Edition #1803
September 30, 2026
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Georgia College AD Wendell Staton will retire at the end of this academic year after almost 18 years leading the Bobcats. President Cathy Cox: “I often joked that the hardest part of my job was trying to bring Wendell out of his shell (and you all know that is said with a laugh). But truly, Wendell's optimism, his big heart, his dedication and commitment to excellence have made a lasting impact on decades of students, coaches, colleagues and supporters. The longest-serving athletics director in the USG, he has also willingly shared his love for GCSU with prospective and incoming families in innumerable visitation programs over the years. I am deeply grateful for his service to Georgia College and look forward to celebrating his many contributions more fully as his retirement approaches.” Academic Search will assist GCSU with its search for Staton’s successor. (link)
As you likely know by now, the Protect College Sports Act has passed the Senate by a vote of 77-22. Here’s what you need to know…
➤ During the proceedings, the body adopted a number of amendments including increasing the cap on Power 4 conference membership from 19 to 20 members, limiting the scope of federal preemption to allow for personal injury claims and disclosure of funding from persons “relating to intercollegiate athletics from a foreign government, a foreign adversary, a state-owned enterprise, or a sovereign wealth fund” in excess of $600. (link)
➤ Will it pass the House? “That bill is dead,” one Democratic House member tells Yahoo’s Ross Dellenger, who notes the bill faces significant opposition in the lower chamber, where leaders maintain no plans exist to consider the legislation before the November 3 midterms. Still, Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) expressed confidence that House Speaker Mike Johnson could take up the measure prior to the election or during the five-week lame-duck session from Nov. 9 to Dec. 17, but House staff members contend the bill will not advance.
➤ A congressional expert explains why: “The House doesn't just take bills because they have passed the Senate. This is personal. Ted Cruz is holding up several House bills in the Senate." Dellenger adds: “It’s personal for another reason: House lawmakers poured years and resources into a separate college sports bill, the House-authored SCORE Act, which failed to gain the necessary votes in the chamber twice last fall and again this past spring. The SCORE Act, friendlier to the NCAA and authored by Republicans, did not even garner enough Republican support. (link)
Kraft Analytics Group CEO Jessica Gelman and JaneWallStreet’s Deirdre Lester sat down for a conversation about the evolution of KAGR, as well as the company's recent partnership with the NCAA under President Charlie Baker, which more than doubled the association's consumer database in 18 months to drive new revenue. Key takeaways…
➤ Financial and fan engagement results of the NCAA partnership: “We've more than doubled their consumer base in the year and a half. Like we're far ahead of the expectations and it's leading to significant revenue generation for the NCAA which they have to do … but also it's helping the people who are fans of college sports know when the championships are and that they get to support the college athletes.”
➤ On data proving net-new audiences and unlocking capital: “It's like a net new audience largely for all of these women's sports, the investment is coming in, the sponsorship is coming in because it's not just it used to be, oh, well, we already reach NBA fans, so we're probably reaching the WNBA fans, too. But with data and being able to prove that that is not necessarily true, I think it's opening up a lot of investment and financial opportunity.” (link)
From across the college athletics universe, more details on the NAIA’s five seasons of eligibility proposal: “If approved, the fifth season will be available to all 2026-27 incoming and current student-athletes. The proposal requires that student-athletes complete 96 credits to be eligible for a fifth season, as well as the discontinuation of the 20% rule as it pertains to seasons of competition. (The 20% threshold for financial aid limits will remain unchanged and is not a part of the proposal.)” A virtual business meeting to vote on the proposal will take place on November 4. (link)
USC Aiken cut the ribbon on its new $3.5M soccer stadium this past weekend. AD Todd Wilkinson: “This stadium is a game-changer for Pacer Soccer, giving our student-athletes a first-class home while also providing training opportunities for other programs throughout the year. It enhances the beauty of our campus, reflects the high standards we have for our athletics programs, and strengthens the experience we can offer as a member of the Peach Belt Conference. Most importantly, this facility reflects our commitment to excellence and our belief in the potential of our student-athletes. It positions USCA Athletics to compete at the highest level and stands as a lasting symbol of the championship culture we are building together.” (link)
In addition to its RMAC Network streaming deal with Hudl, the RMAC inks a broadcast licensing deal with Metta Sport to broadcast select football and women’s volleyball contests through linear Free Ad-Supported TV (FAST) channels RYZ Sports Network and SI TV and through the Creator Sports Network. Commissioner Danielle Harris: “These partnerships offer a valuable opportunity to expand the reach and visibility of our brand and member institutions nationwide. By making our games available to a national audience, our member institutions will receive increased exposure for their athletic programs and student-athletes.” (link)
FloSports announces the football matchups that will be featured on the FloSports Channel on Prime Video. DII games include Erskine-Valdosta State (10/3), Ashland-Findlay (10/10), Ferris State-Grand Valley State (10/17), Assumption-Saint Anselm (10/22), Eastern New Mexico-Western Oregon (10/24), Texas A&M-Kingsville-Angelo State (10/24), Anderson-Wingate (10/31) and Central Washington-West Texas A&M (11/14). (link)
Deal Corner…
➤ Chadron State expands its partnership with Monument Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine to provide the Eagles with three full-time athletic training staff and one full-time strength and conditioning staff member. (link)
➤ The GLVC teams up with Hudl Tickets to be the league’s official ticketing provider. (link)
➤ Oklahoma Christian partners with Opendorse to support its new NIL marketplace and streamline compliance. (link)
People & Places…
➤ Rogers State selects Southeastern Oklahoma State Asst. Director of Compliance/Ticket Manager Alex Macy as Asst. AD for Compliance/SWA. (link)
➤ UNC Pembroke promotes Asst. Athletic Communications Director Alex Pearcec to Asst. AD for Communications & Strategic Initiatives. (link)
➤ Bridgeport hires George Fox (DIII) Women’s Lacrosse HC Jordyn Merkel for the same position. (link)
Queens (NY) is projecting a $11.4M structural deficit for FY26, according to CUNY Committee on Finance and Administration documents. CUNY is projecting that the system-wide deficit will grow to $61M in FY26 as expenditures are up 8% year-over-year and tuition revenue and fees are down 1%. (link)
The Wall Street Journal’s Roshan Fernandez reports that private universities across the country are slashing tuition rates and eliminating student loans to boost application volume and reverse enrollment declines. Carroll College (NAIA), for instance, will implement a 40% tuition reduction to $26,800 in fall 2027, with AVP of Enrollment Erik Rose noting the new price point still allows the school to maintain financial aid for merit and athletics. Additionally, Coe College (DIII) will drop its sticker price by 45% to $31,850, while Marist is capping its total costs at $32K for in-state families earning under $200K and Union College (DIII) guarantees $30K annual scholarships for New York residents. A recent S&P Global Ratings report found tuition cuts do not broadly correlate with sustained enrollment growth, though a Review of Higher Education study revealed a 6.5% increase in Pell Grant recipients at schools that reduced sticker prices. Carleton College (DIII) President Alison Byerly on the necessity of educating older donors about how sticker shock directly damages the admissions funnel: "They think this one will be too expensive. They don’t wait to get the financial-aid package. They just walk away." (link)
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(Posted from most recent over the last 30 days)
(NEW!) IPP Strength and Conditioning Program Specialist (University of North Georgia / Dahlonega, GA): This position directs and coordinates the University's strength and conditioning program to support the physical readiness and tactical durability for the Corps of Cadets. More details HERE.
Vice President and Director of Athletics (Rice University / Houston, TX): Rice seeks a strategic athletics leader to drive championship success, strengthen student-athlete experiences, grow revenue, elevate Rice nationally, and navigate college athletics’ evolving landscape. (DI) More details HERE. What would it cost to move to Houston? Click HERE. The D1.dossier for this position can be found HERE.
Senior Vice President - Men's Basketball (Atlantic Coast Conference / Charlotte, NC): Senior leader for ACC Men’s Basketball, driving competitive success, national profile, championship experience and commercial value while overseeing scheduling, officiating and key partnerships. (DI) More details HERE. What would it cost to move to Charlotte? Click HERE.
Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Communications (Lawrence University / Appleton, WI): This position plays a key role in elevating the visibility of Lawrence Athletics through strategic media relations, digital content creation, live streaming management, and statistical services. (DIII) More details HERE.
Live Video Production Coordinator (Black Hills State University / Spearfish, SD): Join an energetic team to enhance fan engagement and student-athlete experience through exceptional game-day productions and digital storytelling. More details HERE.
Athletics Business Associate (University of Illinois Springfield / Springfield, IL): Lead the business and HR operations for athletics, including providing insight into budgets, policies and staff hiring. Serves on senior staff. Has opportunity for athletics administration duties. More details HERE.
Athletic Trainer (University of Kansas / Lawrence, KS): Kansas Team Health and University of Kansas Athletics are seeking qualified candidates to work as part of a medical model and collaborative team while providing care for our Track & Field Program. (DI) More details HERE.
Commissioner (Southern Conference / Spartanburg, SC): Reporting to the Council of Presidents, the Commissioner serves as the Conference's chief executive officer, providing strategic, administrative, and external leadership for member institutions. (DI) More details HERE. What would it cost to move to Spartanburg? Click HERE.
Associate Athletic Trainer Instructor – Department of Kinesiology (St. Edward's University / Austin, TX): The Associate Athletic Trainer position will work in conjunction with the Head Athletic Trainer to coordinate the care of student-athletes on a day-to-day basis. More details HERE.
Assistant Athletic Trainer (St. Edward's University / Austin, TX): The Athletic Trainer position will work in conjunction with the Head Athletic Trainer to coordinate the care of student athletes on a day-to-day basis. More details HERE.
Director of Sports Performance (University of North Georgia / Dahlonega, GA): . The director will lead a high-performance environment that supports the development, health and success of all UNG student-athletes. More details HERE.
Athletic Event & Facility Operations Specialist (Fort Hays State University / Hays, KS): The Athletic Events and Facilities Specialist assists with maintaining & preparing facilities to ensure a safe, clean, & professional environment for student-athletes, staff, & spectators. More details HERE.
Part-Time Assistant Swim Coach (Pennwest - California / California, PA): The assistant coach, in collaboration with the Head Swim Coach assists in the direction and administration of the program in a manner that reflects the athletics’ department program goals. More details HERE.
Assistant Athletic Trainer (University of Texas at Dallas / Richardson, TX): UT Dallas seeks two experienced and energetic athletic trainers who provide education, assessment, treatment and prevention services for athletic-related injuries and illnesses to student-athletes. More details HERE.
Associate Commissioner for Strategic Communications (Southeastern Conference / Birmingham, AL): The Associate Commissioner for Strategic Communications will provide strategic leadership for the Southeastern Conference’s communication efforts. (DI) More details HERE.
Head Athletic Trainer (Jessup University / Rocklin, CA): Will serve student-athletes, and athletic depart.; oversee the day to day operations of athletic training facility and the prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries! More details HERE.
Director of Athletic Communications (Jessup University / Rocklin, CA): The purpose of the Director of Athletic Communications is to oversee and lead the communications and marketing efforts of the athletic department, through both print and digital means. More details HERE.
Assoc. Athletic Trainer (Jessup University / Rocklin, CA): The Associate Athletic Trainer and performs essential athletic training duties and functions to ensure the health and safety of Jessup student-athletes. More details HERE.
Head Men's Volleyball Coach (Jessup University / Rocklin, CA): The Head Coach is responsible for instructing, initiating, developing, and leading a consistently competitive athletic program, including recruiting, scheduling, training, and coaching team members. More details HERE.
Women's Lacrosse Assistant Coach (Northern Michigan University / Marquette, MI): Assist the Head Women's Lacrosse Coach with all assigned duties associated with the intercollegiate women's lacrosse program. More details HERE.
Assistant Women's Lacrosse Coach (Frostburg State University / Frostburg, MD): Full-tIme Assistant Coach for Women's Lacrosse. More details HERE.
Vice President and Director of Athletics (Tennessee Wesleyan University / Athens, TN): TWU seeks a dynamic and highly relational leader who understands the important role athletics plays in advancing the University's mission, strengthening enrollment, enhancing the student experience. (NAIA) More details HERE. What would it cost to move to Athens? Click HERE.
Head Athletic Trainer (Colorado State University – Pueblo / Pueblo, CO): Provide overall leadership for sports medicine by developing the athletic training vision and strategic direction for CSU Pueblo Sports Medicine. More details HERE.
Jamie and Ellen Pollard Endowed Director of Athletics (Iowa State University / Ames, IA): Iowa State seeks a visionary, strategic leader to serve as its next Director of Athletics and build upon a proud tradition of innovation and competitive excellence. (DI) More details HERE. What would it cost to move to Ames? Click HERE. The D1.dossier for this position is available HERE.
Assistant Athletic Trainer (Frostburg State University / Frostburg, MD): Full Time Assistant Athletic Trainer. More details HERE.
Assistant Athletic Trainer (Adams State University / Alamosa, CO): Assistant Athletic Trainer at Adams State University. More details HERE.
Assistant Director of Sports Medicine/Athletic Trainer (Adams State University / Alamosa, CO): Assistant Director of Sports Medicine/Athletic Trainer. More details HERE.