Florida AD Scott Stricklin reacts to President Donald Trump executive order on college sports

Following President Donald Trump’s executive order on college sports, Florida athletics director Scott Stricklin has issued a statement endorsing Trump’s decision. Stricklin has been the AD at Florida since 2016.

Trump signed the order Thursday, which called for “guardrails” on pay-for-play NIL payments and directed the National Labor Relations Board and Secretary of Labor to clarify that athletes are not employees. Stricklin supported it and the impact it can have on the current space.

“The attention President Trump and congressional leaders are giving to the future of college athletics is welcomed and appreciated,” Stricklin said. “Yesterday’s executive order underscores the growing recognition in Washington of the need to modernize the collegiate model while preserving the educational and competitive opportunities it provides to student-athletes nationwide.”

The executive order prohibits third-party, pay-for-play payments but “does not apply to legitimate, fair-market-value compensation that a third party provides to an athlete, such as for a brand endorsement,” according to the White House’s release. It is unknown what entity will have the authority to enforce the prohibition of third-party, pay-for-play payments included in Trump’s executive order.

Official statement. pic.twitter.com/F9C6sNieb3

— Florida Gators (@FloridaGators) July 25, 2025

“At the University of Florida, we remain committed to supporting our student-athletes in every aspect of their development. We’re encouraged by the White House’s and Congress’ engagement and look forward to working with policymakers, the SEC, and our peers across college sports to shape thoughtful solutions that ensure the long-term strength and sustainability of college athletics.”

Autonomous 5 conference released a statement as well

NCAA president Charlie Baker and other officials have been pushing for federal help in the college athletics space for the last few years. Baker and the Autonomous 5 conferences – who are playing central roles in the implementation of the House v. NCAA settlement – also addressed Trump’s decision to sign the executive order.

Additionally, the SCORE Act is on track to be introduced on the floor of the House of Representatives. That adds to the push for federal help with regard to college athletics.

“We appreciate President Trump’s commitment to protecting the future of college athletics,” the A5 conferences said in a joint statement. “This executive order builds on the momentum created by the bipartisan SCORE Act, which will provide long-term stability to college sports and expand resources to support the overall well-being of student-athletes.

“With the House settlement now in effect, student-athletes have more financial and academic support than ever before. Now, attention turns to preserving these monumental gains by passing a federal law with national standards for student-athletes’ NIL rights. We hope Congress sends federal legislation to President Trump’s desk as soon as possible.”

Pete Nakos contributed.