Walk-ons are on the decline. The ones remaining lament lost opportunities for grinders like them

Carson Kolb is content with his current position in his football career, but it took him more time than anticipated to reach this point. This delay occurred because an opportunity that has become rarer in contemporary college athletics is no longer accessible to individuals like him. Without a scholarship offer after graduating high school, Kolb opted to walk on at Oregon State in 2024 and quickly demonstrated his value as a significant contributor on special teams for two seasons.

Despite believing he could achieve more, he entered the transfer portal in January and ended up at Oklahoma State. His exceptional performance during the spring led to a scholarship offer in June, and he is now a prime candidate to start as the tight end when the Cowboys begin their season on Saturday against Tulsa.

In the past, walk-ons like Kolb were an essential part of numerous successful programs, such as Nebraska's, and their disappearance is a genuine concern for many. Although these players have largely not been entirely eradicated, their numbers have indeed been declining due to roster limitations imposed by the $2.8 billion House settlement.

These limitations have resulted in Bowl Subdivision schools reaching or approaching their 105-man limit, thereby reducing opportunities for walk-ons. Nonetheless, some austere programs at the bottom of the FBS and in lower divisions may still be able to offer partial scholarships or alternative benefits, such as revenue-sharing money or tax-free stipends for qualified educational expenses (Alston money).