College football programs weigh adding newly eligible players ahead of season start
A federal injunction allowing certain 2022 high-school graduates a fifth year of eligibility has prompted coaches and staff to assess roster space, scholarship funds and timing as preseason camps begin.
A U.S. District Court ruling in Colorado permits players from the high-school class of 2022 who did not redshirt to compete for a fifth season, aligning with the NCAA’s new age-based eligibility framework. The decision arrived just days before most college football teams start preseason practice, prompting front-office personnel to evaluate how to incorporate these athletes.
Coaches noted the potential benefits of re-signing known players but warned that adding them could disrupt chemistry built during spring and summer workouts. One Power-4 coordinator said, "> On one hand, you know these players; they’re proven commodities. On the other hand, you risk disrupting team chemistry."
Teams must still adhere to the 105-player roster limit set by the House v. NCAA settlement, though the final count can be adjusted until a team’s first game. An ACC staffer acknowledged limited availability but added, "> Spots can be made."
Financial constraints vary by program. While wealthier schools may afford scholarships for a few months, a Group of 6 personnel director said, "> We don’t have any money left," highlighting the challenge for less-resourced programs. An SEC staffer suggested that short-term scholarships could be budget-friendly, noting the cost would cover only three to four months of play.
If roster spots are needed, walk-ons could be the first to be released, according to an SEC staffer: "> Some will push walk-ons away." Because scholarship limits are separate from the 105-player cap, teams could replace a walk-on with a newly eligible player without breaching the settlement rules.
Officials also raised concerns about player readiness, especially for those who have not trained over the summer or are unfamiliar with a new system. The NCAA’s intent to appeal the injunction and its recent memo warning schools about the ruling have led some administrators to label a rapid influx of these players as "premature."
The situation is expected to play out at the upcoming Personnel and Recruiting Symposium in Nashville, where staffers and agents will likely discuss potential signings.