Division 1 football programs offer a limited number of athletic scholarships each year. Under NCAA rules, FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) teams can give up to 85 full scholarships, while FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) teams can give up to 63. However, these numbers include all players on the roster, not just new recruits each year.
Understanding the Scholarship Limits
The NCAA sets strict limits on how many scholarships a Division 1 football team can award. These limits are the maximum number of players who can receive athletic aid at one time.
| Division/Subdivision | Maximum Scholarships | Type |
|---|---|---|
| FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) | 85 | Full ride (head count) |
| FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) | 63 | Equivalency (can be split) |
In FBS, scholarships are typically full rides covering tuition, fees, room, board, and books. In FCS, coaches can split scholarships among more players, so not every athlete gets a full ride.
How Many New Scholarships Are Given Each Year?
Because rosters have about 85 to 105 players, coaches rarely use all available scholarships on new recruits. They must manage the total number over four or five years. On average, a team might sign 20 to 25 new scholarship players per year, but this varies widely.
Some recruits receive “grayshirts” or “blueshirts,” which delay or adjust when their scholarship counts toward the limit. Coaches plan carefully to stay within NCAA rules.
Key Rules to Know About D1 Football Scholarships
If you are trying to understand how many D1 football scholarships exist, you also need to know the basic rules that govern them.
- FBS scholarships are “head count” – each scholarship counts as one, and athletes receive full aid.
- FCS scholarships are “equivalency” – coaches can divide the total value among more players.
- Scholarships are awarded for one year at a time and must be renewed annually.
- NCAA rules limit official visits, recruiting contacts, and signing periods.
These rules affect how many scholarships are actually available to high school athletes each year.
How Scholarships Are Distributed Across Positions
Coaches decide how to allocate scholarships based on team needs. Offensive linemen, quarterbacks, and defensive backs are often highly recruited, but every position matters.
Because the total is fixed, a coach might offer fewer scholarships to kickers or punters to save room for other positions. Walk-ons can earn scholarships later if one becomes available.
Are All D1 Football Scholarships Full Rides?
In FBS, yes – most athletic scholarships are full rides. In FCS, no – coaches can split scholarships, so some athletes receive only a percentage of a full scholarship.
Even in FBS, a scholarship might not cover everything if the school has extra fees. However, the NCAA defines a full grant-in-aid as covering tuition, fees, room, board, and books.
How Many D1 Football Programs Are There?
As of the 2026 season, there are 134 FBS schools and 128 FCS schools, totaling 262 Division 1 football programs. That means the maximum number of D1 football scholarships across the country is about 22,000 (85 x 134 + 63 x 128).
But not every program fills all its scholarships every year. Some schools choose to under-sign to stay flexible.
For a high school athlete, the real number of open scholarships each year is much smaller – maybe 5,000 to 6,000 nationwide.
Tips for Competing for a D1 Football Scholarship
If you want one of these limited scholarships, start early and be realistic.
- Build a highlight video and share it with college coaches.
- Attend camps and combines to get evaluated.
- Keep your grades up – academic eligibility is required.
- Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center.
Coaches look for players who can contribute early. Being a good teammate and showing a strong work ethic can make a difference.
What About Walk-Ons?
Many D1 players start as walk-ons without a scholarship. They can earn a scholarship later if one opens up due to transfers or injuries.
Walk-ons must pay their own way initially, but they have the same opportunity to compete for playing time. Some walk-ons become starters and receive scholarships after a year or two.
In summary, the exact number of D1 football scholarships is 85 per FBS team and 63 per FCS team. However, the actual number available to new recruits each year is far lower. Focus on improving your skills, maintaining your academics, and reaching out to coaches to increase your chances.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many D1 football scholarships are given out each year?
Each FBS team can have up to 85 scholarship players, and each FCS team can have up to 63, but the number of new scholarships given to incoming freshmen each year is usually around 20 to 25 per team.
Can a D1 football scholarship be less than a full ride?
In FBS, scholarships are typically full rides, but in FCS, coaches can split scholarships, so some athletes may receive only a partial scholarship.
Do all D1 football programs offer the same number of scholarships?
No, FBS programs can offer 85 scholarships, while FCS programs can offer 63, but individual schools may choose to offer fewer.
How can I increase my chances of getting a D1 football scholarship?
You can increase your chances by creating a highlight video, attending camps, maintaining good grades, and contacting coaches directly.
Are D1 football scholarships renewed every year?
Yes, athletic scholarships are awarded for one year at a time and must be renewed each year, so they are not guaranteed for all four years.
