In your opinion, what is the future of college football?

[FeatheredCock]

I don't really want to have a debate over NIL and the transfer portal and all (that's been done plenty), but rather just want to see what folks think it all means for college football. Phrases like "the death of college football" has been thrown around.

For decades, the greatest allure of college football was amateurism. Guys willing to go out there and play, presumably, for the love of their school (and free education). Guys came and, for the most part, stayed 4 years. If there was a better player ahead of him on the depth chart, he waited until his junior or senior season for his moment to shine. For years, it was the norm for freshmen not to expect much playing time, and they were ok with that. Everyone seemed happy. The fans connected with players who were truly part of the school and program.

All that, of course, has been turned on its head. It's clear that players now don't really care what the name is on the front of their jersey. Many are unwilling to concede playing time. The advent of the portal, which amounts to unrestricted free agency, permits players the freedom to jump ship over the slightest perceived offense. Or, with NIL, the freedom to jump ship for a higher bidder.

It is obvious that whatever version of college football we all grew up with and fell in love with no longer exists and can never be regained. But where is the game going?

What surprises me in all of this is how easily everyone is going along with it. Even your commentators and guys on ESPN who played the game. I would think they would have some interest in preserving the game they played and speaking out on some of the deleterious changes, but I guess everyone just goes along to get along and get paid.

So, what do you think the ultimate end is of college football? Is it eventually going to be a minor league that is only sponsored by schools? I think the powers that be will want to keep those school connections to maintain the fan bases. Me, I am falling out of love with the College game. Could be a time when I can see to say goodbye and move on from college sports.

 

[GMB2USC23]

The majority of players will be college athletes still and we will have as many Joyners as Bells I would think, don't let the few ruin it for you and it is the American way to get as much as you can...lawyers, contractors, politicians, athlete's... some good, some bad in all walks of life. I always pulled for the front of the jersey as I'm sure most do but you fall in love with the back, they break your heart. I hope you find that love again, that passion for just the pageantry, the band, the students, the game, the front of the jersey and a name on the back heels that broken heart.

 

[Blitzkrieg]

I believe these mercenaries will eventually completely ruin the game. It's never enough, never. First the players needed a stipend in addition to everything they were already getting. Then the stipend amount wasn't enough and needed to be increased.

Now it's NIL deals and players are leaving if school "B" can give them more than school "A". Now they're clamoring for "employee" status. When that happens they'll want profit sharing. It's never enough. Never.

 

[FurmanCock]

If they get "employee" status, that will end the 20 hour "work" week.

 

[kingofnerf]

Well, everyone thought the CFPs would ruin college football.

The reality is it's the been the same 4 teams for the most part. I watched Clemson's games the first year they got in and the second game with Bama, but I haven't watched more than a quarter of any game since. I only care about Gamecock football.

The same with NIL. It's going to be the same types of players you read about it in the news, but I only care about Gamecock football.

It will take about a year or so until the coaches get tired of dealing with the egos and head cases. Players, parents, agent wannabe's. Whatever.

The first time a team wins a conference championship without all the NIL headaches, things will come back down to earth pretty quickly.

The best coaches win with what they have. It's called talent development. It's been non-existent here since 2014, but that's what drive successful programs. Create better players to compete with the NIL burger kings. I believe Shane and his staff will compensate for the NIL staff by developing players who are committed.

The best players will still get paid in the NFL; the rest will get paid with NIL in college. There are plenty of no-name guys from smaller colleges who form the core of the NFL.

Greed and competancy just aren't the same thing in the real world. Good coaches will continue to win and the bad ones won't. NIL won't change that.