Blue chip (sports)

Blue chip is a term used in the United States to describe athletes, particularly high school players, targeted for drafting or signing by teams at the college level. In college football, the term is considered synonymous with four-star and five-star recruits, while in college basketball, the term may also refer exclusively to five-stars. Collegiate players being scouted by professional franchises may also be referred to as blue chips.

Blue chip players are those who have proven themselves to be among the best at their positions in their respective sports and are more sought after and wanted than other players. They are typically perceived as "can't miss" prospects who are desired by most organizations. Blue chip athletes are likely to have an immediate impact on teams that acquire them and have proven skills rather than speculative or untapped potential. Many top recruits eventually go on to be successful at the professional level, especially in basketball and baseball.

The term "blue chip" originated from the beginning of the 20th century from the game of poker. The blue chips were of the highest value, which was used to indicate high value stocks in the 1920's. The term later started applying to high value athletic prospects.