How do college teams support walk ons? Do they get a fair chance?

I've been hearing about quite a few college teams with a significant number of walk ons and it got me curious. What kind of opportunities and support do these walk ons receive to ensure they get a fair chance to compete with the regularly recruited athletes?

In most circumstances, walk-ons are viewed in the same light as any other athlete on the team, although their journey to earning playing time can be tougher. But remember, the character, work ethic, and dedication a walk-on demonstrates can be hugely commendable. Their perseverance can often add to the team's culture and morale, and they can indeed end up being valuable contributors to the team’s success.

Walk-ons typically receive support and assistance in terms of access to the same training facilities, academic support, and medical care that scholarship athletes enjoy. They also have the same opportunity to learn from coaches, improve their skills, and compete for playing time according to their abilities.

One of the challenges is that walk-ons often start at the bottom of the depth chart and have to work their way up, since coaches may initially focus their attentions on their scholarship athletes who they've actively recruited. However, walk-ons who prove themselves on the practice field can eventually earn playing time and may even have the opportunity to earn a scholarship in the future.

It's also important to note that the experience with walk-ons can vary greatly depending on the sport, the institutional philosophy, and the coach. Some universities and coaches have a track record of providing walk-ons with a supportive and rewarding environment, so it's worthwhile to investigate each school's specific policies and culture if this is a potential path for you.

A notable example of a successful walk-on is Baker Mayfield, who walked on to Texas Tech, earned the starting quarterback job as a freshman, then transferred and walked on at Oklahoma, where he eventually won the Heisman Trophy. His path clearly demonstrates that with perseverance and commitment, walk-ons can certainly achieve noteworthy success.