Over 100 Solana (SOL) validators apply for extension… Foundation: "Not a reduction target"

More than 100 Solana validators have submitted applications to extend their support under the Solana Foundation's delegation program, though the foundation has not confirmed how many will be approved. Solana Foundation technology vice president Jacob Creech said the goal is not to reduce the validator count, and that any decline would be a side effect of failing to find enough qualifying contributors. The disclosure concerns the Solana Foundation Delegation Program (SFDP), which helps new validators launch and build a healthy testnet. The distinction matters because applications submitted are not the same as extensions granted, leaving the final validator roster uncertain. What to watch next is how many of the 100-plus applicants the foundation approves and whether the program's criteria end up shrinking the validator set despite its stated intent.