How intense are college football workouts typically?

Stressing out a little bit here... I got into a D1 school for football, which is amazing, but I'm worried about the workouts. I've always been used to intense trainings, but I've heard college football workouts can be brutal. Can anyone share their experiences or any insights on the intensity and structure of these workouts?

Congrats on making it to Division I football! That's a huge accomplishment. College football workouts indeed ask a lot from athletes – they're designed to push you to your limits as conditioning at this level is of extreme importance. Most D1 programs run year-round workouts. During the offseason, lifting weights is usually prioritized, along with rigorous conditioning work. In-season, the workouts focus more on maintaining strength and recovery, as game preparation takes precedence.

Your workouts can vary significantly depending upon your position, but typically strength and conditioning coaches create personalized workout plans for each player that follow a general structure. The structure typically involves a mix of weightlifting (to build strength and muscle endurance), agility drills (to enhance speed, flexibility, and reaction times), and aerobic and anaerobic conditioning (to improve overall cardiovascular fitness and recovery rates). Expect to spend anywhere from 20 hours (NCAA limit during the season) up to 40 hours a week on your sport including practices, film watching, and strength and conditioning.

It can be intense, no doubt, but remember that you'll have a whole team of coaches and professionals who want you to succeed; they're there to help you manage your load, prevent injuries, and achieve peak performance. More importantly, listen to your body and communicate any issues to your coaches or trainers. It's a step up from high school, but plenty of student-athletes negotiate this transition successfully every year. You've got this!

There will definitely be an adjustment period, and initially, it may feel overwhelming as you balance academics and athletics. Make sure to take advantage of the support services your school offers, such as athletic academic advisors, nutritionists, etc. Also, remember to take care of your mental health as well, as the pressure can sometimes be challenging. Sure, it'll be tough, but with dedication, discipline, and proper guidance, you'll adapt over time. And the payoff? An extraordinary experience playing football at the highest collegiate level.