Sports officials are commending President Donald Trump’s executive orders aimed at overhauling college sports, which include new limits on player eligibility and transfer rules.
On Friday, President Trump issued an emergency national order to revitalize college sports. The order allows students to compete for up to five years, with some exceptions for military service, missionary work, and other public interest absences.
Moreover, student-athletes will have the opportunity to transfer once every five years for immediate eligibility, plus one more time if they finish a four-year degree.
In a statement, renowned former football coach Nick Saban, who led teams at Alabama State University and Louisiana State University, endorsed the president’s decision.
“Today’s executive order from President Trump marks a significant step in restoring stability to college sports. The well-being of college sports benefits all Americans, and I appreciate the President’s leadership on this vital matter,” Saban remarked.
NCAA President Charlie Baker noted that the order enhances scholarship protections, guaranteed medical care, and mental health services.
“The NCAA is working to modernize college sports for the benefit of student-athletes, and the executive order strengthens several mandated protections, including medical insurance and mental health services,” Baker stated.
Baker further added, “This action is a meaningful advancement, and we value the government’s attention to these issues. However, ensuring stability in college athletics for student-athletes still necessitates a permanent, bipartisan federal legislative solution. I look forward to collaborating with the administration and Congress to pass targeted legislation with support from student-athlete leaders across all divisions.”
Greg Sankey, Commissioner of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), indicated that the order provides much-needed “clarity” to ensure universities have comparable policies.
“Establishing consistent national standards in college athletics is a priority, and President Trump’s executive order gives us the clarity needed for all programs to operate on a level playing field,” Sankey remarked. “I appreciate the President’s leadership and the bipartisan support from the House and Senate on these critical matters.”
“We back the SCORE Act and the careful consideration of similar legislation in the House to safeguard student-athletes’ academic opportunities and the future of college sports,” he added.
Other major councils also expressed their support for the executive order.
“The Big Ten Conference values President Trump’s leadership and ongoing efforts to protect college athletics. We urge Congress to swiftly pass legislation addressing key issues threatening long-term stability,” Big Ten Conference Chairman Tony Pettity said. “Aligning with President Trump’s executive orders, the bipartisan SCORE Act thoughtfully tackles student-athletes’ name, image, and identity issues, safeguards opportunities in women’s and Olympic sports, and enhances resources for student-athletes both on and off the field. We will keep working with a wide coalition of college sports stakeholders and legislators to bring this legislation to fruition.”
“Federal action is crucial for the future of college athletics. On behalf of the Big 12, we commend President Trump for advancing solutions,” said Big 12 Conference Commissioner Brett Yormark. “To capitalize on this momentum and ensure long-term transparency and stability, Congress must act now. The bipartisan SCORE Act provides a thorough framework for many challenges in our industry, and we look forward to collaborating with President Trump and Congress to achieve meaningful reforms.”
“We greatly value President Trump’s continued dedication to safeguarding college athletics through today’s executive order,” said Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Commissioner Jim Phillips. “Following the White House College Sports Roundtable, there’s ongoing momentum to maintain athletic and academic opportunities for future generations of student-athletes, which we greatly appreciate. We are hopeful that the SCORE Act, aimed at stabilizing college sports, will soon gain passage in the House.”
