This seems like it changes things but it doesn’t. It’s just a publicity stunt. Schools have long ago endowed “academic” scholarships for athletes and so whether it’s a really tasty energy bar company or the sale of grandpa’s farm after he dies, schools have been doing this for awhile.
Second, there’s still just 22 players on the field and many P5s don’t use all 85 schollys for a variety of reasons. I saw the other day that KU has been at 70 scholarships at one point and is at like 78 right now. UAB used to travel with 47 scholarship players. Kids want to play. They might actually be more likely to go programs that aren’t funding more competition to get on the field.
Third, the real issue here isn’t scholarship limits but signing limits. It’s a way to get a guy on campus when you are at the 25 scholly limit for the year. So schools can now basically sign free transfers out of high school on a training contract. Take TU’s issue at CB. We could, in theory, bring in two scholarship CBs but now also bring in 5 or 6 or maybe more paid walk-ons to compete for the job too and if they don’t get a spot, they are free to move on if they don’t play. Kids will get lied to and exploited this way and be left with no place to go. It’s inevitable.
Fourth, it really just creates another layer in the pecking order. 1) Scholarship with NIL money, 2) NIL money but no scholarship but no out of pocket expense, 3) no scholarship no NIL but academic scholarship, 4) no scholarship no NIL, paying some or all out of pocket.
Fifth, the real issue is competitive balance because Utah law and tax laws permit it. In other states, it’s prohibited.
I hope this helps.