What does the term "walk-on" refer to in college athletics?

The term "walk-on" in college athletics specifically refers to a student-athlete who chooses to join a college sports team without receiving a formal scholarship offer. These individuals often try out for the team and, if they perform well enough, may earn a place on the roster. Walk-ons usually pay for their own tuition and expenses initially, and some may eventually earn scholarships based on their performance and contribution to the team.

Understanding the context of this term is important, as it highlights the dedication and commitment of student-athletes who pursue their passion for their sport despite not receiving a financial incentive in the form of a scholarship. This can also reflect the competitive nature of college athletics, where many aspiring athletes may seek ways to participate at a high level even without the backing of an athletic scholarship.

The other options relate to different aspects of college athletics: student-athletes on a scholarship typically have their tuition covered by athletic funds; those drafted by a professional team are moving on to professional leagues; and transferring from another institution refers to changing schools, which is distinct from the walk-on process.