The talk in College Athletics for close to a year has been the ongoing House V. NCAA case as the NCAA voted to settle the case on May 23, 2024 for $2.75 billion. The settlement would also allow schools to use a revenue sharing model distributing up to $20 million per year to College Athletes paving the way for College's to directly pay players.
The case seemed like a slam dunk to be settled as it set up guidelines for programs and players but, as of late the two sides haven't met Judge Claudia Wilken's requests. Two weeks ago Judge Claudia Wilken gave both sides two weeks to amend the roster limits requesting that the two sides "grandfather in" current athletes to ensure the players on existing rosters aren't effected.
When the deadline rolled around on Wednesday, and rather than requiring the schools to grandfather-in players, they permitted the schools to do so.
NCAA and power conferences responded to Judge Claudia Wilken’s latest order by permitting - not requiring - schools to grandfather-in athletes.
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) May 7, 2025
Will it be enough for the judge? Objectors are expected to pushback.
The latest House settlement quandary https://t.co/ax94IBsAY1
Everyone is now waiting on Claudia Wilken to make a decision on the House Settlement, as it could have monumental effects on College Sports. If the settlement is approved despite the sides not meeting Wilken's request then everything will go as expected but, if not it opens up an interesting can of worms especially for LSU.
Earlier this week, Wilson Alexander of The Advocate, reported that LSU raised $13 million, using the funds to front-load NIL deals, which helped LSU sign another Top 10 recruiting class and the best transfer class of the Brian Kelly Era ahead of the House settlement.
LSU GM Austin Thomas has been key in fundraising and roster management.
— Wilson Alexander (@whalexander_) May 6, 2025
He tracks everything through an NFL-style system that sets monetary values for every spot on the team.
How it helps him make decisions: https://t.co/cdiTuGP35V pic.twitter.com/qmhnsb16ea
If the settlement is denied, the revenue sharing model would fall through which would raise questions especially as a school like LSU who was ahead of the curve wouldn't be allowed to use revenue sharing to its advantage. While it would seem that LSU could be in trouble if the House Settlement was denied, according to Ross Dellinger it sounds as if programs have already thought this through and will truly test if the NCAA has any power left.
If the judge denies the settlement, many schools plan to use their state law to begin paying athletes, and those without one will get one soon, ADs predict.
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) May 7, 2025
Said one AD to @YahooSports: “What can the NCAA do about it?” https://t.co/Pp00u3wy7f
The NCAA is truly at a crossroads and whether this settlement is approved or denied, the College Athletics landscape as we know it will undergo massive changes. Both sides not complying with Wilken's requests may indicate that both sides are more than fine if the settlement is shot down.