The NCAA Division I Council this week adopted a major change to football recruiting, namely the number of schools a student-athlete may visit during the process.

In the past, recruits were allowed to take official visits to five schools beginning April 1 of their junior year. Now, recruits can make official visits to an unlimited number of schools during that period.

Athletes can officially visit each school only once, with the exception of schools that have undergone a head-coaching change since the first visit (in which case a second visit would be allowed). Visits may last no longer than two nights, and schools can continue to cover travel costs, transportation meals and “reasonable” entertainment for prospects and up to two family members.

“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, executive associate athletics director at Florida and chair of the Division I Council. “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.”

The new rules take effect July 1, so they will be in place for the 2023-24 signing class.