Walk-On

A walk-on is a student-athlete who joins a college team without an athletic scholarship. Walk-ons practice and compete but pay their own way, and some eventually earn a scholarship through performance — known as 'earning a ride.'

Walk-ons are a legitimate path onto a roster, particularly in sports with large rosters like football and track.

A preferred walk-on is invited to join the team during the recruiting process, while a regular walk-on tries out.

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