UNC Chancellor Joins White House Committee on NCAA Reforms

Trump executive order aims to overhaul college sports rules and eligibility

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:56am

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A serene, cinematic painting of a lone basketball hoop on an empty asphalt court, the warm sunlight and deep shadows creating a contemplative mood about the evolving landscape of collegiate sports.As the federal government exerts more control over college athletics, the future of student-sports hangs in the balance.Chapel Hill Today

President Donald Trump signed an executive order in April 2026 that charges federal agencies with monitoring potential NCAA violations related to eligibility limits, transfers, revenue-sharing, and financial activities. To advise on implementing the order, Trump created advisory committees, including one that features UNC Chancellor Lee Roberts.

Why it matters

The executive order represents the latest attempt by the federal government to exert more control over the NCAA and college sports. It comes amid ongoing debates over issues like name, image and likeness deals, transfer rules, and the overall direction of collegiate athletics.

The details

Trump's order instructs federal agencies that provide higher education grants to monitor potential NCAA rule violations, including around eligibility limits, transfers, revenue-sharing, and financial activities. It also directs the NCAA to establish new rules, such as age-based eligibility limits and restricting athletes to five years of participation. The order aims to 'preserve women's and Olympic sports' and 'preserve higher education financial responsibility'.

  • President Trump signed the executive order on April 3, 2026.
  • The order is set to go into effect on August 1, 2026.

The players

Lee Roberts

The chancellor of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, who was selected to serve on one of the White House advisory committees created to provide recommendations on implementing the executive order.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who issued the executive order aimed at reforming NCAA regulations.

Derek Dixon

A men's basketball player at the University of North Carolina who expressed uncertainty about the implications of the executive order.

Caswell Friedman

A men's lacrosse player at the University of North Carolina who said there has been little discussion among student-athletes about the executive order.

Rich Clark

The executive director of the College Football Playoff, who said Roberts was chosen for the White House committee due to his 'deep understanding of higher education and intercollegiate athletics.'

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What they’re saying

“And kind of somewhat unlike what I know about it, and what I feel like my teammates know about, we don't really know much and it's not really discussed within student-athlete circles.”

— Derek Dixon, UNC men's basketball player

“There's been zero discussion, especially with us — like I said, we're in season, so that's our main priority right now. There's been just talks about it in our locker room, amongst the guys. But other than that there's been no conversation from the administration, staff or coaches even.”

— Caswell Friedman, UNC men's lacrosse player

“So I'm not sure the order changes much by itself, you know, executive orders don't have the force of law, but I think it's useful as a signal of intent from the administration.”

— Lee Roberts, UNC Chancellor

What’s next

The White House advisory committees, including the one with Chancellor Roberts, will continue to provide recommendations to the President's Oversight Committee, which will make the final decisions on implementing the executive order.

The takeaway

The executive order represents the latest federal government intervention in college sports, as policymakers seek to address issues like athlete compensation, transfer rules, and the overall direction of the NCAA. The involvement of UNC's chancellor highlights the university's role in navigating these complex policy changes.