I read something one time (I've tried to go back to find it again since then but cannot) that listed how many players schools
actually have on scholarship. Sounds easy enough right - can't be past 85? Well, not exactly. If someone blows a knee out (for example), they can be medically disqualified (medical hardship) - they quit and do not play anymore, but they get to keep their scholarship to stay in school and it doesn't count against the 85 limit. Schools like Alabama's
actual number of players on scholarship was pushing 125. (Going from memory, but it was way way way over 100.) . Its been documented that Satan does this several times a year.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703384204575509901468451306