Jacksonville, FL – The University of North Florida (UNF) is stepping into a new chapter in college sports by opting into the House versus NCAA Settlement. This decision, made on July 1, aligns UNF with 320 other schools that have agreed to significant changes regarding how student-athletes are compensated and supported.
The settlement, approved by Judge Claudia Wilken, comes with a 2.8 billion dollar payout aimed at throwing a financial lifeline to student-athletes who have historically not received direct compensation for their name, image, and likeness (NIL). This means that for the first time, Division I schools like UNF can now pay their student-athletes directly, which could open up new opportunities for many.
UNF’s athletic director, Nick Morrow, shared his enthusiasm about joining the settlement, stating, “The new era of NCAA Division I athletics presents incredible opportunities for student-athletes.” He believes that this decision will allow UNF to offer greater resources and enhance competition at the highest levels.
Under the new rules, schools that have opted in can now compensate their athletes up to 22% of their average athletic revenue, with a cap of 20.5 million for the 2025-26 fiscal year. Though it is expected that most schools, including UNF, will not reach this limit right away, the amount is anticipated to increase annually until 2034-35. This change supports full and partial scholarships for all rostered athletes but also introduces new rosters limits by sport.
Morrow expressed that these adjustments may pose recruitment challenges, particularly for larger sports, but he also pointed out potential benefits for smaller teams like women’s soccer and golf. These teams may see an influx of talented athletes from larger schools that cannot accommodate them due to the new roster limits.
Interestingly, while current student-athletes won’t be cut due to these limits, there is a risk that it may be tougher for new high school graduates to find a spot on a Division I team.
As part of this settlement, all NIL deals over $600 must now be approved through a portal, enhancing oversight and ensuring that athletes are compensated fairly. This is particularly significant for schools that might typically work with large donors or sponsors. Being part of the ASUN Conference, which generally has fewer financial resources than major conferences, UNF may experience less impact from these changes compared to some of their larger counterparts.
Overall, this settlement represents a major shift in the landscape of NCAA athletics and reflects a broader trend toward better financial support and fairness for student-athletes.
