In the upper midwest, it is hard to get noticed, and covid adds on that. Also, FB is a full ride scholarship, along with the fact that many don't commit until their senior years. I guess that is why people are willing to go to such higher lengths.
In our area, they are doing FB workouts, and will start playing with pads in a few days. They anticipate starting games in early October, but that will depend on what is going on with the numbers in the state.