Alabama and Auburn continue to sign players as rosters expand from 85 to 105 scholarship players

Auburn and Alabama continue to sign players as SEC scholarship rosters expand from 85 to 105. In a landmark shift for college athletics, major football programs across the country-including those in the SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, and other Power 4 conferences-have officially expanded their scholarship limits from 85 to 105 players beginning with the 2026 season. This change marks one of the most significant roster policy updates in decades and is expected to reshape recruiting, player development, and team depth across the sport.

Why the Change Happened

The increase stems from the House v. NCAA antitrust settlement, which eliminated sport-specific scholarship caps and opened the door for conferences to set their own limits. The SEC led the charge, voting in December 2025 to adopt the 105-scholarship model, with other major conferences quickly following suit.

This expansion is not mandatory-schools may choose to remain at 85 scholarships-but the option to offer more financial aid to student-athletes has been widely embraced by powerhouse programs looking to deepen their rosters.

Financial Implications

Adding 20 scholarships could cost schools an estimated $750,000 to $1 million annually, depending on tuition rates and aid structures. While some programs may offer full scholarships to additional players, others are expected to use partial scholarships to support walk-ons and developmental athletes.

This flexibility allows schools to better manage injuries, redshirts, and transfers, especially as the college football season grows longer and more physically demanding.

Impact on Recruiting and Walk-Ons

The expanded scholarship limit is expected to:

Increase opportunities for high school athletes, especially those on the margins of Power 4 recruiting boards.

Elevate the role of walk-ons, who may now receive partial aid or be more easily integrated into team plans.

Shift recruiting strategies, with programs potentially signing larger classes or retaining more players through their full eligibility.

For programs like Alabama and Auburn, the change could mean deeper benches, more competition in practice, and greater flexibility in managing player development.

Strategic Benefits for Teams

With the College Football Playoff expanding and the transfer portal reshaping rosters annually, depth has become a premium asset. The 105-scholarship model allows coaches to:

Maintain competitive depth across all position groups

Reduce reliance on emergency transfers or midseason walk-on promotions

Develop younger players without rushing them into starting roles

What Comes Next

As the 2026 season approaches, schools are finalizing how they will allocate the additional scholarships. Some may prioritize special teams and developmental positions, while others may use the extra spots to retain veteran players or attract late transfers.

The NCAA and conferences are also expected to monitor the financial and competitive impacts of the change, with potential adjustments in future seasons.

Conclusion

The move to 105 scholarships represents a major evolution in college football, offering new opportunities for athletes and new challenges for coaches and administrators. As programs adapt, fans can expect deeper rosters, more competitive games, and a broader pool of talent shaping the future of the sport.

For Alabama families, coaches, and student-athletes, this change could mean more chances to play at the highest level-and more ways to support the next generation of football stars.