Introduction
Big changes are coming to college athletics—and if you’re a student-athlete or the parent of one, you need to be ready. In June 2025, the House v. NCAA settlement was officially approved, marking a historic shift in how college athletes can be compensated and how athletic scholarships will be managed moving forward. With nearly $2.8 billion in back pay and new guidelines on roster limits and NIL (name, image, and likeness) compensation, this isn’t just a policy update—it’s a complete reshaping of the college sports landscape.
For current and future athletes, these changes open the door to more financial opportunities but also introduce a new system of roster management that could affect playing time, team size, and scholarship availability. The good news? If you’re already on a team or were recruited before April 2025, you may be shielded from these changes altogether.
Here’s a breakdown of what the new rules mean, how schools are adjusting, and what you can do to protect your athletic scholarship as the 2025–2026 academic year approaches.
Description
The House Settlement: A New Era for Student-Athletes
Under the newly approved settlement, colleges can now directly pay student-athletes for their NIL, starting in 2025–2026. This compensation comes with a cap tied to a percentage of Power Four conference revenues. Participation by schools is optional, but those that opt in will no longer follow traditional scholarship limits—instead, they’ll operate under sport-specific roster limits.
This shift could impact how many athletes a team can carry. But it also means schools could pay players in new ways, offering more flexibility and value to student-athletes.
What Are Roster Limits and How Do They Work?
Traditionally, teams were restricted by how many scholarships they could offer. With the new system, teams at schools that opt into the settlement will follow roster caps instead. These caps limit the number of total athletes on a team, not just the number receiving scholarships.
The Designated Student-Athlete (DSA) Exemption
If you’re already on a team in the 2024–2025 season or were recruited before April 7, 2025, you may qualify as a Designated Student-Athlete (DSA). This matters because:
DSAs don’t count toward roster limits.
You can continue playing and receiving aid as long as you’re eligible.
Your school must submit your DSA status to the NCAA by July 6, 2025.
Once you’re on the DSA list, that exemption lasts for the rest of your NCAA eligibility.
Schools that choose to opt in after 2025–2026 cannot use the DSA exemption, so timing is important.
Your Scholarship Can’t Be Taken Without Cause
Even with roster changes, your athletic scholarship is still protected. According to NCAA rules, schools cannot reduce, cancel, or fail to renew your aid just because of changes in team size or your performance. They’re still obligated to honor financial aid unless there’s a valid reason under NCAA bylaws.
When Can a School Cancel or Reduce Your Scholarship?
A scholarship can only be reduced or canceled if one or more of the following apply:
You become ineligible due to academic or other rule violations.
You committed fraud on your application or financial aid forms.
You engaged in serious misconduct and face school disciplinary action.
You voluntarily quit the team or declare your intent to transfer.
You violate written non-athletic agreements in your aid terms.
Performance on the field—or even an injury—is not grounds for losing aid.
What If Your Scholarship Is Reduced or Canceled?
If your school tries to reduce or cancel your scholarship for the next academic year, they must:
Send you written notice by July 1, 2025.
Include a clear explanation of your right to appeal.
Offer a hearing with an independent appeal committee—no one from the athletics department can be on this panel.
If you’re facing an aid reduction, start by reviewing your aid agreement, gather all communications, and request a hearing before the deadline if you believe it’s unjustified.
What Happens If You Transfer?
Once you submit a written request to transfer or enter the transfer portal, your school can end your scholarship at the end of the current term. Be sure you understand the timing and financial implications before making a decision.
You can download the Apk file from the link below to track deadlines, manage scholarship documents, and receive alerts on appeals, renewals, and DSA status notifications.