NJ college athletic directors, Geo Baker on the Protect College Sports Act

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NJ college athletic directors, Geo Baker on the Protect College Sports Act | Exclusive

Jerry Carino, Asbury Park Press · App.com | Asbury Park Press

Mon, November 2, 2026 at 10:08 AM UTC ·

9 min read

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In New Jersey, Geo Baker is known for his standout college basketball career at Rutgers and helping the Scarlet Knights end a 30-year NCAA Tournament drought in 2021.

Baker's other legacy, one for which he gained a national spotlight, was helping start the player freedom movement. He wanted student-athletes to be able to get paid for working a camp, or for appearing in a commercial. The resulting overhaul of the NCAA rulebook to allow player compensation, coupled with the widely unforeseen elimination of transfer restrictions by the courts, led to the current state of annual free agency in college sports and a patchwork of regulations that differ depending on the state.

The Protect College Sports Act – a bill that is currently halfway through Congress, having passed the Senate (by a 77-22 vote Sept. 28) but not yet the House of Representatives – seeks to address all this through federal law.

Baker now works as a basketball trainer and runs the Geo Baker Go Beyond Foundation , a Central Jersey-based nonprofit that seeks to provide mentorship and basketball opportunities to kids from underserved communities. He was asked for his thoughts about the Protect College Sports Act, which is likely to be considered by the House after the midterm elections. The aspect of the bill that caught his attention is the limiting of undergraduate college athletes to one transfer without a sit-out penalty.

Mar 19, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Geo Baker (0) gestures during the first half against the Clemson Tigers in the first round of the 2021 NCAA Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

"Now, especially in the position I'm in as a basketball coach, I'm looking at how that may possibly affect the kids I'm working with who are getting recruited," he said. "I was talking to a college coach about this the other day – right now you're seeing a lot of high school kids going to play (collegiately) at a lot lower level than in the past. "

Since the onset of free agency, the transfer portal has become the primary source of recruitment for college basketball coaches, replacing the high school ranks.

"I had to completely change my evaluation eye," Baker explained. "I was seeing kids and saying, 'This is definitely a D-1 player,' and coaches were giving me feedback saying, 'Yeah, he might be D-2.' It has changed because so many coaches are going after transfers and not going after high-schoolers. A kid who might have been D-1 10 years ago is now maybe D-2, which is insane."

He added, "It's definitely trickling down hard. I have kids who are I think are really good who have limited opportunities on the D-3 level. It's tough on any coaches who are trying to help kids go to college right now."

The transfer provision in the Protect College Sports Act, Baker said, "could change that – less kids transferring down, less kids transferring up, and more high school kids coming in again at places where they can develop. If it does pass, you'll see a lot less transferring."

Baker spent his entire collegiate career at Rutgers, and he saw benefits in the continuity.

"If you've only got one shot at transferring, I think transferring will be more thought out, the way it was before," he said. "Now there's no real thought process – it's about how much money do you have, and if that fits, I'm coming."

If the Protect College Sports Act becomes law, Baker said, "You're going to see more relationship-based decisions again – 'this coach really believes in me, this coach trusts me, I could see myself developing here.' I kind of like that part – it helps stabilize things a little bit."

Nick Saban, former Alabama football coach, testifies before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation in the Hart Senate Office Building on June 3, 2026 in Washington, DC. The committee heard testimony on the topic of "Protecting College Sports.

Baker also praised the bill's provision that would cap the fees of college athletes' agents at 5 percent. There have been widespread reports of agents taking up to 20 percent of their athletes' deals, an issue that Baker has witnessed up close.

"There's a lot of predatory agents out there, so if that's set at 5 percent, that really helps the kids as well," he said.

WHERE NEW JERSEY'S D-1 ATHLETIC DIRECTORS STAND

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 14: U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation ranking member Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) visits with NCAA athletes before a news conference about the Protect College Sports Act on September 14, 2026 in Washington, DC. The bill will set rules for college athlete "Name Image and Likeness," revenue share cap, transfers, tampering, eligibility, and enforcement of sanctions. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

With the Protect College Sports Act at a crossroads, the Asbury Park Press asked the athletic directors of all eight Division I universities if they support its passage, and why or why not. Below are their responses:

FDU's Jason Young

"I support the Protect College Sports Act. I have always believed the opportunity of education through sport is what makes collegiate athletics unique. It is the central mission of FDU. Unfortunately, constant lawsuits against the NCAA have hindered so many schools financially, which has in turn made it hard to focus on that core mission. The PCSA provides the framework to stop those lawsuits and will allow us to focus on providing opportunities and educational experiences to student-athletes at FDU. In short, it allows us to focus on who we are and our goals as a department."

Seton Hall's Bryan Felt

"Yes, specifically the focus on the revised transfer rules provides something that college athletics desperately needs right now: greater stability and predictability. Student-athletes will have the freedom to make one transfer without sacrificing a year of eligibility, while institutions will have a clearer framework for building and maintaining their programs. For Seton Hall, that balance is important.

"In addition, the bill provides a national consistency in NIL and eligibility, clearer rules around revenue sharing and recruiting, stronger protections against tampering, and a medical framework that establishes a national standard for the protection and care of our student-athletes. The additional safeguards around student-athlete representation are also critical, capping agent fees and providing structure around the representation process will help protect student-athletes financially while giving them assurances they are receiving appropriate guidance as they navigate NIL and professional opportunities.

"It is important to provide our student-athletes meaningful opportunities when circumstances change, but we also need enough stability to recruit, develop, and retain students over the course of their college careers. A clear national standard helps us do both.

"No bill will ever satisfy everyone completely, but we are at a point in college athletics in which inaction and lack of clarity is becoming a detriment to our student-athletes. Let's make meaningful progress now so that we can chart a path forward for all."

Saint Peter's Katie Arcuri

"Yes. Saint Peter's University supports the Protect College Sports Act because we believe college athletics needs greater stability, consistency and a clear national framework.

"The current environment of continued litigation, differing state laws and uncertainty surrounding the rules governing college athletics is not sustainable. Establishing clear and consistent national standards will provide greater stability for student-athletes and institutions while allowing us to remain focused on providing meaningful educational and athletic opportunities for student-athletes.

"We are also supportive of the legislation's focus on student-athlete protections and preserving broad-based athletic opportunities. At Saint Peter's, athletics is an important part of our educational mission and provides meaningful opportunities for student-athletes across a wide range of sports. We believe it is essential that the future model of college athletics protects those opportunities and allows institutions to continue providing a broad-based athletics program.

"The success of this legislation should be measured by whether it strengthens the student-athlete experience and preserves access to college athletics across the full range of institutions.

"For Saint Peter's, that means protecting educational opportunity, supporting student-athletes' physical and mental well-being, and maintaining sustainable programs. We support greater national stability while emphasizing that the needs of smaller Division I institutions and their student-athletes must remain central to implementation."

Rider's John Hangey

"For a mid-major such as Rider, portions of the Protect College Sports Act could actually be favorable: greater transfer stability, enforceable eligibility rules, stronger scholarship protections and safeguards for female and Olympic sports that could reduce some of the advantages created by the current landscape. Also, providing meaningful restrictions on repeated transfers would increase the value of student-athlete development, add to the individual team cultures long term and allow the University to maintain student retention, all areas where Rider can compete without matching Power Four resources and spending."

Monmouth's Jennifer Sansevero

"College athletics is navigating a period of unprecedented change, and there is a real need for greater clarity, consistency and stability. We are hopeful the Protect College Sports Act can establish clear national guidelines and appropriate guardrails that protect opportunities for student-athletes while providing institutions with a sustainable framework to support broad-based college athletics. At Monmouth, our priority remains creating meaningful opportunities for student-athletes to compete, earn a degree and benefit from the lifelong value of the collegiate athletics experience."

Princeton's John Mack

"I appreciate the work and effort of everyone across the collegiate athletics landscape who believes in the positive impact education and athletics can have in the lives of young people. What I am confident in is that there will always be a pool of really exceptional students who also happen to be phenomenal athletes who want the kind of collegiate experience that Princeton has provided and will continue to provide, where you don't have to sacrifice your academic pursuits and ideals for your athletic pursuits and ideals."

Rutgers' Keli Zinn

Zinn referred to the Big Ten Conference's Sept. 28 statement on the matter, which reads as follows:

"We are pleased the Protect College Sports Act has passed the Senate and are appreciative of the substantial work that has gone into the effort from the act's authors, sponsors and supporters. We look forward to the next steps to passage as we continue to support the act as passed by the Senate."

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Greg Schiano, longtime Rutgers football coach, former NFL coach

Greg Schiano - whose Rutgers team faced USC Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026 - is seen here in Foxborough, Massachusetts with New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick after the Patriots defeated the Schiano-coach Tampa Bay Buccaneers 25-21 in a 2013 NFL preseason game at Gillette Stadium. (Photo by Matthew J. Lee/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

Aug 29, 2024; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Greg Schiano reacts after a Scarlet Knights touchdown during the second half against the Howard Bison at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
(Vincent Carchietta, Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports)

Aug 29, 2024; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Greg Schiano gestures towards an official during the first half against the Howard Bison at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
(Vincent Carchietta, Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports)

Aug 29, 2024; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Greg Schiano reacts during a conversation with game officials during the first half against the Howard Bison at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
(Vincent Carchietta, Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports)

Jul 23, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Greg Schiano speaks to the media during the Big 10 football media day at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports
(Robert Goddin, Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports)

Dec 28, 2023; Bronx, NY, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Greg Schiano lifts the trophy with Rutgers Scarlet Knights running back Kyle Monangai (5) and Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Gavin Wimsatt (left) to celebrate the win against the Miami Hurricanes at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Smith-USA TODAY Sports
(Mark Smith, Mark Smith-USA TODAY Sports)

Sep 24, 2022; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Greg Schiano leads his team on to the field before a game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
(Vincent Carchietta, Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports)

Head coach Greg Schiano talks to his team before the Rutgers Football Scarlet-White Spring Football game on May 20, 2021 at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ.
(Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com-USA Today Network)

Greg Schiano and Senator Richard Codey as Schiano following the press conference to introduce Schiano for his second tour as Rutgers head football coach on December 4, 2019 at the Hale Center on Rutgers campus in Piscataway, NJ.
(Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com-USA Today Network)

Nov 11, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Greg Schiano reacts with an official during the second quarter against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
(Jeffrey Becker, Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports)

Sep 3, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Greg Schiano (left) shake hands with Northwestern Wildcats interim coach David Braun after their game at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
(Vincent Carchietta, Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports)

Nov 20, 2021; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Greg Schiano looks on from the sideline during the second quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports
(Matthew OHaren, Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports)

Coach Greg Schiano and Marco Battaglia with NFL scouts as they watch and take notes while Rutger’s football players are evaluated as part of Pro Day 2022 held on campus in Piscataway, NJ on March 22, 2022.
(Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com-USA Today Network)

Coach Greg Schiano leads his team in the Rutgers all mater at the end of the game as Rutgers crushed Temple 61-14 in their season opener at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on September 4, 2021.
(Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com-USA Today Network)

Greg Schiano with Aron Cruickshank of Rutgers in the fourth quarter as Rutgers crushed Temple 61-14 in their season opener at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on September 4, 2021.
(Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com-USA Today Network)

Nov 18, 2023; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA;Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Greg Schiano reacts during the first half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports. Penn State won 27-6
(Vincent Carchietta, Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports)

Athletic Director Pat Hobbs, Greg Schiano and Governor Phil Murphy as Schiano is introduced for his second tour as Rutgers head football coach on December 4, 2019 at the Hale Center on Rutgers campus in Piscataway, NJ.
(Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com-USA Today Network)

Greg Schiano after Isaih Pacheco of Rutgers scored a fourth quarter TD as Rutgers crushed Temple 61-14 in their season opener at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on September 4, 2021.
(Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com-USA Today Network)

Coach Greg Schiano with offensive lineman Raiqwon O'Neal at the end of the game as Rutgers crushed Temple 61-14 in their season opener at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on September 4, 2021.
(Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com-USA Today Network)

Head coach Greg Schiano rubs the toe, a Rutgers football tradition, of the First Football Game Monument before the team arrives before the game as Temple played Rutgers in the season opener at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on September 4, 2021.
(Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com-USA Today Network)

Head coach Greg Schiano approaches the First Football Game Monument before the team arrives before the game as Temple played Rutgers in the season opener at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on September 4, 2021.
(Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com-USA Today Network)

Head coach Greg Schiano after rubbing the toe, a Rutgers football tradition, of the First Football Game Monument before the team arrives before the game as Temple played Rutgers in the season opener at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on September 4, 2021.
(Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com-USA Today Network)

Coach, Greg Schiano watches his team at the Rutgers Football Scarlet-White Spring Football game on May 20, 2021 at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ.
(Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com-USA Today Network)

Head coach Greg Schiano before the Rutgers Football Scarlet-White Spring Football game on May 20, 2021 at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ.
(Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com-USA Today Network)

Rutgers football's first practice of training camp is held In Piscataway on Wednesday August 4, 2021. Head coach Greg Schiano shales a player's hand during practice.
(Anne-Marie Caruso/NorthJersey.com)

Governor Phil Murphy applauds as Greg Schiano is introduced for his second tour as Rutgers head football coach on December 4, 2019 at the Hale Center on Rutgers campus in Piscataway, NJ.
(Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com-USA Today Network)

Chair of the Committee on Intercollegiate Athletics, Greg Brown, Athletic Director Pat Hobbs, Greg Schiano, Governor Phil Murphy and Rutgers President Robert Barchi as Schiano is introduced for his second tour as Rutgers head football coach on December 4, 2019 at the Hale Center on Rutgers campus in Piscataway, NJ.
(Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com-USA Today Network)

Greg Schiano gives a speech where he described his ÒChopÓ slogan as he was introduced for his second tour as Rutgers head football coach on December 4, 2019 at the Hale Center on Rutgers campus in Piscataway, NJ.
(Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com-USA Today Network)

Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano.
(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)

Sep 3, 2026; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Massachusetts Minutemen head coach Joe Harasymiak and Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Greg Schiano talk before the game at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
(Vincent Carchietta, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

The Rutgers University football team opened its first season under coach Greg Schiano with a 31-15 victory over the University of Buffalo on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2001.
(MyCentralJersey.com file)

Jul 28, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Rutgers Football head coach Greg Schiano speaks during Media Days at Hilton Chicago. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
(Kamil Krzaczynski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 24, 2022; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz (right) talks with Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Greg Schiano before the game at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
(Vincent Carchietta, Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports)

Oct 18, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning, left, shakes hands with Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Greg Schiano after the game at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
(Vincent Carchietta, Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images)

Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Greg Schiano looks on from the sideline.
(Kevin Ng-Imagn Images)

Nov 8, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Greg Schiano looks on during the first half against the Maryland Terrapins at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
(Vincent Carchietta, Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images)

Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer shakes hands with defensive coordinator Greg Schiano after beating Michigan Wolverines 31-20 after their game at Michigan Stadium on November 25, 2017.
(Kyle Robertson/Columbus Dispatch)

Greg Schiano Charity Golf Classic at Fiddlers Elbow Country Club. 6/8/26 Bedminster, NJ. Courtesy of Joe Epstein/Velocity Media
(Joe Epstein, JE)

NJIT's Lenny Kaplan

Kaplan referred to the America East Conference's Sept. 29 statement on the matter, which reads as follows:

"The Senate's passage of the Protect College Sports Act is a crucial step toward establishing a national framework for college athletics. Without the PCSA, conferences like America East and our member institutions, spanning eight states, will struggle to provide meaningful and equitable competitive opportunities for student-athletes across all sports.

"America East has a long-standing commitment to championship broad-based opportunities for more than 3,500 student-athletes, fostering an environment where they can excel academically and athletically. Without consistent national standards, that commitment will be increasingly difficult to sustain. We appreciate the bipartisan collaboration of the Senate, led by Senators Cantwell and Cruz, and will continue advocating for this important legislation until it is signed into law."

Jerry Carino has covered the New Jersey sports scene since 1996 and the college basketball beat since 2003. Contact him at jcarino@gannettnj.com .

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: NJ college athletic directors, Geo Baker on the Protect College Sports Act | Exclusive

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