Navigating NCAA Roster Limits: What College Soccer Recruits Need to Know
Introduction
A wave of change is sweeping through college sports. After the House v. NCAA settlement, scholarship caps were removed, creating excitement among families who thought more money would mean more opportunities. Yet, as I’ve explained to recruits at camps this summer, there’s another side to the story: roster limits. The NCAA now allows teams to offer unlimited scholarships but caps the number of athletes on a roster. For men’s and women’s soccer, that cap is 28 players. Understanding how roster limits work and how they affect your recruiting strategy is essential if you want to play at the next level. In this guide, I’ll break down the new rules, show how they impact walk‑ons and scholarship distribution, and share practical advice from my coaching experience to help you navigate this evolving landscape.
What Are NCAA Roster Limits?
- Roster caps vs. scholarships: The settlement removed scholarship limits but instituted roster caps. Division I schools can now offer as many scholarships as they want, but each team must stay within its designated roster size.
- Why it matters: Scholarship money may be available, but roster spots are finite. Coaches must be selective about who earns a spot. This means walk‑on opportunities are shrinking.
- Soccer specific numbers: Both men’s and women’s soccer programs are capped at 28 players. If a program historically carried 30–35 athletes, they must now cut down or designate athletes to stay without counting against the cap.
How the Designated Athlete System Works
When a program exceeds the new cap, it can designate returning athletes to remain on the team without violating the roster limit. But freshman recruits generally cannot be designated. Coaches must decide who stays and who goes by July 6, 2025, so they often become conservative in offering spots to new players.
How Roster Limits Affect Your Recruiting Strategy
- Start early and communicate: Because coaches have fewer spots to fill, they begin building their recruiting boards sooner. Reach out early and stay on their radar.
- Ask the right questions: When speaking with coaches, ask about their current roster size, whether the program has opted into the new settlement, and how many recruits they plan to take.
- Prioritize fit over prestige: With fewer walk‑on slots, finding a school that genuinely needs your position and values your academic profile is critical. Don’t chase name brands if the roster is full.
- Explore alternate pathways: Consider Division II, Division III, NAIA or JUCO programs where roster pressures may differ. Each pathway offers unique benefits and could lead to transfers later.
Navigating the Recruiting Conversation
During my time coaching, I’ve seen players earn offers because they asked insightful questions. Here are some examples you can use:
- “How many players will be returning next year, and how does that affect your roster cap?”
- “Has your school opted into the new settlement? Are you planning to fund all 28 roster spots?
- “What types of players are you prioritizing for my graduation class?”
These questions show maturity and help you assess whether you’ll realistically fit into the program’s future.
Balancing Opportunity and Risk
Roster caps may seem discouraging, but they can also create opportunities. Schools with large budgets may now fully fund all roster spots, providing more scholarship money. Conversely, programs that opt out may retain old scholarship models, which could benefit athletes seeking more playing time. Always ask coaches about their plans and evaluate which scenario better matches your goals.
Conclusion and CTA
Roster limits are redefining college soccer recruiting. By understanding the new rules, asking strategic questions, and keeping an open mind about different divisions, you can maximize your chances of earning a spot. If you’d like personalized guidance on navigating roster caps and choosing the right program, book a free college soccer recruiting consultation with me: Schedule your call.
