Edition #1795
September 11, 2026
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NCAA Chief Legal Officer Scott Bearby provides an update on the association's ongoing eligibility cases. Takeaways from his statement…
➤ “Today, in Wisne, the NCAA will be filing its reply brief in the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, asking the court, consistent with its decision to stay the preliminary injunction pending appeal, to vacate the district court's injunction. … In the meantime, individuals who previously received relief under the Wisne injunction remain ineligible to compete while that injunction remains stayed.”
➤ “On Wednesday, the Georgia Court of Appeals granted the NCAA's emergency motion to stay the trial court's preliminary injunction pending appeal in Godfrey, a multi-plaintiff case involving more than 30 former student-athletes. This continues an important trend. Every appellate court to consider these issues to date, including the Tenth Circuit and appellate courts in Ohio, Tennessee, and Georgia, has recognized both the strength of the NCAA's legal arguments and the substantial harm that results when ineligible athletes are permitted to compete while appeals are pending. State trial courts have likewise increasingly rejected requests for temporary restraining orders and preliminary injunctions.”
➤ “At the same time, additional lawsuits continue to be filed. To date, nearly 77 lawsuits involving 612 former student-athletes have challenged the Division I age-based eligibility rules. While those figures continue to evolve, only 326 individuals currently have some form of active relief, while 286 do not. The largest groups receiving relief remain former men's basketball (132) and football (110) athletes.” Full statement. (link)
Semafor’s Burgess Everett posits it’s a good moment in time for an experienced politician to be leading the NCAA with President Charlie Baker and the association on the precipice of a Protect College Sports Act vote that could stabilize college sports. While Baker feels “pretty good” about the legislation’s prospects for passage through the Senate, whether it eventually ends up on President Trump’s desk for a signature this year remains unclear. Baker: “One of the things that you know I learned from my 16 years in state government is: This is a one-bite-at-a-time type business. I’m hopeful that if the Senate can get something done here, that the House will find a way to make this part of what they deal with [after the election] … We do have some very fundamental issues that would make a big difference, for certainty purposes around rules and around eligibility and around money and around transfers. Those things would help sort of settle down a lot of the uncertainty that exists now.” (link)
Lobbying for the Protect College Sports Act is in full swing ahead of an expected Senate vote process next week, per Ross Dellenger, who writing for On3, points to the multi-million dollar, “Saving College Sports” ad campaign featuring former Alabama HC/current ESPN College GameDay analyst Nick Saban and current Colorado HC Deion Sanders as the most visible effort. Here’s what you need to know…
➤ Lawmakers, White House representatives and industry stakeholders have been meeting weekly to discuss progress and publicly pushing the legislation as a pep rally is planned for Monday on Capitol Hill with college administrators and student-athletes.
➤ The question is will all of this stumping lead to the bill’s passage? If the Clarity Act fails, it’s likely the Senate takes up the PCSA, potentially as soon as Tuesday but probably more likely Wednesday or Thursday. The timeline could slow depending on how many amendments to the bill are made and if they garner enough support for debate and a vote. If the bill passes the Senate, the House must then adopt it, but it’s not scheduled to return to session until after November’s mid-term elections.
➤ Dellenger: “If the Senate does adopt the legislation, can President Trump, an ardent supporter of the bill’s passage, convince House leadership to remain in session to take up the act? Though it’s a long shot, there is a shot – if the Senate can pass the legislation by a wide majority (probably more than 70 votes).” (link)
➤ More than 90 organizations spent $31.4M in total Q2 lobbying efforts on behalf of the PCSA, per Open Secrets’ Joedy McCreary, who notes that Texas Tech Board of Regents Chair Cody Campbell’s Saving College Sports nonprofit has led the advocacy push with the Senate preparing for a vote between September 15-26. Out of $820K in total lobbying dollars since its formation, Campbell’s group spent $190K during Q2. Lobbying participation has ranged from some of the biggest brands at college sports’ highest level (Ohio State, Michigan, Notre Dame) to Group of Six programs to the National Association of Broadcasters and NCTA – the Internet and Television Association. (link)
More from UC Merced AD David Dunham’s Small College Conversation on department efficiencies and the state of officiating, as Dunham also serves as an international and DI lacrosse official. D2.takeaways…
➤ Leveraging efficiencies through the UC System: “We have about 43 people from head coaches, administrative staff, assistant coaches, down to our maintenance and facilities people, but it's really a small team to support the growth of our 12 teams and 250 student-athletes. So what we've had to do is we have had to look for systems and processes that allow us to do more with less resources. … Our campus was very forward thinking and getting us our own credit card program for our travel and for our procurement that fits in with the system of the University of California. So not so much systems that were in the space of athletics, but just systems that helped us be more efficient that the campus was already using. They just stepped outside the box of how they were using it for the general campus to give us some more efficiencies.”
➤ On officiating: “One of the things that I appreciate is that when we show up to work, we are treated by that staff as professionals. I think that makes a big difference. To help the pipeline is we need to figure out a way so those young folks that are retiring from their athletic career as a player that might have that ability to be an official know that they are supported because I think what you see is you see coaches challenging officials, which I think that's naturally part of the dynamic. … When I talk to young folks who have been officiating for maybe five, 10 years, but then get out of the game, that's a big part of it, is they feel that there's not this mutual respect that we can disagree, but that's part of our jobs and we're going to disagree. … I think the other piece that we have to be cognizant of is how we compensate officials. Not so much just like the game fee, but do we compensate them for travel because it's a time commitment? And when they're at the site, are we giving them the resources they need to do their job and feel welcome?” (link)
This weekend will be the first that Northwest Missouri State sells alcohol at Bearcat Stadium. AD Andy Peterson says the introduction of alcohol sales is not expected to be a significant revenue stream, as the Bearcats will receive a cut of the money generated through its new food service provider Elior. “The bigger opportunity we have is through corporate sponsorship, whether it's Anheuser-Busch or Molson Coors or you name it, the advertising space that we have, the ability to market the paw and put it with a prominent brand. They are very interested in selling alcohol at the stadium, but they're also interested in our brand and they want neon signs to put at local establishments and whatever to try to move their product.” Peterson is also excited about the benefit for fans after implementing a no re-entry policy a decade ago. “For me, it's more about the goodwill, the sporting experience of what people expect in the 21st century of, I'd love to have a beer. It's college football, we're outside, especially if it's beautiful weather. I get a hot dog and a beer and I enjoy that part of the experience.” (link)
It’s Personnel…
➤ Dallas Baptist hires Stephen F. Austin (DI) Director of Development for Major Gifts Chris Bentley as Assoc. AD for Revenue Generation and Oklahoma Baptist Asst. AD for Compliance and Student-Athlete Develompent Avery Hellmuth as Asst. AD for Compliance and Administration. (link)
➤ Kentucky State Assoc. AD for Student Success Jamaal Jackson departs after more than a decade at his alma mater. (link)
➤ West Alabama promotes Director of Athletic Communications Darrell Redden Jr. to Assoc. AD for Athletic Communications. (link)
➤ Adelphi Asst. AD for Facilities and Game Operations Tori Spruill is no longer in the role. (link)
➤ Chadron State elevates Asst. Director of Athletic Facilities and Events Kelly McLendon to Asst. AD for Facilities and Events. (link)
➤ Livingstone Asst. to the VP and Athletic Operations Kayla Symone Price transitions to a new role as Asst. AD for External Operations. (link)
“FanWord has allowed us to be more efficient with our timing, both personally and in the workplace, and be consistent on the content that we’re getting out.”
— Clay Roe, Assistant Director of Athletics Communications, Florida Southern College
Clay and his team partnered with FanWord last year to keep up with the ever-growing demands of the profession. In just five months, Florida Southern created new workflows that reclaimed 45 minutes each game night and averaged 40 work hours saved per month. Since then, they’ve produced over 1,000 pieces of content. Read the FSC Case Study.
FanWord Assist, the industry-leading AI-powered storytelling platform, helps athletic communications teams produce high-quality, accurate, and customizable game recaps, player bios, award nominations, feature stories, transcriptions, staff bios, incoming freshman bios, and much more in a fraction of the time — all in your program’s voice, keeping you 100% in control.
More than 250 programs across the country already run on FanWord. As the new academic year kicks off, see how FanWord Assist can help you save time, tell more stories, and even get home a bit earlier on a Friday night.
Eckerd will add women’s flag football as its 19th varsity sport starting in 2027-28. (link)
Deal Corner…
➤ Indiana (PA) teams up with Teamworks Influencer to launch the Crimson Hawks Exchange. (link)
➤ Embry-Riddle is the latest to partner with FanWord to support its content creation efforts. (link)
➤ Cedarville announces a new partnership with Country Club of the North to become the new home course for the Yellow Jackets. (link)
Coaches Corner…
➤ Colorado State Pueblo promotes Cross Country/Track & Field HC Matt Morris to Director of Track and Field and Cross Country. (link)
➤ Kentucky State selects Miles AC Kate Lambert as the Thorobreds’ new Softball HC. (link)
The Securities and Exchange Commission is seeking information from Daktronics concerning Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard, acting CFO Howard Atkins said during the lastest earnings call. According to the Dallas Sports Journal, “Atkins reported $155M in cash and $10M in debt at the end of the quarter,” and said during the call: “Let me now briefly address a matter that has been in the media concerning the NBA’s investigation of Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers in connection with the league’s collective bargaining agreement that many of you may have heard about. As you might expect, we have received requests for information from the NBA. Additionally, the Securities and Exchange Commission is seeking information from us concerning the company and Mr. Leonard. We take these requests seriously and are cooperating. At this point, out of respect for the respective processes, we will not be providing further comment.” Meadowlark Media’s Pablo Torre cited, per the Dallas Sports Journal, a “high-level source under contract for Intuit Dome who said Clippers money went through Daktronics to Leonard.” (link)
Another week and diesel prices reached another record on Friday, moving past $6 per gallon as the U.S. war with Iran continues disrupting the global oil supply chain. The national average of nearly $6.06 is up 21 cents from last week and represents a 60% increase from the $3.76 mark prior to the start of the Middle East conflict back in February. Per the AP’s Wyatte Grantham-Philips, when adjusted for inflation, fuel prices have been higher in the past. “Ahead of the 2008 financial crisis, for example, diesel hit about $4.74 a gallon, equivalent to $7.20 in 2026. … And 2022’s then-record of nearly $5.82 — reached just months after Russia invaded Ukraine — would be about $6.56 this year when accounting for inflation.” Prices at the pump for regular gasoline reached $4.29 on average in the U.S. on Friday, up 15 cents from a week ago. (link, link)
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(Posted from most recent over the last 30 days)
(NEW!) 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.
(NEW!) 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.
(NEW!) 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.
(NEW!) 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.
(NEW!) 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.
(NEW!) Assistant Women's Lacrosse Coach (Frostburg State University / Frostburg, MD): Full-tIme Assistant Coach for Women's Lacrosse. More details HERE.
Assistant Coach, Women's Basketball (Babson College / Wellesley, MA): Assistant Coach, Women's Basketball at Babson College in Wellesley, MA. Full-time role assisting with coaching and administrative duties. Salary: $53,813 - $59,792. (DIII) 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.
Assistant Director of Events and Services (Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference / Woodbridge, CT): A full-time position responsible for managing championship operations, conference awards, financial procedures, NCAA grants and as the primary liaison for selected sport oversight across the CACC. More details HERE.
Assistant Coach - Men's Lacrosse (Babson College / Wellesley, MA): Assistant Coach for Men's Lacrosse at Babson College, Wellesley, MA. Full-time role assisting in coaching and recruitment. (DIII) More details HERE.
Deputy Athletic Director - Chief Operating Officer (Colorado Mesa University / Grand Junction, CO): Working closely with the Director of Athletics, the COO will oversee athletic facilities, event management, capital projects, operational budgets, staffing, and departmental policies and procedures. More details HERE. What would it cost to move to Grand Junction? Click HERE.
Athletic Trainer (Colorado Mesa University / Grand Junction, CO): Responsibilities include coordinating pre-season medical examinations, maintaining medical records, communicating with coaches & medical staff, and making clinical decisions. More details HERE.
Athletics Business Manager (Augusta University / Augusta, GA): The Athletics Business Manager (Business Manager 1) position manages all matters of financial reporting, budgeting, contracts, and collection of funds for the Athletic Department. More details HERE.
Assistant Director of Stewardship and Administration (University of Pennsylvania – Penn / Philadelphia, PA): Shape the donor experience for Penn Athletics, strengthening relationships with alumni and supporters while driving stewardship, engagement, and growth across 33 varsity programs. (DI) More details HERE.
Assistant Director, Creative Services (Big Ten Conference / Rosemont, IL): This position will support the creation and execution of compelling visual content that enhances the Conference's brand, events, championships, and marketing initiatives. (DI) More details HERE.
Graduate Assistant - Women's Soccer (Lakeland University / Plymouth, WI): Responsible for assisting the Head Coach, primarily with recruiting, organizing and running practices, fundraising, promotional activities, and other related assigned responsibilities. (DIII) More details HERE.
Academics and Student Athlete Development Graduate Assistant (Frostburg State University / Frostburg, MD): Graduate Assistant for Academics and Student Athlete Development. More details HERE.
Coordinator of Women's Wrestling Officials (Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference / Colorado Springs, CO): The Coordinator of Women’s Wrestling Officials shall be responsible for the assignment, evaluation, and training of officials for contests held by members of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. More details HERE.
Director of Business Operations/Assistant AD-Business Operations (University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee / Milwaukee, WI): Position performs all financial duties within the athletic department. Supports the Deputy AD in budget management and advises staff on policies. Has the potential for an Assistant AD title. (DI) More details HERE.
Associate Head Coach-Cross Country & Track & Field (University of Mary / Bismarck, ND): University of Mary is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Associate Head Coach Cross Country and Track & Field to assist with the leadership, development, and administration. More details HERE.
Sports Information Graduate Assistant (West Virginia Wesleyan College / Buckhannon, WV): The Sports Information Graduate Assistant (GA) position is a 10-month graduate assistant position beginning August 1, 2026 and reports to the Sports Information Director. More details HERE.
Account Executive (University of Louisville / Louisville, KY): Drive new sales and renewals for football and men’s basketball, manage 1,000+ accounts, deliver customer service, build relationships, and consistently meet sales and outreach goals. (DI) More details HERE.
Athletics Business Operations Manager, Administrator I (Sonoma State University / Rohnert Park, CA): The Athletics Business Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the Athletics Business Office More details HERE.
Assistant Athletic Director for Creative Strategy & Social Media (University of Texas at Dallas / Richardson, TX): The Assistant Athletic Director for Creative Strategy and Social Media serves as the Athletics Department coordinator of game-day promotions, social media and marketing. More details HERE.