Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the operational, competitive, and managerial dimensions of collegiate athletics. Despite widespread adoption of AI-driven analytics in professional sport, empirical evidence describing how NCAA stakeholders understand and evaluate AI applications remains limited. This study examines perceptions of AI within the NCAA ecosystem, focusing on its perceived benefits, regulatory needs, and potential to exacerbate institutional inequalities. Using a nationwide sample of 562 NCAA-affiliated respondents, participants reported their familiarity with AI, perceived utility across athletic operations, and concerns regarding data use, ethics, and competitive fairness. Descriptive analyses revealed strong support for AI’s value in game preparation, operations and logistics, marketing, player development, scouting, and injury prevention, indicating a multidimensional view of AI as a performance and organizational asset. However, 79.5% of respondents endorsed the need for formal regulation, particularly around data governance and recruiting practices, and 43.1% expressed concern that AI may widen competitive gaps between resource-rich and resource-limited institutions. Stakeholders also emphasized preserving the human element in coaching and decision-making. These findings provide one of the first NCAA-focused empirical snapshots of AI perceptions, offering actionable implications for athletic departments, conference governance, and sport-technology developers seeking responsible and equitable AI integration.