College Athletes Face Record Mental Health Strain
Athletes earning NIL money and facing online criticism are under pressure that schools should address, a coach says.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Mental Health
Live Poll
Should schools do more to support students' mental health under outside pressure?
Georgia football coach Kirby Smart called on schools to provide more mental health support for athletes, saying student-athletes face an all-time high of mental stress. His remarks came during his radio show, as the NCAA separately announced a Bad Actor Program aimed at identifying harassing behavior online. The comments are relevant to college athletes navigating the NIL era.
Why it matters
Smart said athletes who earn name, image and likeness (NIL) money face pressure from family members and outside people seeking a share, while also facing social media criticism that previous generations largely avoided. Those pressures, he argued, make institutional mental health support more important for young athletes.
The statement is a public opinion from a single coach rather than a formal study, and no sample size, survey or measured outcomes were reported. It reflects Smart's observations about the athlete experience in the NIL era, not a controlled finding.
The players
Kirby Smart
Head football coach at the University of Georgia, whose public remarks on athlete stress draw attention to the mental health demands placed on college athletes.
NCAA
The National Collegiate Athletic Association, which oversees college sports and announced the Bad Actor Program to address harassing online behavior toward athletes.
The details
Many athletes have built large social media followings, which has allowed some to secure deals and earn money off the field. Smart said that this income can bring pressure from family members and others who expect financial support, and that athletes now see public comparisons and criticism online in real time. He argued that schools should respond by expanding the mental health resources available to the athletes they serve.
Timeline
Late last month (October 2026): The NCAA announced the Bad Actor Program.
Thursday (November 5, 2026): Smart called for more mental health support on his radio show.
Health Landscape
Athlete mental health has drawn growing attention as college sports have shifted to the NIL era, in which athletes earn money and build large public followings. Calls for institutional support reflect a broader push to address psychological stress in young athletes alongside physical health.
If you or someone you know competes in college athletics, it is worth paying attention to stress signs such as changes in sleep, mood or motivation, especially when money or public criticism becomes a daily factor. Consider raising these concerns with a team doctor, athletic trainer or campus counselor, who can help you think through next steps.
The takeaway
Athlete mental health is increasingly recognized as a core part of student-athlete wellbeing, not an afterthought. If you are a student-athlete feeling overwhelmed, a conversation with a campus counselor or your physician is a practical first step.
Further reading
For more context on how these pressures are discussed, explore our Mental Health coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by On3.
Live Poll
Should schools do more to support students' mental health under outside pressure?
