Navigating the New NCAA Football Roster Rules and NIL: Building a Championship Team

Byline: James Seidel, CC Cask News Network

Columbia, S.C.— NIL – The NCAA is shaking up the college football landscape with significant roster changes starting in the 2025-26 academic year. For the first time, schools will no longer face the 85-scholarship limit but will instead cap rosters at 105 total players, including scholarship athletes and walk-ons. This shift provides new opportunities and challenges for coaches aiming to build competitive programs while managing the complexities of recruitment, player development, and NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals.

Here’s a look at the changes and how an effective coaching strategy can turn these adjustments into a path to a national championship.

The New Rules

Roster Cap:
- Teams are now limited to 105 total players, which includes all scholarship athletes and walk-ons.
Scholarship Flexibility:
- The 85-scholarship limit is being removed, allowing schools to offer scholarships to as many players as they want, provided the 105-player cap is not exceeded.
Equivalency Model:
- Schools can now distribute partial scholarships, similar to other NCAA sports, enabling more athletes to receive financial aid without counting as full scholarships.

These changes aim to create a more level playing field and allow programs to tailor their rosters to specific needs.

Challenges for Coaches

Walk-On Reductions: Programs with a history of relying on walk-ons will need to rethink their strategy since roster spots will be more competitive.
NIL Impact: Coaches must navigate the growing influence of NIL deals, ensuring players feel valued while maintaining team chemistry.
Transfer Portal Dynamics: Balancing the influx of transfers with the long-term development of high school recruits will be crucial.

How to Build a Championship Team Under the New Rules

As one of the winningest coaches in South Carolina volleyball, 3 state championship appearances, a former football quarterback, with an .886 coaching winning percentage. I have a few ideas that I believe can work to build a championship football team, one that can win a national championship. Ideas that garnered me the North Carolina Coach of the Year.

To thrive in this new era, a head coach must balance recruiting high school talent, strategically utilizing the transfer portal, and leveraging NIL opportunities. Here’s a detailed approach:

1. High School Recruiting: Building the Foundation

Target Key Regions

Focus recruiting efforts in states known for producing elite football talent:

Florida, Georgia, Texas, and South Carolina for skill positions and speed.
Midwest states like Ohio and Iowa for offensive and defensive linemen.

Prioritize High-Potential Recruits

Recruit players with size, speed, and versatility, especially those who can develop into leaders over multiple years.
Target positions where early playing time can be a selling point, such as wide receiver and defensive back.

Build Pipelines

Establish relationships with high school coaches in key states to create a steady flow of talent.
Emphasize program culture and long-term player development to attract both 5-star recruits and overlooked 3-star athletes with potential.

2. Leveraging the Transfer Portal: Immediate Impact

Fill Roster Gaps

Use the portal to address immediate needs, such as experienced quarterbacks, linemen, or cornerbacks who can start right away.
Target players from programs undergoing coaching changes or athletes looking for more playing time.

Retain Current Talent

Develop a program culture and NIL incentives to keep star players from leaving for other schools.

3. NIL: Attract and Retain Top Talent

Develop an NIL Strategy

Collaborate with boosters and local businesses to create competitive NIL deals that attract top recruits and retain current players.
Emphasize opportunities for brand-building, such as social media presence and sponsorships.

Balance NIL Across the Roster

Avoid resentment by ensuring NIL opportunities extend beyond the star players. Offer team-wide incentives, such as partnerships with local businesses.

4. Effective Roster Management

Balance Experience and Potential

Maintain a 60-70% focus on high school recruits for long-term development.
Use 30-40% of the roster for transfers who bring immediate production.

Depth and Versatility

Ensure at least two players at every position, with an emphasis on versatile athletes who can play multiple roles.
Use redshirts strategically to develop younger players while maintaining roster flexibility.

5. Coaching Philosophy: Build a Winning Culture

Player Development

Invest in coaching staff with a track record of developing NFL-ready players.
Focus on positions like quarterback, defensive line, and wide receiver, where elite development can make the most significant difference.

NIL: South Carolina Gamecock — Aug 31, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks linebacker Debo Williams (0) celebrates after a sack against the Old Dominion Monarchs in the second quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images / Jeff Blake-Imagn Images

Team Chemistry

Foster a competitive yet supportive environment where players buy into the program’s vision.
Use leadership from veteran players to guide younger athletes and transfers.

Game Preparation

Emphasize analytics and adaptability to exploit opponents’ weaknesses and maximize roster strengths.

A Sample Year-One Plan

Recruit Top Talent: Secure a mix of high school 5-star athletes and proven transfers to build depth and competition at key positions.
Leverage NIL: Use NIL deals to win recruitment battles for game-changing players while supporting the broader roster.
Establish Pipelines: Develop connections in high school programs to secure long-term access to elite talent.
Optimize Development: Redshirt freshmen who need physical growth and use experienced transfers to compete immediately.

Conclusion

The NCAA’s new roster rules introduce challenges, but they also provide an opportunity for innovative coaches to reshape their strategies. By balancing high school recruiting, transfer portal acquisitions, and NIL opportunities, coaches can build rosters capable of winning championships while maintaining long-term program sustainability.

In this new era, adaptability, culture, and strategic thinking will separate the contenders from the rest. The path to a national championship has never been more competitive, but for those who plan effectively, the rewards are within reach.

CC News Network, 2024®

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