Total Pro Sports
College football recruiting is all about making a big impression. But every now and then, a school goes a little too far, even if it looks really cool.
That’s exactly where Colorado finds itself right now. The Buffaloes may have sent out the coolest offer letter in the country, but in doing so, they might’ve tiptoed into NCAA violation territory. And while nobody expects the NCAA to go full scorched-earth over some trading cards, technically, it’s a problem.
Earlier this month, four-star prospect Preston Ashley, one of the top defensive backs in the 2026 class, received an offer package that turned heads across college football. It wasn’t just a fancy letter. It came in a trifold pocket folder filled with 19 trading cards. One card was of Ashley himself. The others included names like Travis Hunter and NFL legend Warren Sapp, who’s now on staff.
Officially Offical🦬!! #SkoBuffs pic.twitter.com/waGwlHwujc
— Preston Ashley (@AshleyBallers) August 2, 2025
The message? Colorado is all about the NFL pipeline. But in that message might lie the issue.
NCAA rules explicitly state that universities, or anyone acting on their behalf, cannot send gifts or items of value to recruits. That includes clothes, cash, and yes, even trading cards. It’s a regulation that’s been around for years and hasn’t gone anywhere, no matter how wild recruiting has gotten.
Vinny Nardella, a former creative director at Auburn, gave his views on Colorado’s situation.
“Pretty sure you can’t send like physical stuff,” Nardella said. “Has to be literally just paper… card in case and the sleeves are probably not allowed.”
North Carolina State, for example, sent out a paper-only recruiting mailer recently. Slick design, no extras, no violations. Just good old-fashioned paper and ink.
In Colorado’s case, the trading cards arguably hold value, sentimental or otherwise. That’s where the NCAA could draw the line.
So far, nothing official has come down. And honestly, nobody expects Colorado to get slapped with anything serious. The NCAA has bigger things to worry about than a folder full of football cards. But make no mistake, under the current rulebook, this kind of gesture crosses the line.
Creative? Absolutely. Legal? Not quite.
