SAN ANGELO, Texas — A new era of college sports officially opened July 1st.
For the first time, all NCAA athletes are able to earn money from a wide variety of business ventures without losing eligibility. It sets minimal regulations for the new world of college sports, and Angelo State University football head coach Jeff Girsch said this can potentially impact the rams.
"For football specifically, it's going to have a huge impact at the Division I levels," Girsch said. "How it falls in line at Angelo State and the Division II arena, that's going to be different. We'll wait and see how it progresses, but it's definitely an exciting time."
According to other outlets, the effects of the new rules could be seen across the country as athletes from several sports, not just football and basketball, began announcing partnerships with companies. Girsch said this is unknown for ASU athletes at this moment in time.
"As we see the positives and negatives come out of it, I think that will water down into FCS, Division II and maybe even Division III," Girsch said. "I think this is a time-will-tell situation, but I think it'll have an impact at some point with Division II."
Girsch said the new NIL rule should have better guidance. Many Division I FCS, Division II and Division III schools are closely monitoring the impact it's currently having on the FBS level.
"The athletes are getting scholarship money, but looking at the big picture, there's enough to go around," Girsch said. "At the end of the day, I wish it was controlled a little more and how we approach it through the NCAA, it's going to be a challenge."
The Rams kickoff the 2021 season Sept. 1st at Lindenwood.