Beyond the changes at Michigan and the Big Ten, the winds of change are have changed big time college football. From the introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies to the buzz around the transfer portal, the continued league consolidation, and the expansion of the playoff format to 12 teams which begins with the 2024 season, it's clear that the game many of us love had undergone a metamorphosis. But as with any transformation, there are plusses, minuses, and any number armchair experts swirling around these shifts. Here are my thoughts on this.
Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL): College football has always been a money maker for the schools, coaches, and the networks. Let’s face it: it is a business. The athletes are finally getting their slice of the pie, thanks to NIL. It's a game-changer, no doubt. Athletes can now cash in on their personal brand, turning their hard-earned popularity into tangible opportunities. From endorsement deals to social media partnerships, the possibilities are endless. And let's not forget the ripple effect: this could usher in a new era of college sports, with heightened visibility and, dare I say, profitability. Players can make millions in college and there will be some incentive for players not quite NFL ready to spend another year in college.
There is also a dark side to this shiny coin. Can teams with big pockets lure players from other teams to transfer to their school? Will there be some need for regulations to keep this from getting out of hand? Maybe a salary cap is needed because NIL is shaping up to be a salary. Some players with big NIL pay days, like premier running backs, have shared their NIL pay with their linemen.
Transfer Portal: Ah, the transfer portal – college football’s version of free agency? It depends on who you ask. On one hand, it's a lifeline for athletes seeking greener pastures. A chance to hit the reset button, to find a new home where their talents will be appreciated, and they can get a starting position or simply more playing time. It's a game of musical chairs, with athletes shuffling from one program to the next in pursuit of their dreams: college glory and the NFL. Let’s face it, college players can play for a team four or five years max. The portal already has many players only wearing a uniform for one or two years. Some players have transferred more than once. For teams with coaching changes, players will hit the portal if they don’t think they won’t fit into the philosophy of the incoming coaching staff. The transfer portal has the potential to shake the very foundations of college programs, leaving coaches scrambling to piece together a cohesive squad. Ohio State forced their 2023 quarterback, Kyle McCord, into the portal. They used the portal then to bring other, they believe better, quarterback talent to Columbus.
League Consolidation: League consolidation has been led by the SEC and the Big 10. The college football landscape is at a crossroads. On the surface, it seems like a no-brainer – fewer conferences, more competition. If we scratch beneath the surface, there are issues. For starters, what happens to the smaller teams? So far, teams have only added teams to conferences. Is ejecting or demoting teams as they do in Premier League soccer by in the future? Let's not overlook the logistical nightmare of reshuffling conferences and rivalries. Traditionalists are up in arms, fearing the loss of cherished matchups and traditions. Consolidation is more likely being pushed by the broadcasting networks. Fans will grumble at first but get used to it within a year or two.
Again looking at the Big Ten, what are Pac 10 teams doing in our conference. This is being asked by Big 10 and Pac 10 fans I know. My football guru buddy, Jack, speculates there may be a Super League of 30 teams soon independent of the NCAA. If we use the term Premier League, the UK soccer model would apply nicely.
12-Team Playoff: Last but not least, let's talk playoffs. The expansion to 12 teams has everyone buzzing – and for good reason. More teams, more drama, more excitement – what's not to love? It's the ultimate underdog story, with Cinderella teams vying for a shot at glory. But hold onto your hats, folks. With great power comes great responsibility, and an expanded playoff format is no exception. Will it dilute the significance of the regular season? Will it lead to lopsided matchups and blowouts? And let's not forget about the toll it will take on the players – both physically and academically. The road to the national championship may be paved with gold, but it's also fraught with peril.
In the ever-changing world of college football, one thing is clear: change is inevitable. But as we navigate these uncharted waters, let's not lose sight of what makes this game great – the passion, the tradition, the camaraderie. Yes, the tides may be shifting, but the heart and soul of college football will always remain the same. So, let's embrace the changes, but let's do so with caution and care. After all, the future of college football depends on it.
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