Guz Malzahn on impact of NIL, transfer portal: 'The new age of college football is here'

He may no longer be coaching in the SEC, but former Auburn Tigers head coach, Gus Malzahn, is still a regular on the Paul Finebaum Show. And recently, the UCF Knights head coach was on the show addressing the changes in the college sports landscape. In particular, Finebaum and Malzahn discussed the transfer portal and the introduction of NIL into college sports. And if you were not aware, the new age of college football is here, according to Malzahn.

“Yeah we got our hands full. The new age of college football is definitely here. It seems like every day something new comes up,” said Malzahn. “You know there’s a lot of challenges with the NIL, the one time transfer. We’re at a place that has been very successful with transfers before I even got here. So, we think we’re in a good spot with the with all the changes coming forward. Orlando is great place and UCF is a great program and I’m really blessed to be here. The first year was pretty good. We did some good things. We found a way to win nine games had a big bowl win. Added some transfers in and I think we’re in a good spot going to the next season.”

The former Tigers headman seems to have landed on his feet and is doing well with the Knights. Malzahn led UCF to an 8-4 record to conclude the regular season and finished off the season with a win against a rival program of both UCF and Auburn in the Florida Gators. The Knights beat the Gators 29-17 in the Gasparilla bowl.

Las Vegas sets Auburn win total odds at 6.5 for 2022 season

Now that the spring practice portion of college football has ended, Vegas has begun to set odds for next season. On Saturday, Vegas insider revealed their win odds for college football. And, as of right now, they have the Auburn Tigers win total odds at 6.5 for the 2022 season.

Auburn’s offseason, thus far, has been a roller coaster ride. After just one season under head coach Bryan Harsin, the team saw a mass exodus of players and coaches. One of the key players of note that left Auburn via the transfer portal was star quarterback and fan-favorite Bo Nix. The departure of multiple players, and statements by them after leaving, led to a sea is speculation on whether or not Harsin would remain head coach. After much back and forth, school officials finally came out and gave their support to the Tigers’ head football coach for the 2022 season.

Amid the tumultuous offseason, it can be understood why Vegas has them at the 6.5 line. Finishing the season with six or seven wins would make the Tigers bowl eligible. However, Auburn plays in the SEC and is viewed as a powerhouse program. So while a bowl bid is nice, the Tigers will be looking to finish this season far north of the line they have been given and compete for a College Football Playoff bid.