Is a student-athlete allowed to change their mind about their commitment to a school after signing a National Letter of Intent?

When a student-athlete signs a National Letter of Intent (NLI), they are entering into a binding agreement with a college or university. This contract signifies the athlete's commitment to attend that institution for a designated period, typically one academic year. The purpose of the NLI is to ensure that student-athletes honor their commitments, providing stability for both the athlete and the school.

Once the NLI is signed, it is considered final, meaning the student-athlete is obligated to attend the institution they have committed to. If they decide to change their mind after signing, they typically face consequences, such as being barred from receiving athletic scholarships from other institutions for a certain time frame or having to pay a penalty to the original institution.

Understanding this framework helps clarify the nature of commitments in collegiate sports and emphasizes the seriousness of signing a National Letter of Intent.