Northeastern University Drops D1 Football Program

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Northeastern University dropped a bomb this morning: They're eliminating football from their athletic program. They announced today that, following a 2-year review process, they have decided to discontinue their football program. The school currently spends about $3 million a year on the losing program, and determined that they would have to increase that spending by a few million more to have a competitive D1 football program.

The 87 players and 10 coaches were informed of the decision last night in a private meeting with BU Athletic Director, Peter Roby. All athletes on football scholarships will keep their financial aid and are encouraged to finish their degrees. The school also plans to "do everything we can" to help any players who wish to go to other colleges to play football, and the NCAA has agreed to waive a requirement that typically forces transfer students to sit out a year, according to Roby.

You can read more details here. 

NCAA Basketball Recruiting Reforms Introduced

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The NCAA is stiffening its recruiting rules for men's basketball.  Just-announced reforms are designed to eliminate loopholes in the recruiting process.

The immediate actions include a tighter definition of a "recruited student-athlete" in men's basketball to include anyone who has received recruiting materials or had any recruiting contact with a coaching staff member or was asked to attend an institutional camp or enroll at an institution.

Conference commissioners, AAU and basketball coaches have come out in support of the reforms.  Read the article to see how this affects you as a family of a high school student-athlete.

How D1 Football Scholarships Are Awarded

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There's a difference in the way football scholarships are awarded at the D1 level.  Let me explain:

There are two D1 divisions.  The one you are most familiar with comprise the schools which compete for post-season Bowl games.  these are highly prized because they generate a good income for the school, and it gives some a shot at a national ranking.  These schools issue full-ride athletic scholarships.  The are referred to as FBS schools.

The lower division used to be referred to as Division I-AA, but is now called the FCS, or Football Championship Subdivision.  These schools compete for a spot in post-season championship play, and the winner is crowned national champion.  These schools are permitted to offer partial scholarships.

Check out this article which discusses how this plays out in real life.