Athlete eligibility and the importance of academics

An unwavering commitment to the academic mission and standards

In a clear statement of priorities, leaders overwhelmingly reaffirmed the importance of the educational component of college athletics. Their strong support for athletes being enrolled full-time (98%) and graduating (99%), and teams meeting academic standards for postseason competition (95%) serves as a crucial anchor, reinforcing that the academic mission remains central to the purpose of college athletics.

A consensus for a more regulated transfer system

Leaders made their negative views clear about the current college athlete transfer rules and trends, and their impact.

• 86% of leaders say the transfer portal is having a negative effect on Division I college sports.
• 84% of leaders oppose current rules that allow athletes to transfer as often as they choose with immediate eligibility to play for their new schools.
• 94% support the NCAA, conferences, or institutions taking actions that can “enforce strong penalties for tampering with or providing recruiting inducements to current players before the transfer portal opens.”

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