Business & Finance
College football roster limits lead to decline in walk-on opportunities
Limits tied to the $2.8 billion House settlement are squeezing roster sizes, reducing developmental paths for non-scholarship players.
The short version
- Walk-on opportunities in Division I college football are declining as Bowl Subdivision schools work toward a new 105-man roster limit.
- The restrictions, which stem from the $2.8 billion House settlement, are closing off traditional developmental paths for unranked high school athletes.
- While some programs are utilizing partial scholarships, stipend money, or revenue-sharing to retain limited walk-on spots, coaches and players warn that future opportunities will be significantly harder to come by.
Key facts
- Roster limits linked to the $2.8 billion House settlement are causing a decline in walk-on opportunities as Bowl Subdivision schools approach a 105-man limit.[Associated Press]
- Some schools are using revenue-sharing funds, Alston stipends of up to $5,980 per year, or partial financial support to retain select walk-ons.[Associated Press]
- Iowa State is carrying a larger roster of 126 players, which includes 21 student-athletes permitted to complete their eligibility under transitional settlement rules.[Associated Press]
What remains uncertain
- It remains uncertain how many FBS programs will continue to maintain walk-on programs under the tighter roster restrictions, or how lower-tier divisions will adjust their partial scholarship structures.[Associated Press]