House settlement explained
Roster Limits & New Scholarship Rules
How the 2025 changes to D1 rosters and scholarships affect high school softball recruits. Rules checked Oct 19, 2026. Rules change, so confirm details on the linked sources and with each school's compliance office. This is general guidance, not legal or eligibility advice.
What changed in 2025
Starting July 1, 2025, D1 schools that opted into the House settlement have a 25-player softball roster limit, and they can give aid to any or all of those 25 players.
Not every D1 school works the same way
- Schools that didn't opt in aren't bound by the settlement's roster limit and may keep the old scholarship limit.
- Designated student-athletes who were on a 2024-25 roster (or promised a 2025-26 spot before April 7, 2025) don't count toward the limit.
- Ask every D1 coach: "Did your school opt in? How many roster spots and how much aid do you expect for my class?"
What it means for your family
- A capped roster means more competition for each D1 spot.
- Keep D2, D3, NAIA and JUCO programs on your list. Use the free directory.
The new D1 and D2 eligibility clock
- In June 2026, Division I adopted an age-based eligibility model: up to five years of eligibility, starting when you first enroll full time at any college or at the start of the academic year after your 19th birthday, whichever comes first.
- It applies to students who first enroll full time in fall 2027 or later.
- Division II adopted the same model on Aug. 5, 2026.
Sources (checked Oct 19, 2026)
- College Sports Commission: roster limits (softball 25)
- NCAA DI governance: Q&A on roster limits and designated student-athletes (Feb 2026, PDF)
- NCAA.org: DI Board formally adopts roster-limit changes
- NCAA.org: Division I adopts age-based eligibility model (June 2026)
- NCAA Eligibility Center: Age-based eligibility rules
- NCAA.org: Division II adopts age-based eligibility model (Aug 2026)