Is it permissible to use a prospective student-athlete's name or image in video/audio material?

Using a prospective student-athlete's name or image in video or audio material is prohibited until they have officially committed to an institution. This rule is in place to protect prospective student-athletes from exploitation and to uphold the integrity of the recruiting process. The NCAA has specific regulations regarding the use of names, images, and likenesses that prevent institutions from using such identifiable characteristics of recruits in promotional and marketing materials.

Although one might think that consent allows for usage, the rules are particularly stringent in order to maintain fairness within the recruitment landscape. Once a student-athlete has signed a National Letter of Intent or made a public commitment to an institution, then their name and image may be used in promotional material without infringing on NCAA rules. This ensures that all student-athletes are given a level playing field during their recruitment and that institutions cannot gain an unfair advantage by showcasing prospective talents prematurely.