The beginning of August causes many football fans to turn their attention to the start of another season. At Eastern Kentucky University there’s been an ongoing discussion for nearly a decade about possibly moving up to Division One. EKU Athletics Director Matt Roan said that goal is still on the table for consideration.
“And if we win and we have success and our fans are engaging..absolutely think we’ll have opportunities whether a month from now or ten years from now, but in this era of transformation, as the NCAA has defined it…it’s unbelievable the amount of change between the portal...NIL...you name it,” said Roan.
Roan is referring to the student-athlete transfer portal and the name, image, and likeness monetary compensation for athletes. Roan said there’s so much movement of schools from conference to conference that can’t be controlled but can be a factor when considering any move.
The NC Double A is considering raising the mandatory transition fee paid by schools from $5000 to $5 million. Roan said even scholarship-related expenses are causing some strain.
“There are schools that are having to analyze right now, not even considering the transition or the application fee, but can they afford to meet the new financial requirements to stay at that level,” said Roan.
The Colonels open their football campaign on September second at Cincinnati and in week two take on the University of Kentucky in Lexington.
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