I'm returning again to see if I can rebuild a D1 team. For rebuilding a team, would you recommend joining a competitive D1 conference that's mostly full? Or selecting a team in a conference with mostly Sim AI to build up prestige faster?

Depends on what you want. Rebuilding a doormat in a full conference is *very hard*. It’s probably the most challenging thing to do in HD. If that’s what you’re looking for, cool.

If you’re more thinking what will advance you quickly to start racking up Amazon gift cards, I’d say it depends on what you’re qualified for. If you’re qualified for a B- or better Big6 conference program, one that has few or no open scholarships, that’s probably the fastest to *rebuilt* status. If you’re not qualified for Big6 in that world, building a contender from mid majors is very doable. Probably best if it’s not full, but has a few humans to keep overall SOS from crashing. Mid major teams that share a region with a relatively weak power conference are especially appealing, ie if the Big 12 south is half sim, a team like Texas Christian or UT-Arlington can build up quickly.

I'm looking in Smith because that's where I qualify for the most schools. The only Power 6 schools I qualify for are Seton Hall D+ and Rutgers D. Both in a very tough location for recruiting as a rebuild. It seems most of the Power 6 conferences are pretty full in Smith, so finding a diamond in the rough (to quote Hardball Dynasty) school will be even tougher.

I've got a couple weeks to scour the teams and look for a good recruiting territory. But thanks.

Pac10 North has 3 sims, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Washington St. and Fresno St. drop down to you after the season. I’ve always thought Fresno St should be a decent spot, right in the middle of a ton of usually high quality recruits.

Thanks, I guess I could just wait for the hiring period. Could get some better schools that way. Appreciate the help.

Georgia Tech has a very high base prestige (at least an "A"), especially compared to Seton Hall and Rutgers (each at B-minus?). Tough for Ga Tech though is a crowded ACC, plus excellent programs at nearby Clemson, Georgia and Auburn, among others.