College football faces a major shift as the NCAA sets a 105-player cap on team rosters. This strict limit replaces the previous system, which allowed teams to add unlimited walk-on players beyond their 85 scholarship spots.
Teams must now choose between retaining scholarship athletes and non-scholarship players. This shift coincides with the rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) in college sports.
“This is one of the tougher parts of our game, though we all have to navigate it,” said Coach Jake Dickert, according to Sports Illustrated.
Wake Forest’s Nick Andersen stands out as a prime example of walk-on achievement. After picking off three passes against Virginia Tech in 2020, he earned his scholarship. His talent shone through last season when he led the ACC with 122 tackles.
Smaller schools feel the squeeze most. Wake Forest and similar programs often relied on walk-ons as vital substitutes. The new cap forces tough choices between keeping proven walk-ons and adding fresh scholarship talent.
While players can still earn scholarships before joining teams, the path has narrowed. Gone might be the tales of unknown players working their way up from practice squads to Saturday spotlight.
Behind this change lies the NCAA’s push for financial balance. Athletic departments must now carefully weigh each roster spot, balancing talent and team needs within tight limits.
Stories like Andersen’s, rising from walk-on status to conference tackle leader, might become rare gems. His path shows what determined athletes could achieve when given a chance.
Small schools, which built depth through walk-on talent, now face a stark new reality. With fewer spots to fill, they must compete against bigger programs while working with a smaller talent pool.