Beginning in the 2025-2026 academic year, the NCAA could make substantial changes to football scholarship rules if a proposed settlement is approved. These changes will offer more flexibility in how scholarships are distributed, impacting how college football programs manage their rosters and recruit athletes. Let’s break down the key changes and how they might affect football recruits, all while highlighting the powerful role Athlete Pipeline plays in navigating these new opportunities.

Key Changes to Football Scholarships

• Increase in Scholarship Limits: D1 FBS football programs will now be allowed to offer up to 105 scholarships, up from the current limit of 85. This expanded limit provides more opportunities for athletes to secure scholarships.

• Roster Cap Changes: The roster limit for D1 FBS programs will be capped at 105 players, which allows for larger recruiting classes and creates more space for walk-ons to earn a place on the team.

• Equivalency Sport Classification: D1 FBS football will shift from being a headcount sport to an equivalency sport. This means programs can divide scholarships between multiple athletes, offering a combination of partial and full scholarships rather than just full-ride offers. This change gives coaches more flexibility in building their teams, and Athlete Pipeline helps athletes track these opportunities by staying connected with college programs.

How These Changes Impact Football Recruits

• Scholarship Opportunities: With the new 105-scholarship limit, more athletes will have the chance to earn financial aid. By using Athlete Pipeline, athletes can easily stay informed about which programs are offering scholarships and how coaches plan to allocate them.

• Flexible Scholarship Offers: The shift to an equivalency model allows for partial scholarships, meaning more athletes can receive some level of financial support. Athletes can use Athlete Pipeline to showcase their value and increase their chances of securing one of these flexible offers.

• Walk-On Opportunities: The new roster cap opens more space for walk-ons. Athlete Pipeline can be used by walk-ons to maintain visibility with coaches and secure their place on the team, even without an initial scholarship.

Breakdown by Division Level

• D1 FBS: Currently offering up to 85 scholarships, this will increase to 105 scholarships with the new equivalency model. Programs will have an average team size of around 105 players, with more athletes having the opportunity to earn partial scholarships.

• D1 FCS: These programs will continue to offer up to 63 scholarships under the equivalency model. Athlete Pipeline helps athletes stay on top of these evolving offers by tracking communications and scholarship updates.

• D2: With up to 36 scholarships available, most D2 programs split their funds between athletes. Athlete Pipeline can help athletes find the best-fit schools and opportunities at this level.

• NAIA and JUCO: NAIA programs offer up to 24 scholarships, while JUCO programs can offer up to 85. Both levels follow the equivalency model, and Athlete Pipeline keeps athletes connected with these programs for recruitment and scholarship offers.

The Role of Athlete Pipeline in Football Recruitment

Athlete Pipeline plays a critical role in helping athletes stay organized and proactive during the recruitment process. Here’s how:

• Tracking Opportunities: With the upcoming changes to football scholarship rules, Athlete Pipeline helps athletes track which schools are offering scholarships, roster spots, and walk-on opportunities.

• Communication with Coaches: Athletes can easily stay in contact with coaches through Athlete Pipeline, ensuring they are up-to-date on scholarship offers and roster developments.

• Showcasing Athletic and Academic Performance: Athletes can build a strong profile that highlights both their athletic achievements and academic success, making them more attractive recruits in this new landscape of scholarship flexibility.

Football Scholarship Requirements

To qualify for a football scholarship, athletes must meet both athletic and academic standards. Athlete Pipeline allows athletes to showcase their GPA, test scores, and athletic achievements in one comprehensive profile, making it easy for coaches to assess their fit for scholarships.

Key Academic Requirements:

• Graduate from high school.
• Complete 16 core courses and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.3.
• Complete at least 10 core courses before your junior year of high school.

Scholarship Types and Arrangements

The new NCAA rules also open up more flexibility for scholarship arrangements such as redshirting, blueshirting, and more. Athlete Pipeline helps athletes stay informed about these opportunities and communicate directly with coaches to understand what type of arrangement best fits their goals.

Walk-Ons and Redshirts

The new rule changes will also affect walk-on and redshirt players, though the exact impact remains to be seen. Athlete Pipeline can help walk-on athletes track their progress, maintain communication with coaches, and earn a place on the roster.

Conclusion

Navigating the complex world of football scholarships can be overwhelming, but with the changes coming in the 2025-2026 academic year, there are more opportunities than ever. Athlete Pipeline is an essential tool for athletes to stay organized, track scholarships, and connect with coaches, ensuring they stay ahead in the recruitment game. By leveraging Athlete Pipeline, you can enhance your recruitment journey and secure your future in college football.