Legislators in multiple states are proposing limits on taxpayer-funded scholarships for international students, arguing that athletic aid should prioritize local residents. Bills in Idaho and Ohio would restrict or reallocate scholarship dollars for nonresidents, prompting athletic departments and admissions offices to re-evaluate recruiting strategies and financial models tied to sports revenue. If enacted, the measures would force universities to adjust aid packaging and could reduce the pool of international student-athletes at public institutions—raising questions about competitive equity, roster management and international partnerships. Athletic directors and admissions leaders should model financial and competitive scenarios now: state-level policy changes could require rapid reallocation of scholarship funds and revised recruitment pipelines.