Tampering in College Sports: The Growing Issue of Unauthorized NIL Recruitment
The rise of the transfer portal and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals has transformed college athletics, offering players more financial freedom and flexibility than ever before. However, with these changes has come a troubling trend—tampering, where schools and boosters attempt to lure athletes into the transfer portal with lucrative NIL offers before they’ve even entered.
Reports of tampering have emerged across a range of CFB programs, from powerhouse schools like Ohio State to mid-tier programs like Nebraska, and lesser-known teams such as UConn. This growing issue threatens the integrity of the game and raises questions about whether the NCAA can effectively regulate NIL-driven recruiting tactics.
Tampering has hit some of the most high-profile college football players, including Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate. According to reports, Smith was offered over $4.5 million, while Tate was presented with a $1 million NIL package to leave Ohio State for another program—neither had entered the transfer portal.
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day has been vocal about the increasing tampering concerns, calling for stricter enforcement of NCAA rules. His frustration echoes that of many coaches who now must recruit not only high school talent but also their own roster to prevent players from being poached.
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule also hinted at tampering when freshman running back Dante Dowdell announced his transfer to Kentucky. Rhule suggested that outside influences played a role in the decision, though he stopped short of directly naming the school involved (Kentucky).
Tampering isn’t limited to elite programs—UConn head coach Jim Mora publicly accused rival programs of trying to lure away his players after the Huskies’ bowl game. According to Mora, unnamed schools began reaching out to his athletes before they even considered transferring, violating NCAA rules.
Mora didn’t hold back in his criticism, calling for better regulation and more accountability for schools engaging in illegal recruiting practices. His statement sheds light on the fact that tampering isn’t just affecting top-tier schools—it’s also threatening smaller programs that rely on stability and player development.
Rule followers and traditional college football fans believe that stronger regulations must be implemented to curb the rampant tampering of student-athletes. In professional leagues like the NBA and NFL, tampering with contracted players is strictly prohibited and punishable.
There is a growing sentiment that because high-profile NCAA athletes are signing NIL agreements directly tied to their schools, it is imperative for the NCAA to establish clear, enforceable policies to prevent unethical recruitment practices and maintain the integrity of college sports.
But… What do you think?
Is this just the new reality of college athletics, where players should be free to take the best financial opportunities available? Or does this undermine the integrity of college sports, creating an unfair advantage for schools with deep-pocketed boosters?
Is tampering just part of the game now, or should the NCAA step in and put a stop to it?