The State of College Football

College Football Crossing The NIL Divide

The Times They Are A Changing

For the past few seasons we have seen all the highs and lows of college football that one can handle. We come back every spring to witness the hype and new incoming players and then just as we get comfortable with the names players disappear. Coaches move to new schools or jump to the NFL. Such is life when looking at a sport like a business.

All too often the expectations of a school can spin out of control when someone joins or leaves. Schools that are blessed with funds from their donors are building future empires while those without are wondering how to compete when this era is all about the money. Ironically, there are schools who benefited from the booster funds over the years who are now the loudest of complainers. Key in this group is the legendary Coach Nick Saban. Saban will never be questioned for his abilities on the field of battle but he was one of the loudest voices complaining weekly about NIL when in fact his programs were way ahead of NIL when it relates to influencing families and players to follow him to his program.

Today we have the government looking in as well but should they be? All things come to an end some day but to force change will cause even more harm at this point. The players who chase the allmighty dollar will most likely exit college without a degree. Not all but most. This is the one piece of the puzzle that was missed. Imagine if the terms of NIL required that you payback the school if you depart for the NFL or another higher paying program.

The other opportunity missed is how to teach these kids how to invest this amazing gift for their God given talent. A thoughtful approach to investing should be offered by the NCAA and each school participating. The kids would benefit the schools would be creating real savings for them as we all know not every rising star becomes a star in the NFL.

Final Thoughts

While we can debate this topic forever we all see the divide between the schools who have the financial backing and those who do not. Coming up with ways to focus on the players while at the same time organizing and teaching financial planning would be a heck of an addition to the NIL challenges. One step at a time

Fight On!