Naw probably something to do with corn although we do have a corn field right on campus
... it's a made-up excuse. No use trying to fit truth to it. The kid is a sophomore high school athlete that anticipates millions in football income. College major isn't part of the discussion beyond "there are as many good choices here as anywhere else".
If the dad really said or implied that, I hope it was with a wink. If he was seriously trying to pass it off as the reason, that's pretty embarrassing. If I had to guess, this family is getting their money's worth of free advice...