The Business of College Football...

The Business of College Football: **Changes Over the Years**

College football has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a student-driven pastime. Once a celebration of school spirit and competition, it has evolved into a billion-dollar industry that intertwines education, entertainment, and commerce. This shift has been driven by several factors, including the rise of the NFL Draft, the introduction of the transfer portal, and the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities. Together, these elements have transformed college football into a high-stakes business where athletes are not just students but valuable commodities.

The NFL Draft: College Football’s Professional Pipeline

The NFL Draft, established in 1936, began as a modest event but has since grown into a cultural spectacle and a primary motivator for college football players. Over the years, it has solidified the connection between college football and the NFL, with universities becoming de facto minor leagues for professional teams.

Today, college athletes often choose programs based on their ability to prepare them for the draft. Universities with high-profile coaches, advanced facilities, and proven NFL pipelines have a distinct recruiting edge. For players, the stakes are clear: excelling at the college level can mean a multimillion-dollar career in the pros.

One of the issues with this standard is that the top college players now regularly decline to play in post season bowl games for fear of injury that could reduce their draft value.

As a result, college football is now as much about individual career advancement as it is about team success. Players and coaches alike prioritize schemes, training, and exposure designed to catch the eye of NFL scouts, further professionalizing the college game.

The Transfer Portal: Player Mobility and Marketability

Introduced in 2018, the transfer portal has revolutionized player movement within college football. Previously, transferring schools often came with significant penalties, including a year of ineligibility. The portal eliminated many of these barriers, granting athletes more freedom to seek opportunities that better align with their personal and professional goals.

The portal has effectively created a free-agency system within college football, with players able to move between programs to find better playing time, coaching, or exposure. For coaches, managing rosters now includes not only recruiting high school talent but also navigating the portal to secure experienced players who can contribute immediately.

While the portal empowers athletes, it also underscores the business-like nature of the sport. Programs compete aggressively for top transfers, often leveraging NIL opportunities to sweeten the deal. This dynamic has made college football’s offseason as dramatic as its on-field action.

NIL: A New Era of Athlete Empowerment

The 2021 Supreme Court decision to allow college athletes to profit from their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights marked a seismic shift in the landscape of college sports. For decades, the NCAA clung to the ideal of amateurism, forbidding athletes from earning money while universities raked in billions. The NIL era has changed that, enabling athletes to sign sponsorship deals, monetize their social media presence, and benefit from their fame.

Some players have reportedly earned millions before even setting foot on an NFL field. NIL deals have also become a significant factor in recruiting, with programs leveraging their local markets and donor-funded collectives to attract top talent.

While NIL empowers athletes financially, it has introduced challenges. The gap between well-funded programs and smaller schools has widened, raising questions about fairness. Additionally, the emphasis on individual branding can sometimes conflict with the team-first mentality that has long been central to college football.

The Impact on the Spirit of the Game

The shift from amateurism to big business has undeniably changed the essence of college football. While athletes are now better compensated and more mobile than ever, the intense focus on money and professional aspirations can overshadow the traditions and camaraderie that once defined the sport.

Pros of the transformation

Athlete Empowerment: Players now have more control over their careers and financial futures.

Increased Competition: Programs must continually innovate to attract top talent, raising the level of play.

Professional Preparation: Athletes receive better coaching, facilities, and opportunities to prepare for the NFL.

Cons of the Transformation:

Commercialization: The focus on money and branding risks detracting from the spirit of the game.

Recruiting Disparities: NIL and the transfer portal can create imbalances between programs.

Erosion of Team Identity: Frequent transfers and individual branding can disrupt team cohesion.

What Lies Ahead for College Football ?

As college football continues to embrace its business side, the line between amateur and professional sports will blur further. Discussions around paying players directly and forming revenue-sharing models are already underway, signaling that the business transformation is far from over.

The question then begs, should college players be required to sign contracts. Should players be required to guarantee performance. With the business aspect growing and changing, should universities be able to protect their interests with players who essentially change schools through the portal, transferring to “the highest bidder”.

Despite these changes, the heart of college football—rivalries, traditions, and the passion of players and fans—remains strong. The challenge moving forward will be preserving this spirit while navigating the complexities of the modern era.

What’s your take on the evolving landscape of college football? Does the rise of NIL, the transfer portal, and NFL Draft influence, enhance, or harm the game? Let us know in the comments below!