“No surprise” “Clout chaser” - CFB world left debating as former 5-star recruit BJ Johnson claims Urban Meyer made him a pay-for-play offer

Urban Meyer is a hot topic in college football today after former Texas athlete and five-star recruit BJ Johnson alleged receiving a pay-for-play offer from the legendary coach. Meyer won three national championships in 17 seasons and was named to the 2025 College Football Hall of Fame ballot on June 3.

Johnson, who played as a wide receiver for the Longhorns from 2000 to 2003, revealed on the "On Texas Football" podcast Thursday that Meyer approached him with a direct monetary offer while recruiting for Notre Dame.

"Hell, Urban Meyer locked me in an office in my school, and no bullsh*t, asked me straight up," Johnson said. "He was like, 'BJ. How much?' And this was when he was at Notre Dame at the time. And it caught me off guard because I just thought we (were) talking football."

Reactions to the former player's claims have been swift and divided. Some fans expressed disbelief, calling Johnson a "clout chaser," while others sided with him, writing "No surprise." Here's a look at some fan reactions:

Screenshot via Instagram/@recruits.cfb

As the debate rages, it's clear that Johnson's story has reignited discussions about the integrity of college football recruiting practices.

Urban Meyer considers NIL "cheating" in college football

Last month, Meyer gave a scathing critique of name, image and likeness deals in college football. During an appearance on the "Lou Holtz Podcast," the former Ohio State coach didn't mince words, labeling the present state of NIL as "cheating."

Since NIL was introduced in 2021, it sparked a debate in college football that NIL has turned recruitment into a financial arms race.

“I think NIL, and I sat in those committees for many, many years, I think it’s great," Meyer said. "If it’s capitalism, for example, if a great player like Marvin Harrison Jr. and some car dealership in town wants to hire him, they want to put his name on a billboard and pay him money, sign autographs... But that’s not what’s happened, coach. What’s happened is it’s cheating.”

[Timestamp: 26:00]

Meyer’s blunt assessment banks on a growing concern among college football elites that NIL deals, instead of providing fair compensation for athletes' fame, have become a loophole for financial exploitation and unethical recruitment practices.