After much discussion, we are finally starting to get some clarity on sweeping changes to roster and scholarship limits at the division 1 level. These changes will go into effect for the 2025-2026 school year, but the consequences of the decision are already being felt by programs and recruits alike.
One thing is certain– college baseball is set to undergo a massive redistribution of talent, as the shift that started with Covid-related changes, the transfer portal, and NIL continues to evolve. Below we detail what we know, what it means, and how players and families can prepare themselves to navigate a more competitive path to college baseball at all levels.
D1 Roster Limit Changes
What has changed?
When Covid hit, spring rosters were expanded from 35 to 40 players to account for additional years of eligibility. Currently, there is no NCAA cap on fall rosters. Programs can bring in as many walk-on players as they want to compete to make the 40-man spring squad. Some programs make use of this more than others. Starting next year, however, spring rosters will be capped at 34 players. There is also going to be a cap on fall rosters, but that number is not yet known. It’s likely that we will see conferences respond with their own legislation on fall roster limits or additional deadlines to set spring rosters. The NCAA has named December 1st as the date that spring rosters must be set for all programs.
What does it mean?
As many astute college baseball pundits and experts have pointed out (See below), this will turn college baseball on its head. Can we really argue that a December 1 cut date is good for student-athlete well-being? That’s a resounding NO. If there was any doubt that D1 baseball at the vast majority of institutions is treated like a business, that is gone. Players told to get packing and find a new landing spot right before finals is one of many consequences of the decision.
For players looking to get recruited, it will be even more difficult. Reducing rosters from 40-34 means at a minimum, 1,800 D1 caliber players that will be pushed to other levels of college baseball. Depending on what the NCAA decides about fall roster limits, it will also eliminate many of the opportunities that were previously afforded to players on the bubble, who would have the entire fall to earn their way onto the team. With shrunken rosters, coaches will be much more selective in who they bring on. The opportunity to beat someone out during the fall will be reserved for players who previously had guaranteed roster spots. The trickle-down from this will affect every level of college baseball, making it more competitive to get on a roster everywhere.
ESPN’s Mike Rooney reacts to news of a 12/1 deadline for determining the D1 baseball 34 man roster: https://x.com/Mike_Rooney/status/1866511613697962458
How to deal with the changes?
If you follow KPB’s resources, nothing about the way one should go through the recruiting process has necessarily changed. What has changed is the availability of roster spots and who is taking up these spots. Each level of college baseball will be more competitive, and roster spots at each level will be harder to earn. Trends show already that high school players are getting the squeezed out. The days of telling players, “If you work hard, there’s a spot for you somewhere” are likely over. The need to be honest and objective in evaluating fit, the need to go where you are wanted and can play, and the need to know what your opportunity at a school really means and how that can go wrong are more important than ever. Plain and simple, do your due diligence and be very honest about where you fit.
Scholarship Changes
What has changed?
Starting in the 2025-2026 season, college baseball will move from an equivalency sport with 11.7 scholarships to a head-count sport where every player on the roster may earn a full scholarship, if the school funds them. The D1 scholarship limit moves from 11.7 to 34, for NCAA purposes.
What does it mean?
It’s great that more scholarships have become available, and many Power 4 schools will move to giving away more. It is unlikely that more than a select few will reach the new NCAA limit of 34. Even in the era of 11.7 scholarships, many mid-major programs aren’t fully funded (give less than 11.7) or struggle to give out 11.7. Despite being allowed to give more, many programs will remain unchanged in how many they offer since funding these scholarships will still be an issue.
How to deal with the change?
For all intents and purposes, players and families should assume that they will still need to cover most, if not all, of the cost of attendance when playing at the D1 level until there is a substantial shift in scholarships given out. We’ll find out a lot more about who is increasing their baseball allotment and by how much, once the new rules go into effect.
We’ll update this information as the NCAA makes decisions that will directly impact roster selection and scholarships. Until then, buckle up, because college baseball is set to undergo more major changes!
