“Shocking NCAA Survey: 75% of DI Men's Basketball Players Face Harassment—Are They Safe Online?”

In a troubling revelation, the NCAA's latest Growth, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Learning of Students in College (GOALS) study has highlighted a significant rise in social media harassment among Division I men's basketball student-athletes. The expansive survey, which gathered insights from over 20,000 student-athletes across all three NCAA divisions, reported that 51% of these athletes experienced abuse related to their athletic performance on social media. Additionally, a concerning 46% reported receiving negative or threatening messages from individuals who had placed bets on their games.

NCAA President Charlie Baker responded to these findings by stating, "The level of social media harassment our student-athletes must endure is unacceptable. These percentages are a reflection of the increased popularity of betting on college sports across the country and the negative environment it has created. We must continue to do everything we can to protect athletes from this type of behavior and preserve the integrity of college sports."

The GOALS study aims to inform NCAA member discussions by providing valuable insights into various aspects of student-athlete life, including academic and athletic experiences, health and well-being, and the recruitment process. Faculty athletics representatives from 493 NCAA member schools played a crucial role in conducting this survey, which delved into topics ranging from student-athletes' time commitments to on-campus support and financial concerns.

Positive Trends in Student-Athlete Well-Being

Amidst the concerning findings regarding social media harassment, the 2025 study also revealed that student-athletes are reporting improved sleep patterns. This year’s data indicated that student-athletes achieved an average of seven hours of sleep on weekdays, a notable increase of about 33 minutes compared to the all-time low of six hours and 15 minutes recorded in 2019. Notably, ice hockey players reported the highest average sleep duration, with men averaging seven hours and 16 minutes and women averaging seven hours and one minute. In contrast, football players reported the lowest average sleep at six hours and 24 minutes, although this is an improvement from five hours and 51 minutes in 2019.

When exploring what drives student-athletes' college and transfer decisions, the survey found that the opportunity to compete and be part of a successful team are the primary motivators. An impressive 90% of student-athletes identified these opportunities as crucial to their athletic experiences. Furthermore, being seen as a team leader emerged as a significant factor for nearly three-quarters of respondents. For those who did not transfer, the top three influences on their college choice included the chance to play at the NCAA level, academics, and team relationships. In contrast, athletes who transferred placed slightly less emphasis on academics but prioritized playing time and specific roles on their current teams.

The reasons for transferring differed between men's and women's sports. Among male athletes, the desire to compete at a higher level (41%) and the pursuit of more playing time (29%) were the leading factors. For female athletes, the need for a change in coaching or teammates (47%) and improving mental health (39%) were the primary drivers behind their decisions to transfer.

As the NCAA continues to address the pressing issue of social media harassment and its implications for student-athletes, it is crucial to recognize both the challenges and improvements within the collegiate sports landscape. The findings from the GOALS study shed light on a range of experiences, reinforcing the importance of safeguarding the integrity of college sports while promoting a supportive environment for student-athletes.