Campus visits

Official & Unofficial Visits

What to know before you visit a college campus. Rules checked Oct 20, 2026. Rules change, so confirm details on the linked sources and with each school's compliance office. This is general guidance, not legal or eligibility advice.

Official vs. unofficial

  • Official visit: paid for in whole or in part by the college.
  • Unofficial visit: paid for by your family. Junior days and most game-day visits are unofficial visits.

When D1 football visits can happen

  • Unofficial visits: at any grade, except during dead periods (for 2026-27, all of August except around home games, and December for FBS).
  • Official visits: a junior-year window from April 1 through the Sunday before the last Wednesday in June, and again during senior year. An official visit can't be combined with that school's camp.
  • Many programs now host most official visits in late May and June of the junior year, before the early signing period.

D2, D3, NAIA and JUCO

  • D2: official visits from June 15 before junior year, outside dead periods.
  • D3: official visits from Jan. 1 of junior year.
  • NAIA: no grade-based visit limits; tryouts of up to two days are allowed if the school permits them.
  • JUCO: ask each school about visit rules.

Before a D1 or D2 official visit

  • Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center (a Certification Account, not just a free Profile Page).
  • Send the school a copy of your high school transcript.

How many, how long, who comes

  • There's no limit on how many schools you officially visit in D1, but each school can host you only once (a second may be allowed if the head coach changes).
  • A D1 official visit can last up to two nights, and the school can cover costs for up to two family members.
  • On Oct. 7, 2026, the Division I Cabinet introduced a proposal that would let schools pay for a recruit and four people on an official visit. It isn't adopted yet.

Questions to ask on a visit

  • Where do I fit on your depth chart, and how many players at my position are you signing, including transfers?
  • Did your school opt into the House settlement, and what does aid look like for my class?
  • What does a typical in-season week look like for a freshman?
  • Can I talk with current players without coaches present?
  • Can I study my intended major and play?

Sources (checked Oct 20, 2026)

← All football recruiting guides