LARAMIE, Wyo. (Nov. 25, 2024)-- Starting in 2025, the NCAA will implement a new rule limiting rosters to 105 players as part of the House vs. NCAA settlement. Wyoming head coach Jay Sawvel didn't hesitate to describe the impact these changes will have on his program, recruitment strategies, and player retention.
“This 105 is a game-changer in a number of ways,” Sawvel stated. “We started this season with 118 people on our roster. There’s people out there—Nebraska had 150 or something, right? We will all be mandated to be at 105, and it’s going to drastically cut down preferred walk-on opportunities and things of that nature.”
Adjusting to New Scholarship Rules
Sawvel explained that the roster limit will change to how scholarships are calculated, transitioning from a strict headcount model to a weighted system.
“We used to be a headcount sport; I counted as one, you all counted as one, and we had 85 scholarships,” he noted. “Now, if somebody gets academic money and other things, they may count as .75. The next thing you know, you’ve picked up more scholarships. So your 85 could stretch to 95. It’s very much like FCS and Division II.”
The new rules allow up to 105 scholarships.
Recruitment Plans and Roster Management
The limitations are already shaping Wyoming's recruitment plans. Sawvel aims to sign a large recruiting class while adapting to the new roster constraints, especially after 17 or more players graduate and move on following next Saturday's game at Washington State.
“We’re at 18 commits right now. My goal would be to get us somewhere to—I mean, I hope—22 or 23 by next Wednesday. That still leaves us working space to obtain 12 to 14 more players,” he shared.
However, with fewer roster spots for non-scholarship players, Sawvel emphasized the need to be calculated in allocating roster spots.
“You have to be very deliberate as to your position sizes. We will have 20 offensive linemen, and we will have eight running backs. You will be set in certain numbers,” he explained. “Even your kicker, punter, and long-snapper world gets really tight. You’re not carrying seven guys for those positions anymore.”
Impact on Player Retention
The reduced roster size will also force tough decisions on player retention, with Sawvel making it clear that the program will prioritize players fully committed to the team’s core values.
“We will have 105 players that can’t live without football,” Sawvel stated. “If I make that determination that somebody’s not going to ride for the brand, they will not be in that 105.”
This shift could also mean fewer opportunities for players to remain with the team if they’re not developing in the right direction. “With this going down to 105, it makes it even more accountable. If you didn’t have a good year or we don’t see good projection out of you, you’re going to be cut.”
Uncertain Fallout
The NCAA’s decision raises many unanswered questions about how programs nationwide will adjust. “It’s never really thought out, you know, as far as what the ramifications are of this rule,” Sawvel remarked. “We just adjust, but we know our roster goes to 105 next year.”
With challenges ahead, Sawvel is focused on building a roster of players fully dedicated to Wyoming football. As he put it, “We’re going to ride for the brand.”
For the Cowboys, the new rule marks the end of picking underdogs and walk-ons and tests the developmental program mentality that has worked well in the past.
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