Even if those "multiple reports" have any validity, which I doubt, people make offhand comments to leading questions all the time.

Can imagine Spencer Linton asking that question to him after he chooses BYU coming off a good football year:

Was the football team a factor? "Yes, that was a factor, so much fun," if he is one to be harmlessly agreeable.

There are an infinite number of possible reasons that might factor into AJ's choice. We are told by credible source, including AJ's dad, money is likely #1, but not everything.

Would the quality of the football team land anywhere within the top 100? As DW says above, the football team is not likely material.