The fact that college tuition is often times a families largest investment outside of their home makes it seem like tons of research should be done.
Just shooting from the hip...
Sit through a class.
Stay a night... keep in mind that every college on earth is fun on a Friday night, perhaps visits during the week wouldn't hurt.
Talk to athletes, non athletes, ex athletes.
Talk to professors.
Talk to alums.
Eat the cafeteria food.
See some dorm rooms.
Visit during warm and cold months.
Sit in the dugout during practice.
Watch a practice without announcing you are coming.
Watch some games or scrimmages.
College is a big decision. College is expensive.
I'm not exaggerating when I say I see families do more research on car purchases then college decisions.
There are not a lot of "bad" choices at this level. But don't you want the "best" choice for your sons?! The best choice academically, socially, athletically, financially, etc.
This type of research is exactly what motivated me to do the College Bus Tours. Should a kid "like" a school just because a coach "likes" them? Kids should see lots of schools to be able to figure out what THEY want in a college.
Again, not a lot of "bad" choices. Your boy will be fine. Sounds like he has some other things cooking.
Best of luck. Keep us posted.
Rich