Kirby Smart's Concern with NCAA House Settlement, Saint Francis University drops from D1 to D3, + ICYMI | Newsletter #316

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Apr 03, 2025

Today’s Thursday newsletter includes highlights from this week, important news from last week, and what to watch for.

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Recapping Major News This Week:

Kirby Smart, Georgia Bulldogs Head Football Coach expressed his concerns regarding the implications of the House v. NCAA settlement that is set to be heard on April 7, 2025 with transformative changes relating to roster limits and the revenue-sharing model.
One of Smart’s major concerns stems from the Transfer Portal and unethical tampering within college sports, calling attention to representatives organzing Zoom calls to showcase players and inviting players to transfer - some of whom are still committed to their current universities - to other prospective programs.
Georgia, has already announced their plan pertaining to the revenue-sharing model with: 75% of the $20.5 million going to Football, 15% going to Mens Basketball, 5% going to Womens Basketball, and the last 5% to be shared among the other sports.
Smart, one of College Football’s premier coaches and Georgia as one of the top programs in the country, underscored his importance in recruiting players who priortize the sport over the financial incentives.
Kirby Smart emphasized that the House Settlement may not be in the best interest of he student-athletes and urges for careful consideration due to a potential of universities cutting sport programs.
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After making the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament for the first time since 1990, Saint Francis University announced that they will be moving from Divsion 1 to Division 3.
The University announced that the decision to drop divisions was based on the recent evolving landscape of the NCAA, NIL, and Transfer Portal.
Saint Francis University’s Athletic Programs will remain in Division 1 through the 2025-2026 season as a member of the NEC but will then shift to Division 3 in the 2026-2027 seasons.
The Red Flash have been a Division 1 member since the NCAA established the divisions in 1973.
However, it is likley that Saint Francis will not be the last institution to drop out of Division 1 due to the changes in college sports.
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Pat McAfee, ESPN, and Barstool Employees face legal actions from Ole Miss Student - LINK
NIL tax break for student-athletes to assist recruiting efforts - LINK
Trae Young the next Assistant GM of Sooner’s Basketball - LINK
Four Number 1 seeds make Final Four for the first time since 2008 - LINK

NCAA Releases Guidance Around Former JUCO Player’s Eligibility
In December, the NCAA released a waiver allowing athletes who attended and competed at a non-NCAA school to remain eligible to compete in the 2025-26 academic year if they used their final season of competition during 2024-25.
Additionally, the guidance provided clarity on whether Division II and Division III athletes could move up to Division I by taking advantage of the waiver. According to the guidance, a student who previously attended a non-NCAA institution that is currently attending a Division II or Division III school during 2024-25, they can be eligible to compete at a Division I program in 2025-26 if they were previously at a non-NCAA school.
The waiver came in the wake of Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia preliminary injunction against the NCAA, where the judge ruled in favor of Vanderbilt’s star quarterback - allowing him to return to school for another season
CLICK HERE to learn more.

The hearing is finally less than a week away and can finalize a major shift in college athletics that we have been anticipating for months. The proposed settlement includes NIL backpay to eligible student-athletes, a revenue-sharing model, roster limits, and NIL “oversight.”
One key issue to watch is how the NCAA and member schools navigate the financial and legal implications of this change, including whether it leads to a more structured pay-for-play system or further legal challenges. Another major concern is recruiting and tampering, as increased financial stakes could exacerbate issues with improper inducements and athlete poaching. The settlement could also set a precedent for future legal battles over athlete compensation, making this a pivotal moment for the future of college sports

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