Resource Hub Elite - Insight Athletics

1. Removal of Scholarship Caps and Introduction of Roster Limits

What’s Changing: Starting in the 2025-2026 academic year, NCAA Division I will eliminate sport-specific scholarship caps, allowing schools to offer scholarships to every athlete on their roster. To manage team sizes, new roster limits will be established.
Implications: This change provides schools with greater flexibility in allocating scholarships, potentially increasing opportunities for student-athletes. However, the introduction of roster limits means that while more athletes can receive scholarships, the total number of team members may be capped.

2. Changes to Recruiting Communication and Visit Timelines

Communication (reference sport specific timelines)
Visits (reference sport specific timelines)
Off-Campus Contacts (reference sport specific timelines)

3. Transfer Portal Adjustments

Notification-of-Transfer Windows: In sports such as basketball and football, the NCAA has adjusted the transfer windows. Notably, student-athletes whose head coach departs will have an additional 30-day transfer window starting the day after the coach’s departure. Speak with your Insight-Athletic Advisor for specific details regarding your sport.

4. Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Facilitation

Effective Date: As of August 1, 2024, Division I schools can identify NIL opportunities and facilitate deals between student-athletes and third parties, provided the athletes disclose their NIL agreements.

Recruiting Rules

Enhanced Communication Flexibility (CHANGE in rules)
Unrestricted Communication: Division II coaches can now communicate with prospective student-athletes via phone, text, email, or regular mail at any time, even with freshmen or sophomores. This change allows for earlier and more consistent engagement between coaches and recruits.
Division II coaches can begin offering official visits and having in-person, off-campus contact with recruits starting June 15 before their junior year of high school.
Unlike Division I, Division II recruiting calendars have become even more flexible, with very few restrictions on contact periods.
The only Dead Periods for Division II coaches—when face-to-face contact with recruits is not allowed—occur 48 hours before the start of a National Letter of Intent Signing Period.

Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL)

Earning Opportunities:
- Division II student-athletes are allowed to profit from their NIL, engaging in activities such as endorsements, personal appearances, and social media promotions.
Institutional Involvement:
- While athletes can participate in NIL activities, Division II institutions are prohibited from arranging or facilitating these opportunities.
Compliance:
- Student-athletes must adhere to institutional policies and state laws regarding NIL activities and are required to report their NIL engagements to their respective institutions.

3. Transfer Process

Transfer Portal Usage:
- Division II student-athletes intending to transfer must enter their name into the NCAA Transfer Portal. This process is initiated by the institution’s compliance officer or another authorized athletics administrator.
One-Time Transfer Exception:
- Student-athletes are granted a one-time transfer exception, allowing them to transfer to another institution without the requirement to sit out a year, provided they meet specific criteria.
Notification-of-Transfer Windows:
- In sports like basketball and football, the NCAA has adjusted the transfer windows. Notably, student-athletes whose head coach departs will have an additional 30-day transfer window starting the day after the coach’s departure.

Recruiting Rules

Communication Flexibility: Division III coaches can initiate contact with prospective student-athletes at any time, without the restrictions present in Divisions I and II. This includes sending recruiting materials, making phone calls, and engaging in off-campus interactions.
Official Visits: Prospective student-athletes are permitted to take official visits to Division III campuses at any point during their high school career, provided they have completed their junior year.

Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL)

Earning Opportunities: Division III student-athletes are allowed to profit from their NIL, similar to their counterparts in Divisions I and II. This includes activities such as endorsements, personal appearances, and social media promotions.
Institutional Involvement: While athletes can engage in NIL activities, Division III institutions are prohibited from arranging or facilitating these opportunities.
Compliance: Student-athletes must adhere to institutional policies and state laws regarding NIL activities and are required to report their NIL engagements to their respective institutions.

Transfer Process

Permission to Contact: Before engaging in any recruiting discussions with another NCAA institution, a Division III student-athlete must obtain written permission to contact from their current institution.
Transfer Portal Usage: Unlike Divisions I and II, the use of the NCAA Transfer Portal is not mandatory for Division III athletes. Some Division III institutions may opt to use the portal, while others may rely on the traditional permission to contact process.
One-Time Transfer Exception: Division III athletes are eligible for a one-time transfer exception, allowing them to transfer to another institution without sitting out a year, provided they meet specific criteria.

These updates reflect the NCAA’s ongoing efforts to adapt to the changing landscape of college athletics. Prospective student-athletes should familiarize themselves with these changes to navigate the recruiting process effectively. For the most current information, consult your Insight-Athletics Advisor.

Select Membership

Elite Membership Required

Coach registration successful.

Let's Get Started

Takes only a few minutes