Longer Careers but Tighter Windows

College athletes may soon find themselves with more time to compete but fewer opportunities to change schools mid-season. In recent months, a series of court rulings have begun to challenge the NCAA’s long-standing five-year eligibility rule, suggesting that athletes who spent time in junior colleges or redshirted seasons might regain those lost years. In parallel, the NCAA’s Division I Football Oversight Committee has approved a proposal to eliminate the spring transfer portal window for football, consolidating transfers into a single period in early January. These shifts, if adopted, would reshape how long—and how flexibly—students can play.

The push to drop the spring portal window comes amid concerns that late transfers have been disruptive. Coaches say that those leaving after spring practices force them to scramble with roster and scholarship planning, and complicate depth and continuity heading into summer preparation. The proposed switch to a one-window system starting Jan. 2 and lasting about 10 days would force players to choose earlier and reduce the “last minute” departures that destabilize teams. Meanwhile, courts reviewing eligibility challenges have shown a willingness to question whether the five-year clock is vertically defensible under antitrust law. In one recent case, a judge ruled that counting junior college seasons without exception might unfairly restrict an athlete’s right to compete, allowing that player to compete this season despite having exhausted what traditionally would be his eligibility.

The impact could be profound. Athletes might gain extra seasons to recover from injury, develop their game more fully, or build their NIL presence over time. On the other hand, they will have to commit earlier to transfer decisions, with little flexibility to change direction once January passes. For many, that means lining up everything—academics, advisor conversations, school visits—before the season ends. With eligibility extensions and transfer windows both shifting, the new reality could demand sharper timing, greater foresight, and more transparent relationships with compliance offices and support networks.

Merchandise and licensing are becoming some of the most consistent ways for athletes to earn money in the NIL era. Jerseys, T-shirts, posters, and digital collectibles give fans a direct way to support their favorite players, while licensing deals let athletes receive a share when their name, number, or likeness is used on officially approved gear. What was once reserved for top stars at powerhouse programs is now available to athletes at every level who want to connect with their communities and grow their brand.

Small schools and non-revenue sports are beginning to use these opportunities as well. A campus bookstore can partner with a local print shop to produce athlete-branded apparel, giving players a chance to see their name on shelves while collecting a portion of the sales. Licensing agreements also create steady income without requiring constant attention. Instead of managing every sale directly, athletes can sign agreements that authorize approved vendors to use their image in exchange for royalties, letting them focus on academics and competition while still building NIL income in the background.

But these deals also come with risks. Some contracts give away broad rights for too long or restrict athletes from pursuing other partnerships. Others may not clearly spell out how revenue is shared or how long the merchandise will stay on the market. For athletes, the opportunity is real, but so is the need for caution. Merch and licensing can become powerful parts of an NIL portfolio if approached carefully, but poor agreements can limit growth and reduce future earnings.

Takeaway: What Athletes Need To Know
Before signing a merch or licensing deal, ask three questions:

What exactly is being licensed?

How long does the deal last?

How will revenue be split?

Make sure the agreement leaves room for future partnerships and reflects your value. A fair contract will protect your brand while putting your name in the hands of fans who want to support you.

The only thing we know for sure is that more changes are right around the corner. Here are a couple of developing stories to keep your eye on:

The NIL era is not just about what happens on the field. Athletes are discovering that the skills they use in everyday life can become opportunities to build a brand and generate income. From tutoring classmates to running sports camps, from playing music to designing graphics, many student-athletes are creating ventures that showcase who they are beyond their sport.

What makes these opportunities powerful is that they are often rooted in authenticity. A volleyball player who loves baking might launch a recipe page on social media, while a track athlete who is strong in math could offer online tutoring sessions. These ventures highlight personal strengths and can lead to local sponsorships or digital partnerships with small businesses eager to support athletes who bring value to their communities. For many, these skills become just as marketable as athletic performance, giving them a second lane of opportunity.

The long-term benefit is clear. A social media presence built around personal skills can outlast a playing career, and entrepreneurial projects can evolve into businesses that grow after graduation. By leaning into who they are outside of sports, athletes can create a brand that is both well-rounded and sustainable. In a landscape where eligibility and transfer rules keep shifting, building on personal talents offers stability and independence.

Takeaway: What Athletes Should Do Now
Make a list of your skills outside of sports—whether that’s tutoring, music, design, coaching, or cooking—and think about how to share them with an audience. Start small with posts or local projects, and look for partnerships that fit naturally. Your talents beyond athletics can open just as many doors as your highlights on the field.