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Schools Cutting Sports and Opportunities Instead of Leveraging Athletics to Avoid Going Out of Business College sports are facing a stark paradox: the same Power 4 conferences projected to pay more than $200 million this year in buyouts to coaches — including contracts for newly hired replacements — are simultaneously cutting programs, staff, and roster spots. These changes are happening under the radar, with little public acknowledgment of their impact on athletes and campus communities. The SEC alone accounts for nearly half of that total, yet its schools have quietly reduced roster sizes below NCAA limits sports such as men’s swimming. Penn State is paying a buyout of $50 Million to its former coach after announcing the closure of seven satellite campuses. In reality, the sport of football is the beneficiary of these moves. As someone whose business and passion is helping athletes identify and connect with their ideal college matches, this myopic mentality makes my head want to explode. Every roster reduction, program cut, or staff loss represents lost opportunities for student-athletes, with consequences that extend far beyond the field or court. Meanwhile, many enrollment-driven colleges are facing real financial hardship, with ongoing closings due to shrinking tuition revenue. The demographic cliff — a nationwide drop in the number of high school graduates — will only accelerate these pressures, making it more important than ever to view athletics as a strategic tool to support enrollment, revenue, and opportunity. Fairleigh Dickinson’s Smarter Play: Adding Men’s Fencing for Profit While the Power 4 quietly cut opportunities, Fairleigh Dickinson University is taking the opposite approach. Beginning in 2027, FDU will launch men’s fencing, a program projected to generate net profit through tuition revenue from non-scholarship athletes. Key details include:
FDU’s model demonstrates how smaller, enrollment-driven universities can use athletics strategically — not only to enhance campus life, but also to generate sustainable financial returns. Idaho’s Lesson: Cutting Actually Costs More In 2018, University of Idaho President Chuck Staben faced a state mandate to cut $1 million from athletics. On paper, this meant eliminating three sports: women’s soccer, women’s swimming, and men’s golf. But when Staben analyzed the full picture — including tuition from non-scholarship athletes — those programs were actually net profitable, and cutting them would have increased the university’s deficit by $1.6 million per year. He proposed adding sports instead, like men’s swimming, women’s triathlon, and rifle, which would have brought in an additional $843,000 annually. The state board refused to hear his proposal, and within a year, Idaho’s athletic deficit had grown even larger, exceeding $1.5 Million. Economist Andy Schwarz summarized the issue perfectly: “If schools with under-enrollment are acting like schools with over-enrollment, there’s a fundamental misunderstanding of economics.” In other words, smaller and mid-sized schools benefit most from holistic, university-wide financial planning — not siloed athletic department cuts. Roster Caps and the House Settlement: A Sham Benefit The NCAA, driven largely by the Power 4 conferences, has imposed roster caps on all Division I schools that opt into the House v. NCAA settlement. While the NCAA has promoted these caps as a benefit to student-athletes — allowing schools to offer scholarships up to the cap rather than the previous fractional number per sport — the reality tells a different story.
The Data: Non-Revenue Sports Can Pay Their Way Economist Andy Schwarz’s analysis of mid-sized Division I athletic departments (Central Michigan, Akron, and Western Kentucky) found that expanding equivalency sports — those with partial scholarships — can increase enrollment, boost Title IX compliance, and create net financial gains. At Central Michigan, for example, replicating or expanding its non-revenue sports could generate $650,000–$1.3 million in additional annual revenue, while creating opportunities for over 150 more student-athletes. Yet since 2020, more than 40 Division I programs have been eliminated, many in these very sports that could help stabilize enrollment and revenue. Rethinking College Sports in an Enrollment-Challenged Era With many colleges already struggling financially — especially smaller, tuition-dependent institutions — shrinking or eliminating sports is counterproductive. Athletics should be viewed as a recruitment and retention asset, not an expense to cut. The coming demographic cliff will make this even more urgent. Colleges that eliminate sports now may find themselves unable to recover lost enrollment later. From my perspective, every time a program or roster spot is cut, a student-athlete loses the chance to pursue their dream and gain a transformative college experience. My work is focused on helping these athletes find their best-fit schools, and I’m committed to doing everything possible to preserve those opportunities. Final Thought Fairleigh Dickinson’s men’s fencing program and Idaho’s experience both highlight a fundamental truth: non-revenue sports can be financially sustainable, mission-driven, and beneficial for universities. Plus, it's an opportunity to pick up athletes (and tuition) jettisoned by the power conferences! Meanwhile, the Power 4 conferences continue to spend hundreds of millions on coach buyouts and football expansion, while shaping NCAA policies that restrict opportunities for the rest of Division I. The NCAA’s roster caps — dictated by the Power 4 and applied to every school opting into the House settlement — do not help athletes. They limit tuition-paying roster spots and further entrench a football-first, short-sighted approach. If college athletics is to remain a force for opportunity, universities must invest in access and student experience, not excess. It’s time to rethink what truly sustains college sports — and who it should serve. About the Author Written by George White, founder of RecruitU — a company dedicated to helping student-athletes identify and connect with their ideal college matches to ensure a positive and successful college experience. Sources
Subject matter: Athletic recruiting, college athletic scholarships, college athletic recruiting, connect with college coaches, playing sports in college, get recruited for sports, NCAA recruiting, athletic scholarship, recruiting process, recruiting experts, sports recruiting, recruiting advice, recruiting tools, college coaches, college recruiters, college athlete, sports scholarships, NCAA recruiting, athletic recruiting, athletic scholarships, NCAA scholarships, sports scholarships, college sports recruiting, college athletic recruiting, college recruiting services, college athletic recruiting services, college sports recruiting services, college sports recruiting experts, how to get recruited to play college sports, NCAA transfer portal, how to get an athletic scholarship, how to get a college sports scholarship, sports recruiting, NCAA House Settlement, NCAA roster caps, colleges closing
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High schools across the country are facing a new and urgent challenge — the growing trend of student-athletes transferring to other schools or prep programs. As discussed in our previous post, The Surge in Athlete Transfers: A Growing Challenge for High Schools, this issue is impacting programs of all sizes and creating ripple effects across entire athletic communities.
Schools are now competing not just to attract athletes — but to keep them. The good news is that there are proactive strategies and investments that can make a measurable difference in both athlete retention and program competitiveness. Retain and Strengthen Your Current Athletes Athletes and families are often drawn away by the perception of greater exposure, opportunity, or resources elsewhere. Schools can counter this by building a deeper sense of loyalty, trust, and value within their programs.
Recruit and Attract New Student-Athletes To stay competitive, schools must also focus on recruiting new students who can elevate team performance and overall school culture.
Expand Resources and Support for Athletes
Build Loyalty Through Relationships and Credibility This proactive, relationship-driven approach solidifies the personal bond between the school, athlete, and family. It generates loyalty, reduces the likelihood of transfer, and enhances the overall perception of the program. Differentiate Your School Offering structured recruiting guidance, athlete development support, NIL advising, and scholarship opportunities gives your school a clear competitive advantage. It positions the institution as a leader — one that’s not just reacting to athlete transfers but defining how to prevent them. RecruitU partners with high schools to deliver expert recruiting guidance, evaluation, and strategy — building stronger athlete relationships, boosting retention, and elevating your program’s reputation.
What is Your Retention Strategy?As someone who regularly meets with current and prospective high school clients—administrators, coaches, and athletic directors—I’ve seen a growing and concerning trend: the increasing number of student-athletes transferring schools, often after being recruited or courted by other high schools or prep programs. What used to be an occasional occurrence has become a regular part of the high school athletic landscape. Families are being told that transferring will increase their child’s college recruiting opportunities, expose them to higher levels of competition, or provide better access to scholarships. While some of these moves are made thoughtfully, many are driven by misleading promises or misconceptions about what truly helps athletes succeed. The New Reality: Recruiting Among High SchoolsMore and more, talented athletes are being actively recruited by other programs—sometimes subtly, sometimes overtly. Coaches, boosters, or even third-party trainers may suggest that a move could lead to more exposure or an easier path to college athletics. Unfortunately, these decisions often come with consequences:
Beyond the internal effects, frequent transfers also impact the public perception of the school the athlete leaves behind. When multiple players transfer out, it can create an impression—fair or not—of instability, weaker coaching, or limited opportunity. This perception can undermine the school’s reputation and make it harder to attract and retain both students and future athletic talent. For schools, this dynamic has created a new layer of complexity. They invest in developing student-athletes, only to see them leave before their peak seasons. It’s not just a competitive issue; it affects school culture, morale, brand perception, and long-term program planning. The Academic and Athletic TradeoffThe promise of more playing time or greater exposure can overshadow the reality that frequent transfers often hurt long-term development. Adjusting to new academic environments, team cultures, and expectations can take months. Moreover, college recruiters are increasingly aware of this trend—and many view excessive movement as a red flag. Stability, leadership, and loyalty are qualities that college programs value just as much as athletic performance. How College Recruiting Guidance Increases RetentionOne of the most effective ways to address this issue is through structured, professional college recruiting guidance—the kind that builds trust, clarity, and long-term focus for both athletes and their families. At RecruitU, our process is designed not only to help student-athletes achieve successful college outcomes, but also to help high schools retain their talent by providing reassurance, structure, and expertise. Here’s how our program adds value and stability:
A Differentiator That Helps Schools Retain and Attract StudentsBeyond retaining their current athletes, our recruiting guidance services give partner schools a clear competitive advantage in attracting new students. Families evaluating schools increasingly ask, “How will this school help my child navigate the college recruiting process?” Schools that can confidently point to a professional, college-level recruiting guidance program immediately stand out. By offering a structured, credible support system—anchored by college coaches with real recruiting experience—our partner schools demonstrate a value-added differentiator that sets them apart from competitors who don’t provide this level of service. This not only strengthens retention but also becomes a powerful enrollment and marketing tool, reinforcing the school’s reputation for stability, leadership, and student success. A Call for Balanced GuidanceThe solution isn’t preventing athletes from exploring opportunities—it’s educating and empowering them to make thoughtful choices. When families see a clear, professional recruiting plan in place, the impulse to transfer for “better exposure” dramatically decreases. At RecruitU, we’ve seen time and again how consistent, informed guidance builds stability, confidence, and trust—protecting both the athlete’s future and the integrity and reputation of the school’s program. Partner With RecruitUIf your school is seeing more athletes transfer out or you want to strengthen your retention and recruitment strategy, we can help. RecruitU partners with schools to deliver college-level recruiting guidance, athlete mentorship, and family education that build confidence, clarity, and results. Let’s start a conversation about how we can help your school retain top talent, attract new students, and elevate your reputation among families and colleges alike. □ Contact us today to learn more about partnering with RecruitU.
Subject matter: Athletic recruiting, college athletic scholarships, college athletic recruiting, connect with college coaches, playing sports in college, get recruited for sports, NCAA recruiting, athletic scholarship, recruiting process, recruiting experts, sports recruiting, recruiting advice, recruiting tools, college coaches, college recruiters, college athlete, sports scholarships, NCAA recruiting, athletic recruiting, athletic scholarships, NCAA scholarships, sports scholarships, college sports recruiting, college athletic recruiting, college recruiting services, college athletic recruiting services, college sports recruiting services, college sports recruiting experts, how to get recruited to play college sports, NCAA transfer portal, how to get an athletic scholarship, how to get a college sports scholarship, sports recruiting, NCAA House Settlement, NCAA roster caps, colleges closing
George White Joins PREP Athletics Podcast: What Families Need to Know About College Recruiting10/9/2025 We’re excited to announce that RecruitU Founder George White recently appeared on the PREP Athletics Podcast with host Cory Heitz to discuss the new realities of the college recruiting landscape.
🎙️ In this insightful episode, George and Cory dive deep into topics that every student-athlete and family should understand, including:
From Harvard to the NBA: A Unique Perspective on Recruiting George brings a rare and well-rounded perspective to the conversation. Having played at Harvard, then coaching at the Division III, Division II, Division I, and NBA G-League levels, he has seen firsthand what it takes to succeed at every stage of the game. Now, through RecruitU, he helps families navigate the complex and often confusing recruiting process—matching athletes with colleges that truly fit their goals and potential. Key Takeaways from the EpisodeIn this episode, George shares invaluable recruiting insights, including:
🎧 Listen to the full episode here: 👉 PREP Athletics Podcast – George White of RecruitU The landscape of college athletics has shifted dramatically with the introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights and revenue share opportunities. Particularly in high-revenue sports such as football and basketball, athletes are now permitted to receive compensation. However, this new system comes with significant caveats, as colleges are requiring athletes to sign legally binding agreements in order to receive such benefits.
No Unified Standards One of the most troubling aspects of the current NIL and revenue-sharing framework is the lack of a standardized policy across the NCAA. Without a collective bargaining union or clear national guidelines, individual colleges have the freedom to draft their own agreements—many of which are heavily skewed in favor of the institution. Problematic Contract Terms Several clauses in these agreements have raised red flags:
Institutional Control Over Athlete Autonomy These contracts are frequently drafted by university legal teams focused on minimizing liability and maximizing control. As a result, agreements are often long, complex, and filled with provisions that favor the school. The imbalance leaves players with limited recourse or negotiating power. Advice for Recruits Recruited athletes should not commit to any college without first requesting a copy of its standard NIL and revenue-sharing agreement. It is crucial to have the document reviewed by a sports contract or legal expert. If concerning terms are identified and the school refuses to revise them, recruits should seriously consider eliminating that institution from their list. The NIL and revenue share era presents exciting opportunities, but athletes must remain vigilant to ensure their rights, health, and future are protected. Include a highlight video in your introductory email to college coaches to provide them with a sense of your abilities and stimulate recruiting interest. It's important to provide the proper types of clips and components.
To review, make sure that your first 3 or 4 clips jump out at them and try to limit the full video to 90 seconds in length. Keep it relevant to your position or event. Make sure you also note your basic athletic and contact info including your name, school, height, weight, email address, and phone number. As an example, here's a review of how to put together a highlight video for basketball as a point of reference for the level of detail required to use for your sport: For basketball highlights, know that catch and shoot three pointers, free throws, layup lines and break away layups are filler and a waste. Show your shot creativity and shot making skills. Address situations where you are creating shots for teammates. Add a piece where you are displaying athleticism on defense. More and more coaches are asking for EVERY shot a player takes and video platforms such as huddle provide that capability. They want to see form, release point and release time as well as finishing ability. They want to see reads of defenses such as off-ball screens in delivering pocket passes or pops to the weak side. Those clips serve as an introduction to the video and then full game video with stats must accompany it. Beware that If you create a highlight film with every one of your made three pointers or assists, they will know the truth as soon as they get the full film. If you're still unsure of what to include, reach out and get from us or other college coaches in your sport or contact me for a free 30 minute expert consultation. College coaches now recognize the popularity of social media platforms among their prospective recruits. Accordingly, coaches are active in following socials to identify and track prospects. Thus, take advantage of your social media to get noticed and promote yourself to coaches.
What are social media best practices to enhance your recruiting? Be creative. Include graphics and music. These will set you apart and catch the eye of coaches. Post a highlight or meet reel directly or through a link if longer in length. To make sure that coaches can identify and assess you, provide a pointer on the video or details such as your number, jersey color and lane. Post a graphic of your relevant stats, times, averages and scores. Cover all relevant social platforms particularly those where coaches are spending time. Make sure that all of the content on your socials is appropriate and not offensive or controversial in order to avoid raising any red flags regarding your character. Getting recruited has never been more challenging so it's important to be proactive on all fronts particularly your social media. If you need further guidance on how to market yourself in order to get recruited, contact us for a free 30 minute expert consultation. College coaches now recognize the popularity of social media platforms among their prospective recruits. Accordingly, coaches are active in following socials to identify and track prospects. Thus, take advantage of your social media to get noticed and promote yourself to coaches.
What are social media best practices to enhance your recruiting? Be creative. Include graphics and music. These will set you apart and catch the eye of coaches. Post a highlight or meet reel directly or through a link if longer length. To make sure that coaches can identify and assess you, provide a pointer on the video or details such as your number, jersey color and lane. Post a graphic of your relevant stats, times, averages and scores. Cover all relevant social platforms including those where coaches are spending time. Make sure that all of the content on your socials is appropriate and not offensive or controversial in order to avoid raising any red flags regarding your character. Getting recruited has never been more challenging so its important to be proactive on all fronts particularly your social media. |
AuthorOur Founder, George White was a Head Coach at both the Division II and DIII levels and served as an assistant at the DI level. A former college athlete, he was Co-Captain of the Harvard basektball Team. His full bio can be found here: Archives
November 2025
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