Decision by Division I athletic powers forces lower-level schools like NDSU to consider paying student-athletes

In an effort just to keep revenue flowing, some FCS schools are playing multiple FBS opponents for guaranteed money. Norfolk State (Va.), for instance, has Rutgers, Old Dominion and Marshall.

FARGO, North Dakota -- Now that the power players in Division I athletics have approved paying players funds in addition to scholarships, the question circulating among the lower levels of the division – “Will schools like North Dakota State pay its players?” – may have some in Division I FCS football on edge.

Bison athletic director Matt Larsen said Thursday that giving funds to student-athletes in addition to scholarship money – commonly called “cost of attendance” – is something his school will take a look at, but that’s as far as he’s willing to go. There are many unanswered questions, he said.

“What makes sense for us? What’s the cost?” Larsen said. “We still have to remain competitive and we have to allow our coaches to recruit against the schools we’re recruiting against now.”

The NCAA’s five major conferences, which include the Big Ten and Pac-12, approved a motion by a 79-1 vote last weekend allowing those universities to pay student-athletes funds in addition to scholarships to cover their general expenses. The range is expected to be between $2,000 and $6,000 per year per student-athlete.

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