NCAA lifts limit on number of official visits recruits can take

Starting in July, recruits can take as many official visits as they want. Yesterday, the NCAA Division I Council removed the limit on the number of official visits prospects can take. Until now, high school football players were limited to five official visits total, while high school basketball players were given five official visits their junior year and five their senior year.

Beginning July 1, recruits can officially visit as many schools as they like; however, football prospects will be limited to one official visit per school unless there is a head coaching change. Men’s basketball prospects will still be able to complete a second official visit to the same school as long as the visits don’t occur in the same academic year.

“For young people considering where to go to college, visits to campus — both official and unofficial — are an integral part of the decision-making process,” said Lynda Tealer, Florida associate AD and D1 council chair. “This was an opportunity to modernize NCAA rules in a way that provides greater and more meaningful opportunities for prospects going through the recruitment process.”

Schools will still only be allowed to host 56 official visitors per year. Official visits can’t last longer than a two-night stay, during which schools will be permitted to cover travel costs, transportation, meals, and “reasonable entertainment” for up to two family members accompanying a prospect on the visit. 

The Division I Council also expressed its support for a “holistic” student-athlete model, which would require schools to guarantee “enhanced support for current and former college athletes,” including degree completion funds for 10 years and increased medical coverage and mental health services. If approved by the Board of Directors, the benefits would take effect in August 2024.