced?
lower_is_better. Composite reference; varies by position.