Playbook vs. Textbook: Examining Academic Transitioning of NCAA Division I-FBS Football Student-Athletes

The athletic transition of freshman student-athletes receives a plethora of media attention but there is also an academic transition that takes place. This research focuses on the academic transition of freshman football student-athletes at a Division I-Football Bowl Subdivision institution. Three themes were constructed from the interviews: (a) time management; (b) prioritization; and (c) guidance. Increased time demands devoted to football and academics presented a struggle in time management as well as deciding how to prioritize what needed to be accomplished. The student-athletes also acknowledged the immense amount of academic support they receive. The support staff may think this is what is desired, but the student-athletes responded they would like to be able to make decisions on their own and not be treated as though they are incapable of making decisions. Studentathletes should be taught time management, prioritization, and selfguidance skills and not have those tasks done for them.