Walk-ons: The end of an era? [Video]

TAMPA, Fla. — This spring, the rosters for most college football programs will get a significant shake-up. That shake-up likely means the end of the “walk-on” as we know it.

Walk-ons are athletes who participate in a sport but are not on scholarship. Next season, the NCAA will take part in revenue sharing that will cap football rosters at 105 players. All 105 will be eligible for scholarships, an increase from the current number of 85 available scholarships.

Under the new revenue-sharing plan, schools will benefit financially by funding a full roster, so the role of the walk-on will effectively be eliminated in any large capacity.

“It’s been such a huge part here. And you’re in an area where, in the six counties around here, there are so many good football players that go un-signed… you end up kinda working through, and like, ‘This guy can maybe help us!'” USF …