When the House settlement goes into effect, D1 football programs will have a hard limit of 105 players. That’s great news for the players who make the cut - all 105 will be eligible for full scholarships - up from 85 in 2024. The biggest losers are the walk-on players. Most D1 football teams carried an additional 30-40 non-scholarship players. With the cap set at 105, it could lead to nearly 3,000 athletes without a roster spot.

@BralyKeller, Director of NIL & Business Insights for Opendorse compared the average roster sizes for most NCAA sports in a post on X. Check out the full list here.

OSU parts ways with popular walk-on before CFP Championship game

The Ohio State student newspaper The Lantern is reporting that popular walk-on DE Caden Davis has been “dismissed” from the team. Even though he never played a single snap for the Buckeyes, he has amassed a strong social media presence and has secured over 100 NIL brand deals, including companies such as Netflix, McDonald’s, and Nike.

Ohio State has not commented publicly on the dismissal. This is most likely not the end of the road for Caden, as he has built a following of over 300,000 followers across his social media, so there is a good chance he will land on his feet.

D2 Coaches: Time to Recruit Upstream

The one aspect of House vs. NCAA that may end up benefiting lower division programs is the new strict limits on roster spots. Talented players who were willing to grind for a spot as a D1 walk-on will soon have need to find a new home. Here’s why they would make great additions:

1. They’re Hungry for Opportunity: These are players who have been training and practicing at the highest level. D2 programs will give them a chance to play meaningful minutes they would never see in D1

2. Scholarship Flexibility: These athletes have been attending class, working out and practicing all on their own dime. D2 can offer partial scholarships, and even a lower overall cost to athletes who can immediately contribute to their new program.

3. NIL & Marketability: Moving to D2 provides greater potential for NIL. As a walk-on it may have been challenging to land NIL deals, whereas at D2 they have the potential to be a star player, opening doors to income from NIL.

4. Immediate Impact: Many walk-on D1 athletes were stand out high school athletes. With the right program, they could have an immediate impact on their new program.

These walk-on athletes could be a gold mine for any D2 program looking to compete at a high level, so keep them in mind when the portal opens this spring.

Hey Walk-ons: Time to be the Big Fish in the Small Pond

Admit it, it’s hard work being a walk-on. Long hours grinding for that chance to get a chance to play. There are plenty of good reasons to walk on, but if there’s a chance you may lose your spot next year, there are plenty of reasons to look at D2 for a new home. Here’s just a few:

1. More Playing Time, More Impact

At the D1 level, many walk-ons find themselves buried on the depth chart with little opportunity to showcase their skills. At D2, the talent level is still high, but the competition for playing time is more manageable. Transferring could mean getting meaningful minutes, contributing to your team, and developing as an athlete.

2. Scholarship Opportunities

Most D1 walk-ons are paying their way through school without financial assistance. D2 programs offer scholarships, and while they may not be full rides, they can significantly reduce college expenses. If you’re performing well, you have a much better chance of earning scholarship money at the D2 level than fighting for limited walk-on spots at D1.

3. A Balanced College Experience

D1 athletes dedicate their entire schedules to their sport, often sacrificing personal time, academics, and even NIL opportunities. D2 athletics still demand hard work, but they allow for a more balanced lifestyle. You can focus on your sport while also enjoying college life, internships, and career-building opportunities.

4. Still Competing at a High Level

Don’t underestimate D2 athletics—many programs are highly competitive, and athletes go on to professional careers. You’ll still get the chance to compete at a high level, develop your game, and be part of a winning culture.

5. NIL Opportunities

Even if you didn’t have much luck with NIL, your time in a D1 program most likely increased your social media presence, and with more playing time and a chance to build your brand in D2, there is a greater chance of landing NIL deals.