Final answer:
True, colleges with outstanding academic performance can also gain recognition for their athletic achievements. Data show that college athletes tend to have higher grades and are more likely to graduate on time compared to non-athletes. The recognition of academic institutions can be amplified by the success of their athletic teams, especially in football.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is true that academically outstanding colleges can be more widely recognized for the feats of their athletic teams. A stereotype exists that college athletes do not perform well academically; however, analyses of athletes' academic performance present a different picture. In fact, according to data from the NCAA, athletes often have higher grades, are more likely to graduate on time, and drop fewer classes compared to their non-athlete peers.
Furthermore, the success of athletic programs, particularly in football, can significantly raise the profile of a college. Some states with strong college football traditions, such as Alabama and Nebraska, have notable examples where the college's recognition is as much for their athletic success as for academic achievements. Yet, this intense fandom can sometimes overshadow the fact that many athletes are also academically successful.