What Student Athletes Need to Know About National Signing Day
For years, National Signing Day has marked a major milestone for high school athletes. It’s the moment when verbal commitments become official and dreams take a tangible step forward.
When I was at Bishop Lynch in Dallas, TX, it was a day filled with excitement and celebration. The bleachers were packed with friends and teammates. Families, coaches, counselors, and teachers gathered to honor the hard work of their student athletes. And let’s not forget about the fax machines…remember those things?! For one day a year, they were the unsung heroes.
The End of the NLI Era
Traditionally, student athletes signed a National Letter of Intent (NLI) which was a legally binding agreement between the athlete and the institution. It guaranteed athletic financial aid for at least one academic year and signified a mutual commitment: the athlete agreed to attend, and the school pledged to support them.
But that chapter officially closed on October 9, 2024, when the NCAA eliminated the NLI program. It marked the end of an era that spanned decades of recruiting.
What Happens Now?
In place of the NLI, student athletes now sign an athletic grant-in-aid: a written offer of athletic financial aid. While still a binding agreement between the athlete and the institution, it does not include the same restrictions the NLI once did.
What This Means for You
National Signing Day still matters. It’s still a moment of recognition, celebration, and commitment.
Here’s what’s different and what remains the same:
The Same:
Binding on the school: once signed, the school is obligated to honor the scholarship offer: it guarantees aid for at least one academic year.
The commitment is formal and meaningful: not just symbolic.
What’s Changed:
Not binding on the athlete: athletes are no longer locked into a school through an NLI.
There’s no penalty (like loss of eligibility or sit-out requirements) if an athlete chooses not to enroll after signing.
Athletes don’t need a formal “release” if their plans change before they arrive on campus.
Why This Matters
This shift gives student athletes greater flexibility, protection, and autonomy especially in a recruiting landscape shaped by coaching changes, NIL opportunities, and evolving team needs.
At POLARIS Student Athlete Consulting, we believe understanding the why behind this change is just as important as celebrating the what. We guide student athletes and their families through every step of the recruiting process: ensuring decisions are made with confidence, clarity, and purpose.
Have questions about how this change may impact your recruiting journey? Let’s talk.