If the Irish were rolling in early December, their expected ranking among the nation's recruiting elite was usually assured. Before college football recruiting was covered as thoroughly by the media, Irish coaches didn't have to worry about possibly insulting youngsters who were not set for visits at the banquet. With increased coverage, rumors swirled about the importance to the recruit of being invited to officially visit South Bend during the banquet weekend. These rumors, whether true or not, began to cause unnecessary trouble for Irish coaches who had to explain to recruits why they weren't being invited in for the banquet weekend. The banquet no longer holds the same place in the recruiting world as it once did.
Many recruits have conflicting playoff or championship games.
Some recruits say Notre Dame doesn't emphasize it as the most important weekend anymore. Only 13 recruits officially visited Notre Dame's campus last weekend, and none made oral commitments to Bob Davie, although several were extremely impressed. And the Irish also have other superior prospects who are already committed. Notre Dame, which historically didn't zone in on players early for commitments, now has joined the trend towards the focused, earlier recruitment of players. This tactic was brought on by the more difficult academic requirements imposed by the NCAA for freshman eligibility and the reduction to 85 maximum football scholarships.