UNDERSTANDING NEW NCAA ROSTER AND SCHOLARSHIP CHANGES.
“Times and conditions change so rapidly that we must keep our aim constantly focused on the future.” — Walt Disney
With the NCAA’s July (2025) rule changes, the landscape for Division I recruiting has shifted in a big way. One of the most immediate effects may be a reduction in traditional walk-on opportunities. Since coaches can now stretch scholarship dollars further by awarding partial aid, fewer roster spots are likely to be left for true walk-ons who receive no assistance.
Division I colleges now offering partial scholarships in every sport has completely restructured how athletic aid is awarded across all programs.
For athletes and families, this means it’s more important than ever to approach the process with an open and objective mindset. Instead of focusing solely on the idea of earning a “full ride,” serious student-athletes must consider the full range of opportunities available, whether that’s a partial athletic scholarship, a mix of athletic and academic aid, or a roster spot at a program where the fit is best both on and off the field.
Key Changes
All sports now use the “equivalency” model
In the past, high-revenue “headcount” sports such as football, men’s and women’s basketball, women’s tennis, and women’s gymnastics could only offer a fixed number of full scholarships, where no partial aid was allowed. Now, every sport follows the equivalency model: coaches receive a set pool of scholarship funds that they can divide among players however they choose.Scholarship caps removed, roster limits introduced
Instead of restricting how many scholarships each sport can offer, the NCAA has set roster size limits. For instance, men’s basketball rosters are capped at 15 players, all of whom may now receive some level of aid. In FBS football, the roster cap is 105, meaning scholarships can be distributed across the entire roster rather than limited to a smaller group.Greater flexibility for coaches
Coaches can now offer a mix of full, partial, or minimal scholarships.For example: a top recruit may still receive a full ride, while a promising walk-on could be awarded a small percentage of aid. This flexibility was not possible in the old headcount model.
What This Means for Student-Athletes
More athletes will receive aid
Because funds can now be spread more widely, more athletes are expected to receive at least some level of scholarship support. While not every scholarship will be a “full ride,” the overall number of student-athletes receiving financial help should rise.Recruiting becomes more strategic
Coaches can stretch their budgets further, but this may also amplify the gap between schools with strong financial resources and those with tighter budgets. We are sure that to no one’s shock, programs with deeper pockets will be able to offer larger percentages of aid to more athletes.Academic performance matters more than ever
Partial scholarships increase the importance of academic achievement. Strong grades and test scores can make recruits eligible for academic scholarships, which can be combined with athletic aid to reduce college costs. Coaches are likely to prioritize recruits who can qualify for these additional funds.
With the new NCAA rules, fewer spots may be left for walk-ons—but more athletes will have a chance at at least some scholarship help. The key is to stay flexible: don’t just chase a “full ride.” Focus on your academics, be open to partial scholarships, and look for the school that’s the best fit for your future both on and off the field.
If you have questions and would like to talk to a counselor, let us know!
