The Hidden Costs of Uncertainty: How the Instability of College Athletics Is Impacting Athletes’ Mental Health

Introduction

College athletics has always been been a cornerstone of education, development, and community. Yet today, the stability of this system is under threat. As conference realignments, financial pressures, and potential NCAA subdivision changes dominate headlines, the athletes at the center of these conversations face a new reality: uncertainty about their futures.

The Pressure to Perform Amid Instability

For athletes, competing at the collegiate level comes with enormous physical and mental demands. Now, add to that the instability of constant changes. Will their programs remain funded? Will their teams even exist next season? These uncertainties weigh heavily, disrupting their sense of security and focus.

Athletes thrive in structured environments where they can trust their systems of support. When those systems falter, athletes may experience:

• Increased anxiety about their future in sports and academics.
• Challenges maintaining motivation, knowing that team or program dissolution is a possibility.
• Feelings of being undervalued as decisions seem driven by revenue rather than their well-being.

Impact on Mental Health and Well-Being

The growing instability in college athletics can lead to a range of mental health concerns, including:

1. Identity Struggles: For many athletes, their sport is a core part of their identity. When programs are cut or restructured, they may feel lost or disconnected.
2. Increased Isolation: Athletes often rely on their teams for support. Realignment or program cuts can fragment these critical relationships.
3. Heightened Stress: Financial uncertainty around scholarships or program funding can cause stress for athletes and their families, many of whom depend on these opportunities for higher education access.

The Broader Consequences

This instability doesn’t just impact athletes, but it also threatens the integrity of collegiate athletics as a whole. If decisions prioritize financial gain over student-athlete welfare, we risk losing the foundational values of sportsmanship, education, and equity.

Smaller programs, which often foster opportunities for athletes who might not otherwise have access to higher education, are particularly vulnerable. Without the resources generated by events like the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, these programs could face extinction.

A Call for Stability and Athlete-Centered Reform

While change may be inevitable, we must ensure that reforms are guided by a commitment to athlete well-being. Stability is critical for mental health, and the current climate of uncertainty must be addressed with:

• Transparent communication with athletes and their families.
• Expanded mental health resources tailored to the unique stressors of collegiate athletes.
• Policies that protect programs and athletes at all levels, not just in the Power 4.

At Onrise, we believe that athletes are the heart of college sports, and their mental health must be prioritized in every decision affecting the future of athletics. We stand ready to support athletic departments, coaches, and administrators in navigating these changes while ensuring the mental health of their athletes remains a top priority.

The future of college athletics is at a crossroads. But as we navigate these changes, let’s remember the athletes whose lives and futures are most directly affected. Stability matters. Not just for the financial success of programs, but for the mental and emotional well-being of every athlete who steps onto the field, court, or track.