College Roster

A school can have as many as they can manage on the fall roster.. but the spring (traveling) roster is 25 men. I have heard of certain schools that tend to "over-recruit" and have huge numbers in the fall program, which results in a mass exodus for the 2nd semester of guys transferring to somewhere they can play.

Which I think is an injustice to the kids and their families. Business? Yes. Welcome to the real world? Perhaps. But how many extra dollars are spent on "education" during the process? -- lost credits, duplicate fees, broken lease agreements, etc.

I understand how it all works and I know teams are better off having numbers....but it seems like the players would benefit from more realistic limits, even in the fall. I know many factors determine a final spring roster, but it seems like a few simple guidelines would be beneficial. JMO.

Not sure if the NCAA has a maximum roster size (not counting travel squad), but it is my understanding that roster size varies for each school based on Title IX considerations (i.e. total male/female roster slots).

I was under the impression the max size was 35, but it is not 100% sure. Many schools carry about 34-35 and travel roster is based on who is in uniform. Some teams will travel with more, but only suit up what they are allowed. Redshirted players remain home.
Travel roster varies from conferenece games to non conference games and conference championships, regional play, etc.
This is a good question to ask coach when being recruited.

At my son's school they carry 35 and travel with 25. He goes to a DI school in Texas. Don't know if there are specific roster rules or is it a money thing for each school when it comes to travel.

I just ran into a friend who I mentioned was on the cutting blosk in his 3rd year. He just lost 3 roommates. He is safe for now but was told there are more recruits comming in next semester and that every player was on notice to produce or face being cut. The scholarship money is good for the year even if he was cut.

I was told, yesterday, the maximum number is based on "gender equity", and not driven by NCAA regulations (such as a set number...36,35,etc). The number would be set by each institution, again, based on the number of female athletes.

Be good,
David

Lefty Dad,
I was told no more than 35 as mandated by NCAA, so I am now assuming that it means you have to be in gender compliance, according to each individual school?
OK, that's sounds possible, but how come football gets so many?

LSU lists 43 on their roster for the '06 season ..that's only one shy of having enough players for 4 teams with each team having a starting pitcher, a reliever, and a closer....and head coach Smoke Laval has already signed 20 to NLI's for the 06/07 season knowing all along that the SEC limits the travel squad to 25. Having made a few trips to see my son's team play LSU in Alex Box stadium, I now know what creates the traffic jams in Baton Rouge on game days...LSU BASEBALL PLAYERS trying to get to the game.

Fungo,

It amazes me that these schools get 10-20 NLI's signed, in the fall. I know of several young men that fell into that trap, only to be cut, at the end of their first fall season.

I believe the NCAA should limit the NLI's in some form, which could be tied to your roster numbers. Further, they should limit the numbers allowed in the fall. The kids that have signed at LSU will show up in a group of at least 45-50 players, when they wall on campus. I wouldn't like the odds if I intended on playing.

BTW, how's Josh doing? I hope all is good for you and family.

Be good,
David