The development of artificial intelligence (AI) systems such as ChatGPT has had a significant impact on the field of education. ChatGPT has transformed the way students access knowledge and interact with technology, leading to notable changes in the learning process. This paper focuses on investigating the current situation and the impact of ChatGPT usage on students’ learning at the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports, Thai Nguyen University of Education. The study surveyed 114 students from first to fourth year. The questionnaire assessed students’ awareness of ChatGPT, frequency and purposes of use, as well as their evaluation of ChatGPT’s impact on their academic learning. The findings show that 98.2% of respondents were aware of ChatGPT, and the tool was widely used to support learning. Students reported that ChatGPT helped them search for information, explain academic content, draft assignments, and design sports training plans. However, some negative effects were also noted, such as dependency, reduced critical thinking, and risks of plagiarism. Based on the actual use of ChatGPT among students, the study proposes a number of selective measures to optimize its benefits while minimizing its drawbacks, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of ChatGPT in supporting learning for students at the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports, Thai Nguyen University of Education.