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Lost in the din of packed stadiums and arenas coast to coast is the simple yet irrefutable fact that student-athletes must remain academically eligible to participate in college athletics. And as time goes on and NCAA rules stiffen regarding initial eligibility for incoming freshmen as well as for athletes already enrolled, everyone finally may be getting the penultimate message: Go to class; do the work; earn your eligibility.
History tells a grim story of high school athletes barely getting by academically, then skating by in college on courses seemingly created by the Tooth Fairy. Well, the long arms of NCAA member schools have been stretching and reaching toward tougher academic standards for years. Unless the point remains unclear, those standards are here and they have glistening, sharp teeth.
With practically every loophole closed and safeguards positioned throughout the academic process, student-athletes are now, more than ever before, being first held accountable for their academic results before they can step foot on a field, court, pitch or diamond.
Granted, the pathway is made somewhat easier for those advancing to the professional levels in football and basketball through one- or two-and-done rules set in place by the NBA and NFL, respectively. But they make up a very small percentage of all college student-athletes. Add the wave of Division I scholarships being guaranteed for four years by the Big Five conferences, which essentially provide their athletes with far more security. For the average student-athletes not impacted by these advantages, scholarships, which help pay for educations and are critical financial components, rest in the balance.
So-called mid-major schools continue to twist in the wind from unilateral decisions made in 2014 and 2015 by the Big Five conferences. It makes for a bumpy ride when competing to land prospects in such an environment. Moreover, thousands of Division II student-athletes are still fighting to keep their athletic and academic scholarships one semester at a time. The headlines may tell the story of top-tier schools with first-rate athletes, high-profile coaches and historically rich programs, but compared to the big picture they are but shiny subjects overshadowing a complex background.
It is not getting any less demanding for high school student-athletes, either. For the Class of 2018, graduates will be expected to have passed at least 16 core courses in high school to be cleared for eligibility in both Division I and II (Division III does not offer athletic scholarships). That is a tall order for some and may catch a surprising number of aspiring athletes unaware in the spring of 2016. For future athletes aspiring to make it to the college ranks and to survive there, parents, youth and high school coaches, counselors and administrators should stand prepared to help them understand the crucial part academics plays in their journey or it could be a short trip.
National Scouting Report is dedicated to finding scholarship opportunities for athletes who possess the talent, desire, and motivation to compete at the collegiate level. We’ve helped connect thousands of athletes with their perfect college.