Schools explore legal and illegal methods to fund unofficial visits

Unofficial visits, typically self-funded per NCAA rules, have become a focal point for college football recruiting as programs find ways around this requirement. Schools reportedly use a mix of legal and illegal strategies, such as NIL contracts and creative bookkeeping, to cover prospects' costs. Some recruits are now directly asking programs if they can be financially supported for visits. Reports detail practices including trips on private jets to music festivals and the arrangement of 7-on-7 teams to bring recruits to campus. These tactics highlight the lengths programs will go to attract top talent, amid the ongoing evolution of college recruiting standards.

• 5:11 PMCBS Sports — Unofficial visits are supposed to be unpaid, but these wild stories show how schools are getting around that