College Football’s New Scholarship Rules and Ohio State’s Big Plans for 2025

College football is getting a major shake-up for the 2025-26 season, and it’s got everyone buzzing—coaches, players, and fans alike. Thanks to a landmark NCAA settlement, the old rules about scholarships are out the window, and teams now have more freedom to support their athletes financially. For Ohio State, one of the biggest names in the game, this means a chance to rethink their roster while keeping their eyes on another national championship. Let’s dive into what these changes mean, how they’re shaking up the sport, and what the Buckeyes are planning for their squad this fall.

A New Era for Scholarships and Rosters

For years, college football teams in the FBS could offer up to 85 full scholarships—no more, no less. Every scholarship player got a full ride, and teams filled out their rosters with walk-ons, often hitting 120 or more players total. But starting this summer, the House v. NCAA settlement flips the script. Instead of a scholarship cap, teams now face a roster limit of 105 players. And here’s the game-changer: those 105 players can get full or partial scholarships, giving schools a lot more wiggle room to spread the love (and the money).

This shift comes from making football an “equivalency sport,” like baseball or track, where coaches can divvy up scholarships however they see fit. Want to give your star quarterback a full ride and a backup lineman a partial one? Go for it. The catch? With only 105 roster spots, teams have to trim down from the massive squads we’re used to. That means fewer walk-ons and some tough calls during preseason camp. Plus, with schools now able to pay athletes directly for their name, image, and likeness (NIL), Ohio State’s budgeting $20.5 million for NIL deals in 2025-26. It’s a whole new ballgame, and programs are figuring out how to play it.

Ohio State’s Game Plan

Fresh off their 2024 national championship, the Ohio State Buckeyes are ready to tackle these changes head-on. Coach Ryan Day and his staff have a plan: they’re aiming to have about 90 players on scholarship for the 2025 season, according to Eleven Warriors. That’s less than the max 105, and it’s a deliberate choice that’s got fans and analysts talking.

Why stop at 90? For one, Ohio State loves its walk-on tradition. Those scrappy, no-scholarship players who grind it out in practice are a big part of the team’s culture, and Day might be saving some roster spots for them. It’s a way to keep the Buckeye spirit alive while giving underdogs a shot to earn their place. Another reason could be the budget. Ohio State’s athletic department is loaded, spending nearly $275 million in 2022-23, but adding scholarships across all 36 of their sports—91 new ones, to be exact—plus those hefty NIL payments is no small feat. By keeping football scholarships at 90, they might be spreading resources to other sports or saving up for partial scholarships to stretch their dollars further.

Then there’s the strategy angle. Ohio State’s losing some big names in 2025—think defensive ends Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau, wideout Emeka Egbuka, running back TreVeyon Henderson, and linebacker Cody Simon, who are either out of eligibility or headed to the NFL. But the Buckeyes aren’t sweating it. With stars like quarterback Julian Sayin and safety Caleb Downs coming back, plus a killer recruiting class, they’re reloading, not rebuilding. By sticking to 90 scholarships, Day might be leaving room to snag a few game-changing transfers in the offseason, keeping the roster lean and mean for another title run.

What This Means for the Buckeyes and Beyond

Ohio State’s plan to go with 90 scholarships shows they’re playing chess, not checkers. The new rules let them tailor scholarships to fit their needs—maybe a full ride for a star recruit, a partial one for a promising walk-on, or a little extra for a veteran who’s earned it. It’s a smart move for a program with the cash and clout to make it work. But not every school’s in the same boat. Big dogs like Ohio State, with deep pockets and top-tier NIL collectives, can max out scholarships and NIL deals. Smaller programs? They might struggle to keep up, which could widen the gap between the haves and have-nots.

For players, it’s a mixed bag. More scholarships mean more chances to get financial help, which is huge for kids who might not have landed a full ride before. But the 105-player cap means fewer spots overall, and some guys could get squeezed out. Recruits are already hearing they need to stay tight with coaches to lock in their spot, as Yahoo Sports noted last fall. And walk-ons, the heart and soul of many teams, might see fewer opportunities unless schools use partial scholarships to keep them around.

For Buckeye fans, this is an exciting time. Ohio State’s not just adapting to the new rules—they’re looking to dominate with them. A 90-scholarship roster packed with talent, a few savvy transfers, and that championship swagger? It’s a recipe for another deep playoff run. But the changes also spark bigger questions about college football’s future. Will walk-on stories become rarer? Will smaller schools get priced out? Only time will tell.

Wrapping It Up

The 2025 college football season is shaping up to be a wild ride, with new NCAA rules changing how teams build their rosters. FBS programs can now offer up to 105 scholarships, full or partial, but have to keep their squads at 105 players or less. Ohio State’s going with 90 scholarships, a move that balances tradition, budget, and ambition as they chase another national title. Under Ryan Day’s leadership, the Buckeyes are poised to make the most of this new era, blending elite talent with strategic roster moves. For fans, players, and coaches, it’s a thrilling—and sometimes nerve-wracking—time to be part of college football. As the season kicks off, all eyes will be on Columbus to see how Ohio State’s plan plays out on the field.