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Inside the murky future of college walk-on athletes

Anthony Olivieri

created: Dec. 18, 2025, 8:51 a.m. | updated: Dec. 19, 2025, 12:19 p.m.

A looming settlement in the House vs. NCAA lawsuit, which promised to revolutionize college sports, could cost walk-ons roster spots. The first time he was on a college football practice field, he watched the Ducks' athletes and winced. A trophy was named after him, handed out every year to the best player in college football to begin his career as a walk-on. It has become a part of the College Football Awards Association, mentioned on ESPN every year. "So, what's happening in college football is a train wreck," he says.

3 months ago: www.espn.com - TOP