The National Letter of Intent (NLI) program is undergoing multiple changes starting with the class of 2024, according to the athlete. High school prospects sign to the NLI at the end of each recruiting cycle as a means of formally joining and being accepted into whatever athletic program they choose.
Usually, there are penalties for breaking an NLI without getting a full exemption from the institution. However, the Association of University Commissioners, which has overseen the NLI for nearly 60 years, is implementing several amendments that will come into effect during the 2024-25 recruitment period. The changes reportedly include:
- There is no NLI penalty if the signer requests his release as a result of a manager’s training change.
- There is no NLI penalty if the signer has completed at least a semester or semester at the institution of their choice.
- In addition, four-year transfers will be able to sign the NLI after entering the transfer portal. This is not a transfer requirement, signing to the NLI will result in a recruiting ban, meaning other schools will not be allowed to contact once a player has signed with an organization.
A potential client incurs an NLI penalty if they request release outside of the above circumstances, and such release has not been granted by the institution with which they signed. In this case, the player will have to miss a year of competition and must complete one year of residency at their next institution.
The changes to the high school recruiting process are consistent with how the NCAA handles the transfer portal. In 2021, new mandates allowed athletes to enter the gate and transfer to a new institution once without seeking an immediate eligibility waiver. Athletes are also permitted to request a waiver of immediate eligibility at a new school following a training change, regardless of how many times they have moved in the past.