In a significant shift for college soccer, a committee has recommended that men’s college soccer transition to a new format that spans across the entire academic year, starting in fall 2026. This proposal comes from the NexGen College Soccer Committee, which was tasked by U.S. Soccer to find ways to advance college soccer and better prepare players for professional and international competition.
Currently, college soccer’s structure features a condensed fall season, which places a heavy demand on athletes and limits their competition throughout most of the year. U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson emphasized that the changes aim to create a better experience for student-athletes while also providing financial stability and enhanced development opportunities.
Under this new proposal, the 213 Division 1 men’s programs would still compete for the same championship, but they would transition to a regional play model instead of traditional conference alignments. This regional structure aims to save programs between $25,000 and $350,000 on travel costs, helping to ease the financial burden caused by lengthy travel trips sparked by the current configuration.
The committee, led by Dan Helfrich, discussed various models and considered the impact on all 14,000-15,000 Division 1 soccer players, not just those pursuing professional careers. It is anticipated that the regular season would now begin in late August and run through April, with a break in December and January, allowing for a more balanced schedule.
While similar recommendations are being pondered for women’s college soccer, a final decision on that front will take longer. Helfrich noted that any shifts for women’s soccer must consider the unique landscape of women’s college sports, where 350 Division 1 programs exist, and gaps in competition quality are more pronounced.
The committee plans to present its proposals to NCAA soccer sub-committees soon, with hopes of launching the new system by next August. Helfrich stated that ongoing conversations with NCAA officials indicate a collaborative approach to these changes. The goal is to not only benefit those aspiring to play professionally but also enhance the overall experience for all college soccer players in the country.
The proposed alterations come at a time when multiple professional leagues are emerging in the U.S., showing potential for coexistence between college soccer and professional levels. U.S. Soccer aims to unify these efforts to catalyze the growth of the sport and ensure that American soccer continues to thrive.
