High school football players are using artificial intelligence to create fake highlight tapes to impress college recruiters, according to examples circulating on social media.
The technology has advanced significantly from early AI-generated videos that were easily spotted. Now, these altered highlight reels are becoming convincing enough to potentially fool some coaches and scouts evaluating prospects.
AI-generated highlight tapes use artificial intelligence to enhance or completely fabricate plays to make players appear more skilled than they actually are.
Spotting Fake Highlights
Several red flags can indicate AI manipulation in football videos. Repeated yardage numbers, incorrect field markings, and unnatural player movements are common giveaways.
Some scouts can quickly identify these irregularities. Others might miss them without careful examination.
Social media users remain divided on how convincing these videos actually are. While many call them obviously fake, others claim they can’t detect anything suspicious.
NEW: Football recruits are figuring out how to use AI to fabricate FAKE highlight plays.
All these plays were generated by artificial intelligence.
This will completely SHAKE up the football world pic.twitter.com/ZxJ9AUJKXF
— College Transfer Portal (@CollegeFBPortal) February 27, 2026
Impact on College Recruiting
College coaches face new challenges in evaluating authentic talent. Statistics and in-person evaluations may become more critical than highlight reels for determining a player’s actual ability.
Cross-referencing video highlights with verified game statistics could become standard practice for recruiters.
They can’t ai that stat sheet
— Coach G (@CoachGAllDay) February 27, 2026
One coach warned parents against the temptation to alter their athletes’ tapes. Getting caught using fake highlights will damage a player’s credibility and recruiting prospects.
Recruiting folks…parents…coaches…if you are legit and care about the athletes you will stress to them not to do this. This will further drive coaches away from high school prospects as these kids are already too desperate for offers. I have 5th and 6th grades hitting me up for… https://t.co/OhxiLfA42x
— Scott Hurst (@ScottHu36048162) February 27, 2026
Changing Recruiting Landscape
The rise of AI manipulation could reshape how college football recruiting operates. Prospect camps and in-person evaluations may become even more valuable for players seeking scholarships.
Scouts might start requesting verified game footage directly from high school programs rather than relying on athlete-submitted videos.
Video hosting platform HUDL and similar companies may need to implement verification systems, according to a former Division I coach and NFL scout.
We might really be headed toward this…
“Verified Film. No AI.”
AI reps are getting so realistic that players may have to start labeling their tape just to prove it’s real. If it’s on your film, you better have actually done it.
— Tommy Reamon Jr. (@CoachReamon) February 27, 2026
Eventually, recruited players must perform in person when coaches attend games. The gap between fake highlights and actual ability will become obvious during live evaluation.
If you’re a recruit who’s even THINKING about using AI to create fake highlights…
Just know, at some point, you’re going to have to show in person and perform at the level of your highlights!
What are you going to do when coach sees a completely different player than your… https://t.co/4mEGJTqA1V
— Don Williams (@Don_K_Williams) February 27, 2026
Raw talent and in-person performance will remain the ultimate determining factors in recruiting. However, the scouting process itself may need significant adjustments as AI technology continues advancing.
