Is 5th year eligibility on the horizon?
The NCAA's recent consideration of granting a fifth year of eligibility to all student-athletes could significantly impact college swimming, especially when viewed alongside the reduced roster sizes resulting from the House v. NCAA settlement.
Potential Benefits of Fifth Year Eligibility
A fifth year of eligibility could provide swimmers with extended opportunities to develop their skills and reach their full potential. This additional time might be particularly beneficial for late bloomers or those who have faced setbacks due to injuries. It could allow athletes to pursue more rigorous academic programs or even graduate degrees while continuing to compete.
Roster Size Implications
However, the potential benefits of a fifth year must be weighed against the new roster limitations imposed by the House v. NCAA settlement:
Power Five conference schools will be limited to 30 swimmers and divers per gender
Some SEC programs may be considering even lower limits of 22 athletes
These roster caps are close to current average roster sizes in Division I (29.2 for men, 30.7 for women). The combination of fifth-year eligibility and reduced roster sizes could lead to:
Increased competition for roster spots
Potential challenges for incoming freshmen to secure positions
More selective recruitment processes
Impact on Team Dynamics and Recruitment
Coaches are already pulling offers from recruits due to uncertainty about roster sizes, with some programs having to rescind offers to multiple athletes. The changes are particularly affecting the class of 2025 recruits.The introduction of a fifth year of eligibility alongside reduced roster sizes could:
Intensify competition for positions on top teams
Lead to talent redistribution, with some swimmers potentially transferring to other Division I programs or considering Division II and III options
Result in more selective offering of spots and earlier decision deadlines for recruits
Financial Considerations
The elimination of scholarship limits allows teams to offer full scholarships to all roster members. However, this change, combined with the revenue-sharing requirements of the House settlement, could strain athletic department budgets. Swimming programs, which often operate on tighter budgets compared to revenue-generating sports, might face challenges in funding additional scholarships or supporting larger rosters.
Potential Program Cuts
There are concerns that some institutions might cut swimming programs to redirect funds to revenue-sharing or Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) obligations. This risk is heightened by the financial pressures introduced by the House settlement, which requires schools to prepare for up to $30 million annually in revenue sharing with athletes.
Opportunities for Competitive Balance
While these changes present challenges, they may also create opportunities for more programs to become competitive. Smaller schools or those with developing programs might benefit from retaining talent longer, allowing them to build more competitive teams over time.
Conclusion
The potential introduction of a fifth year of eligibility for NCAA swimmers, combined with the reduced roster sizes from the House v. NCAA settlement, presents a complex landscape for college swimming. While it offers exciting possibilities for athlete development and program growth, it also introduces significant challenges in roster management, recruitment, and financial planning. As discussions continue, the swimming community will be watching closely to see how these changes reshape the future of collegiate aquatics.