College Sports Shake-Up: Will Dreams Be Put on Hold?

Recent changes in college sports are altering the paths of athletes like BYU track and field stars Kenneth Rooks and James Corrigan. Without these shifts, their careers—and Olympic aspirations—might not have flourished. Rooks even went on to grab a silver medal at the Olympics. However, a game-changing deal is impacting athletes across various sports, and while the big-money deals may benefit some, the future for others—especially Olympic athletes—could look uncertain.

Big Money for Some, Limited Spots for Others

Football and basketball players are about to see huge financial rewards. With millions of dollars flowing their way, they’re set to benefit the most. Unfortunately, sports like track and field could face setbacks. Shorter team rosters, a consequence of new financial shifts, might cut down on opportunities. BYU, a school known for excelling in Olympic sports, is navigating this shift. Track and cross-country teams at BYU have produced stellar athletes, with seven runners qualifying for the Paris Olympics. Both the men’s and women’s teams even clinched NCAA cross-country titles in the past year. But now, the growing influence of money in college sports is putting their future success at risk.

BYU Track Faces Uncertain Future

BYU’s highly successful track and cross-country teams are feeling the squeeze. Coach Ed Eyestone recently delivered mixed news to his athletes. The good news? The school has managed to secure the largest roster size of 45 athletes. However, the bad news is significant cuts are still in place. Starting in the 2025-26 school year, 15 to 18 spots will be eliminated across the men’s and women’s teams. Eyestone expressed that these reductions could force some athletes to wrap up their college careers earlier than expected. “We’ll see some graduate,” Eyestone noted, adding that smaller rosters are inevitable.

How BYU Navigated the Changes

Despite these challenges, BYU chose to minimize the impact on their track teams. The school took advantage of the maximum roster size allowed, showing respect for their successful programs. This move is a direct response to NCAA regulations that began in 2020, spurred by a lawsuit from swimmer Grant House. The lawsuit, which advocated for athletes to earn money from their name, image, and likeness (NIL), led to a settlement mandating schools to pay athletes directly. With the new rules, team sizes have been capped, which is significantly changing the college sports dynamic.

The Impact of NIL and Athlete Pay

The NIL deal has brought major money into college sports, particularly in football and basketball. In fact, it’s estimated that schools will pay athletes over $20 million a year under this settlement. To accommodate this, the NCAA imposed limitations on team sizes—track teams can only have 45 athletes, and most programs will likely opt for smaller rosters to make room for the big-money sports.

Coach Eyestone’s Mixed Message

While Eyestone was relieved to learn BYU could maintain its large roster, he made it clear that these changes still bring tough consequences. “We braced for 35 or 30,” he admitted. “The meeting went better than expected,” he added, though acknowledging that 28% of the team will be affected. The new roster will be significantly smaller, leaving many athletes to face the reality of fewer spots.

BYU’s Commitment to Strength

As Eyestone looks ahead, he plans to prioritize what BYU does best. The majority of the available roster spots will go to distance runners, who have been integral to the team’s success. The rest will be filled by sprinters, jumpers, and throwers. Cross-country teams, too, will be maximized to the 17-athlete limit. These strategic decisions are necessary to maintain BYU’s competitive edge, but they also mean fewer opportunities for athletes who don’t fit the mold.

A History of Opportunity at BYU

BYU has long been known for offering opportunities to walk-on athletes—those who aren’t on major scholarships but still demonstrate great potential. These athletes often grow into exceptional competitors, and many have been key to BYU’s success. However, with shrinking rosters, this culture of opportunity may come to an end. “We’ll always find room for exceptional talent,” Eyestone assured, but added that the school will be more selective with roster spots moving forward.

The End of the ‘Rudy’ Story?

For those who have dreamed of a college sports career without big scholarships, the new rules might make it impossible. Athletes who once had the chance to develop their potential through hard work and dedication could now be turned away. The beloved “Rudy” story, where an underdog athlete earns a spot against the odds, may become a thing of the past. Eyestone lamented that athletes who once had the chance to grow at BYU might not even make the cut for the 45 available spots.

A New Era of College Sports

While the new financial landscape offers exciting opportunities for athletes in high-revenue sports like football and basketball, Olympic sports like track and field are feeling the crunch. The changes are a direct result of a larger shift in college athletics, and as Eyestone points out, it’s all about the money. The spotlight now shines brightest on the sports that bring in the dollars, and while BYU is doing its best to preserve its track and field programs, the future remains uncertain for many Olympic hopefuls.

What Does This Mean for Future Athletes?

As the college sports landscape continues to evolve, the future of Olympic sports remains in question. For many athletes, the dream of competing at the highest level—whether in college or beyond—may seem increasingly out of reach. With smaller rosters and fewer opportunities, the road to success is narrowing for those in non-revenue sports. The shift towards financial incentives in college sports is undeniable, but what will it mean for future generations of athletes in less glamorous sports?

If you’re passionate about college athletics, how do you feel about these changes? Do you think the push for more money will ultimately hurt the athletes who don’t play high-revenue sports? Share your thoughts and stay tuned for more updates as this story continues to unfold.