NCAA Faces Backlash Over Rule That Could End Walk-Ons in College Football

This shift from the previous model, which allowed 85 scholarship players supplemented by numerous walk-ons, has raised concerns among coaches and stakeholders.

Key Changes Under the House v. NCAA Settlement

• Roster Cap Implementation: The settlement proposes replacing scholarship limits with roster caps. For football, this means a strict limit of 105 players, encompassing both scholarship athletes and walk-ons.
• Direct Athlete Compensation: Schools opting into the settlement can distribute up to $20.5 million annually to athletes, marking a significant move towards direct compensation.
• NIL Deal Oversight: Athletes will be required to disclose NIL agreements exceeding $600 to a new clearinghouse, ensuring compliance and fair market value.

Dabo Swinney’s Perspective

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney has been a vocal critic of the proposed roster limits. He expressed that the reduction to a 105-player cap is “the worst thing in my whole coaching career,” emphasizing the adverse impact on walk-on players who contribute significantly to team dynamics and practice sessions.

Swinney highlighted the challenges of managing a larger roster, noting that walk-ons often provide essential depth, especially during extended seasons. He also pointed out that some teams might struggle to field enough players for bowl games under the new limitations.

Implications for Walk-On Players

Walk-ons have traditionally been a substantial part of college football rosters, often comprising 20–40% of the team. The new roster cap could significantly reduce opportunities for these athletes, as schools may prioritize scholarship players within the limited spots.

Coaches like Swinney are concerned that this change could diminish the developmental pipeline and the overall team culture that walk-ons help foster. Additionally, the financial implications of the settlement may lead schools to make difficult decisions regarding roster composition to stay within budgetary constraints.

Next Steps

The final approval of the House v. NCAA settlement is pending a ruling by U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken, expected soon. If approved, the new rules, including the roster caps and direct athlete compensation, will take effect on July 1, 2025. Schools have until June 15 to decide whether to opt into the settlement’s provisions.

As the NCAA navigates this transformative period, the balance between fair athlete compensation and maintaining opportunities for all players, including walk-ons, remains a central concern.