Rhule comments on how the new player limits could effect walk-ons

The Nebraska Cornhuskers have always been known for having a successful walk-on program. That could soon be a thing of the past if a new NCAA rule goes into effect.

The current proposal would see football, which currently has a scholarship restriction of 85 players, have a roster limit of 105 players with no limit on scholarships.

Head coach Matt Rhule says that with this possible new change, the walk-on could be a thing of the past.

The way it works is there are no scholarship limits. So if you have 105 players, you can have 105 scholarship players if you want to make that investment. The movie Rudy will be hard to explain to our kids because they’ll be asking ‘what’s a walk-on.’

Rhule hopes the walk-on program can be saved somehow but said he will make a change if necessary.

At the same time, maybe some kids will trickle down to other levels and FCS and Group of Five football will be stronger. There will still be some room for walk-ons. What I’ll say is outside of Nebraska, we have 150 guys while most schools are in the 105 range. I came here and I was intent on getting to 115 because that’s what was asked of me. It’s just really hard because we have so many great in-state players who will walk-on for us. But if it’s mandated I’ll find a way.

This new rule would not take effect until the 2025-26 school year if it is to be implemented.

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