The NCAA Just Shifted the Playing Field (Again): What the 2026 Recruiting Class Needs to Know
So, let’s make it clear. If you’re a parent, athlete, or coach trying to wrap your head around what this means for the next recruiting class, here’s your decoder ring.
“Good morning — can you clarify the NCAA ruling? It looks like it’s going to affect the 2026 recruiting class. I read that it caps D1 roster sizes, allows schools to ‘opt in,’ and might make D2 more competitive. What does it actually mean for us?”
That’s a real email I received last week — and probably the most accurate summary of the current confusion swirling around recruiting conversations right now.
So, let’s make it clear. If you’re a parent, athlete, or coach trying to wrap your head around what this means for the next recruiting class, here’s your decoder ring.
First, What Did the NCAA Actually Approve?
In May 2025, the NCAA approved a settlement in the House v. NCAA antitrust lawsuit. Starting July 1, 2025, Division I schools can begin paying athletes directly through a revenue-sharing model — up to $20.5 million per school, per year.
This is not NIL. This is compensation straight from the school.
It’s a seismic shift, but the headlines about athlete pay are only part of the story. What’s really changing the game is what happens under the hood — especially for sports like cross country and track & field.
The Real Curveball: Roster Caps
Alongside compensation, schools will now be working under roster size caps — not just scholarship limits. That’s a game-changer.
For example, the SEC has already approved a limit of 10 new athletes per gender, per academic year for cross country and track & field. That includes both scholarship and non-scholarship athletes.
This is a massive shift. SEC schools that used to carry rosters 40–60 deep will now have to be extremely selective. That also creates ripple effects:
Fewer spots available, especially for walk-ons and late bloomers
Earlier recruiting timelines, with some coaches asking athletes to commit as early as junior year
More pressure on offers, because coaches can’t over-recruit and sort it out later
If you’re not in a program’s top 10 for your gender, you may not have a spot — even if you’re talented.
Schools Can Opt In (Or Not)
Here’s where it gets trickier: schools aren’t required to participate. They can choose to opt in to this new model — or stay out entirely.
Power 5 programs with football and TV revenue will likely opt in quickly. But mid-major D1 schools face a much harder choice. Many are already wrestling with tight budgets. Adding athlete compensation and adjusting rosters may not be financially possible.
Some schools may opt out. Others may consider reclassifying to Division II, where they’re not subject to these financial pressures.
That means Division I will no longer look the same from one school to the next. Athletes and families need to start asking the hard questions now, because what used to be a back-office decision is now directly tied to whether your athlete has a place on the team.
What About Division II?
For now, D2 schools are unaffected by this ruling.
They don’t need to implement roster caps. They don’t have to offer revenue sharing. They can continue operating as they have — and that stability might make D2 more attractive than ever.
But if mid-major D1 programs start moving down, D2 will get more competitive, too. This is no longer a “fallback” option. For many athletes, it may become the smarter path.
Strong development opportunities
Solid coaching relationships
More predictable roster timelines
Less pressure from big-budget dynamics
What This Means for 2026 Recruits
Here’s what athletes and families should focus on right now:
Ask sharper questions. Don’t just ask how many seniors are graduating. Ask:
Will your program opt into revenue sharing?
Will this change how many athletes you’re taking?
How many new athletes per gender are you bringing in for the 2026 class?
Expect decisions to happen sooner. If a coach wants a decision by November, it’s not pressure — it’s strategy. They’re managing new constraints and need clarity.
Evaluate beyond the division. Some of the best development, support, and long-term growth happens in programs you’ve never heard of… yet.
D2 is worth serious consideration. The landscape has shifted. Your smartest move might be in a place that gives you room to grow without getting lost in the shuffle.
XC + Track are not “Headcount Sports”
One thing that often gets misunderstood in the recruiting process—especially in sports like cross country and track—is how scholarships actually work. These aren’t “headcount” sports like football or basketball, where full rides are the norm. Instead, coaches are usually working with a limited pool of scholarship dollars and distributing them across large rosters of 20, 30, even 40+ athletes. So when someone says they “got a scholarship,” it might not mean tuition is fully covered. The real opportunity often comes from piecing together a complete financial picture: athletic aid, academic merit, and need-based support. And sometimes, just being a recruited athlete opens the door to a school that might have felt out of reach otherwise.
One smart question to keep in your back pocket: “Do you work with admissions on merit-based scholarship options for athletes?”
If you’re not sure where to start—or want to make sure you’re asking the questions that actually move the needle—Download this free PDF:
12 Smart Questions to Ask on a Recruiting Call
These will help your athlete show maturity, gather the right info, and stand out from the crowd
This process can feel overwhelming. But clarity wins.
Ask direct questions. Trust your instincts. And remember — the long game is still the best game.
Whether you're on the bubble of D1 or building confidence in a D2 opportunity, it’s not about chasing logos. It’s about finding the place where you can thrive, grow, and love the sport for four more years. Student Athlete - education first!
Still in your corner,
Andrew Simmons
andrew@lifelongendurance.com
Coach | Guide | Professional NCAA Decoder Ring