Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about PrepRanks rankings, data, and features.
Rankings & Data
How are PrepRanks scores calculated?
PrepRanks uses a unique 5-component algorithm that goes beyond simple star ratings: (1) Weighted Service Average (0-50 pts) - combines ON3 (35%), 247Sports (30%), Rivals (20%), and ESPN (15%); (2) Rank Momentum (0-25 pts) - rewards recruits rising in rankings; (3) Position Scarcity (0-15 pts) - rare positions get higher scores; (4) Cross-Service Stability (0-10 pts) - rewards consensus among services; (5) Elite Recognition (0-10 pts) - bonus for Top 10, Top 25, Top 50, and Top 100 national recruits. These components combine into a final 0-100 composite score. See our Methodology page for the complete algorithm breakdown.
Why might a 3-star kicker score higher than a 5-star wide receiver?
Because elite kickers are incredibly rare. Our position scarcity component (worth up to 15 points) recognizes that finding one of 12 elite kickers in a class is harder than finding one of 499 wide receivers. Add positive momentum (rising rankings) and a 3-star specialist can absolutely outscore a stable 5-star skill player. This reflects real recruiting value - every team needs a kicker.
How often are rankings updated?
Rankings are updated weekly, typically within 24-48 hours of service updates. Major recruiting events (National Signing Day, All-American games) trigger more frequent updates. Check recruit profiles for "Last Updated" timestamps.
What is rank momentum and why does it matter?
Rank momentum tracks how a recruit's ranking is changing over time. If a player jumped from #300 to #200 in recent months, that signals breakout performance worth up to +25 points. We track momentum across all 4 services. Rising stars get rewarded before traditional rankings catch up, while declining players lose points. Updated weekly to capture the latest trends.
Why do PrepRanks scores differ from traditional star ratings?
Traditional star ratings only measure current talent evaluation. PrepRanks adds four critical factors: (1) Momentum - are they rising or falling? (2) Position scarcity - how rare is this position? (3) Service consensus - do all services agree? (4) Elite recognition - are they a top national recruit? These factors reveal recruiting value that stars alone miss. For example, a Top 10 national recruit gets bonus points that push them toward elite scores, even at common positions.
What if a recruit is ranked by only 2-3 services?
We normalize weights for available rankings. If ESPN hasn't ranked a recruit, the other three services split 100% of the weight proportionally (ON3: 41%, 247: 35%, Rivals: 24%). Missing data handling: Our stability component caps at 8pts (instead of 10) with only 3 services, and momentum defaults to 15pts (benefit of doubt) when no rank change data exists. This prevents unfair penalties for incomplete data.
PrepRanks Intelligence
What is the PrepRanks Composite Score?
Our flagship metric (0-100 points) that combines five factors: Weighted Service Average (50 pts max), Rank Momentum (25 pts), Position Scarcity (15 pts), Cross-Service Stability (10 pts), and Elite Recognition (10 pts). Unlike traditional rankings that only measure talent, we add context about trajectory, supply/demand, consensus, and elite national status. See the full breakdown on every recruit page.
What is the Market Value Index (MVI)?
MVI quantifies recruit "heat" based on offers (30%), prediction activity (25%), competition level (20%), geographic reach (15%), and NIL potential (10%). Scores range 0-100. Elite recruits typically score 80+. This is separate from our PrepRanks Composite Score.
How accurate is the Commitment Risk Score?
Historical validation shows ~75% accuracy for high-risk recruits (70+ score) and ~85% accuracy for low-risk recruits (<40 score). Factors include top prediction mismatch (40%), competition level (30%), and commitment recency (30%). Only applies to committed recruits.
Can I trust PrepRanks proprietary scores?
Our algorithms are fully transparent - we show exactly how each score is calculated on every recruit page. The 5-component breakdown lets you see which factors drive each score. No black boxes. Our methodology is publicly documented and based on proven statistical methods. Treat scores as data-driven insights that add context to traditional rankings.
Why don't all recruits have PrepRanks scores?
Scores require minimum data thresholds. MVI needs offer/prediction data. Risk Score requires commitment status. If a recruit lacks sufficient data, scores won't appear until information is available.
What is Football Intelligence?
Football-specific metrics that capture recruiting dynamics unique to the sport: Size Premium Index (prototypical builds by position), Two-Way Impact Score (Travis Hunter-type roster flexibility), QB Premium Index (elite quarterback prospects), OL Shortage Multiplier (offensive line scarcity), Early Enrollment Advantage (7-month head start), Speed Position Proxy (athleticism signals), Power Five Regional Advantage (TX/FL/GA/CA/OH hotspots), and Positional Athleticism Transfer (multi-sport athletes). Only available for football recruits.
What is Basketball Intelligence?
Basketball-specific metrics for both men's and women's recruiting: Height Advantage Index (size premium by position - 6'9" guards are unicorns), Physical Profile Score (size + skill combos), Age Advantage Index (younger players have more upside), Position Versatility Score (modern positionless basketball), One-and-Done Probability (NBA departure prediction - men's only), Guard Skills Premium (elite ball-handlers), Big Man Scarcity Premium (elite centers), and International Prospect Flag (global talent pipeline). Tailored separately for men's and women's basketball.
Using PrepRanks
Is PrepRanks really free?
Yes. 100% free, forever. No subscriptions, paywalls, or premium tiers. We believe recruiting information should be accessible to everyone—athletes, families, coaches, and fans.
How do I search for recruits?
Use the search bar in the main navigation or visit the Recruits page to filter by class year, position, state, star rating, commitment status, and more. All filters are stackable.
Can I compare multiple recruits?
Not yet, but it's on our roadmap! For now, open recruit profiles in separate tabs to compare side-by-side. We plan to add formal comparison tools in future updates.
How do I find recruits from my state or high school?
Use the state filter on the Recruits page or visit your high school's profile page to see all ranked recruits. You can also filter by graduation year and position.
Can I export or download recruit data?
Currently no. Data export features may be added in the future based on user demand. For now, recruit profiles are viewable online only.
Coverage & Sports
What sports does PrepRanks cover?
Currently: High school football (classes 2026, 2027, 2028). Coming soon: Basketball. Planned: Baseball. We're starting with football and expanding based on data availability and user demand.
Why doesn't PrepRanks cover class of 2025?
Class of 2025 has mostly signed. We focus on active recruiting classes where rankings change frequently and our analytics add the most value. Historical data may be added later.
Will PrepRanks add transfer portal rankings?
It's on our roadmap! Transfer portal rankings would use similar composite methodology with adjusted weighting. We're evaluating data sources and timing.
Can I submit a recruit who isn't ranked?
PrepRanks aggregates data from major services—we don't scout athletes independently. If a recruit isn't ranked by ON3, 247Sports, Rivals, or ESPN, they won't appear on PrepRanks. Contact those services about their evaluation process.
Technical & Access
Why is PrepRanks so fast?
We use a 100% static architecture. Every page is pre-built HTML served from a global CDN (Vercel). No database queries, no server processing—just instant page loads (~200ms average).
Does PrepRanks have a mobile app?
Not yet. Our mobile-optimized website works great on all devices and can be added to your home screen as a web app. Native apps may come later based on demand.
Can I embed PrepRanks data on my site?
Not currently, but we're open to partnerships. Contact us to discuss use cases. Scraping or unauthorized data use is prohibited.
I found incorrect data. How do I report it?
We appreciate corrections! Contact us with recruit name, issue description, and correct information. Note: We aggregate data from major recruiting services, so corrections may need to be reported to ON3, 247Sports, Rivals, or ESPN directly.
About PrepRanks
Who runs PrepRanks?
PrepRanks is built and maintained by an independent team passionate about recruiting transparency. We're not affiliated with ON3, 247Sports, Rivals, ESPN, or any recruiting service. Learn more on our About page.
How does PrepRanks make money?
Currently, we don't. PrepRanks is a passion project funded by its creators. Our static architecture keeps hosting costs near zero ($0-5/month). Future monetization (if any) would never compromise data access or objectivity.
Can I contribute or volunteer?
We appreciate the interest! We're not currently accepting contributors, but may open source parts of the project in the future. Contact us to stay informed.
How can I support PrepRanks?
Share us with coaches, athletes, families, and fans! Word-of-mouth is our best growth engine. Feedback and feature suggestions are also invaluable—let us know what would make PrepRanks better.
Still have questions?
We're here to help. Visit our Contact page to get in touch, or check our About and Methodology pages for more details.