The U.S. Senate is scheduled to vote on Monday, Sept. 29, on the Protect College Sports Act (PCSA), legislation that would establish federal missionary-service exemptions for college athletes. The bill, introduced by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), aims to codify a five-year eligibility window that would not count missionary service, military service, or pregnancies against an athlete's clock.
The proposed law would make the exemption a federal statute, moving beyond a similar five-for-five rule adopted by the NCAA in June. This provision is particularly relevant to Brigham Young University. According to a report by the Deseret News on Aug. 24, BYU's 2026 football roster includes 64 returned missionaries who served in 29 countries and speak 15 languages. Approximately 25 of those players appear on the two-deep depth chart, including starting tight end Walker Lyons, who served in Oslo, Norway.
BYU head coach Kalani Sitake, who served a mission in Oakland, California, in the mid-1990s, stated on Sept. 22 that he sees merit on both sides of the legislation. Sitake noted that while some may be hesitant, he understands why coaches are promoting the bill and said BYU will find a way to make it work regardless of the outcome.
Beyond eligibility, the PCSA includes several other provisions. The bill would cap school-to-athlete revenue sharing, with estimates of the total cap varying by source. The Deseret News cited roughly $21.58 million in direct payments and a $27.5 million retention pool, while Front Office Sports reported a total near $48 million when combining base, retention, and Olympic-sport allocations. Additionally, the bill would limit athletes to one transfer without a sit-out year and provide five years of post-eligibility health care.
The bill has seen significant movement in the Senate, with the chamber voting 70-21 on Sept. 22 to end debate and 77-23 on Sept. 24 to approve a substitute amendment. BYU President C. Shane Reese supported the legislation in an August op-ed, stating that faith-based institutions should advocate for integrity and educational values in college athletics. However, the bill faces opposition; the NAACP formally opposed the measure in August, and author Matt Brown suggested the revenue cap might drive down elite athlete compensation.
Even if the Senate passes the bill on Monday, it must still move through the House. The House is not scheduled to reconvene until Nov. 9, and no House vote date has been set, though Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) indicated the bill has support in the House and with the President.
