I did some additional research on Ivy recruiting. (You might say I went to someone who actually knows.)
Schools are giving "offers" to juniors. Those "offers" have the same effect as verbal offers to non-Ivy schools, to wit, unenforceable.
Admissions timelines and requirements (see my earlier post) have not changed.
The only assurance a kid has is through the Likely Letter (if a school(s) don't issue one, the risk is on the kid) and will know only when ED/EA or RD decisions are made.
Coaches are able to determine whose academics meet the hurdle through their experience; but it's only through experience, not because of any admissions changes.
If a kid is "offered" early junior year and grades slip or a projected (wished/hoped) score doesn't materialize, risk is on kid. There is leeway depending upon perceived impact to the program - but subject to that school's minimums. It's easier to project a kid getting a 22 ACT than a 32; which us why , for example, Arizona has less academic "fallout" than an Ivy.