Why I Now Just Like — Not Love — College Football  

Hello. These are my thoughts. I had help with words.  

Yes, you just read the title correctly. I’ve fallen out of love with college football. I now like college football. There is a difference. The downgrade in affection has been weighing on me for a while.  

Relationships have a way of bringing out the good and bad in both parties. College football and I have gone back and forth for nearly five decades. We’ve had arguments. But, we always patched things up after a rough spell. Not anymore.  

Our bond started as an infatuation which led to fandom. It then grew into inspiration before leaping to participation. All of that was followed by passion and eventually, occupation. However, like all good things, it must come to an end. Our run is over.  

The breakup has been gradual. No single factor shaped the final split. There was no cheating or quarreling. Apathy had taken over towards the end. That wasn’t good for either of us.  

There are pressing motives that led to this. I want to be clear about some new goings-on within the game before blame is doled out.  

Yes, I’m old. But my age hasn’t advanced into a “Get off my lawn” mentality — yet. To prepare for this project, which has taken quite a bit of time to construct, I went back and read a bunch of my writings. I saw that I clearly supported the game’s evolution. The proposed solutions were presented as if the participants were to gain much-needed freedom and power.  

Let me make this clear. I want players to get every dime they can in the current, legal structure. I know I would have taken full advantage of today’s rule of law. I also say, “Go,” if they want to transfer all over the nation and play 11 years of college football.  

Pro-Player, Anti-Establishment  

I’m pro-player. But, as I hope you can see in the following mini-book, adults have screwed it up; they always do. I am now anti-establishment. The problem is identifying who exactly is the establishment. Is it the NCAA? The Power Two conferences? (Yes, Power Two, not Power Five. More on that in a minute.) Individual institutions? Additionally, it is important and fair to know that research for this article included discussions with high school head coaches. I did not speak with a college football coach, staffer, or administrator. The following is an opinion. The opinion is all mine. I own it.  

I was all for Name, Image, and Likeness. The same can be said of the one-time transfer rule. Both were long overdue and provided player ownership in the hullabaloo that is now a multibillion-dollar racket. Think back a minute to the Bama vs. Michigan semifinal game. It felt like a little football broke out between lengthy commercial segments, right? Somebody’s getting paid, may as well be the players. But paid by whom is the real issue at hand.  

I think it’s safe to say that COVID also was a contributor to our fallout. I’m not referencing the actual virus. That was and remains to be far more serious than a game. My irritation is with the mysterious, unconstrained, and seemingly infinite COVID add-on year of eligibility that drives me nuts.  

All three have joined forces to circumvent the original rules’ purposes as they were sold to the general public. All that has led to unregulated gluttony. Let’s break it all down in pieces; however, the three matters are interconnected.  

Transfer Portal  

It’s well-noted that I am fighting cognitive impairment along with some other serious issues. Writing this article was challenging and took a great deal of time and some help. I want to thank all those folks who helped on this project along the way.  

With that said, keeping up with and remembering breaking news is difficult for me to comprehend. My social media feed, when I remember to check it, is jam-packed with portal entries, reroutes, and other personnel moves that keep me dizzied. Staying relevant to the latest information is beyond my current capabilities.  

However, I do recall that the ever-imprudent NCAA established a one-time transfer rule which birthed the transfer portal. Grad transfers are also mixed in there. I’m raising my hand here because I have a question. Why do I see college football players on their fourth or fifth school on my television? How are there players on their third team in three years? I honestly don’t know.  

The military runs on hard time/date schedules. May just be me and what I’m used to, but it seems like when a NCAA “deadline” is established and that time has come and gone, player announcements to find greener grass seem to go on and on. Again, could be just me. Who’s in charge?  Do actual rules exist? If so, who says so and how are they enforced? I think the basketball Cats are currently dealing with an issue like this.  

Let me get this straight. I’m all for the one-time transfer process. I get it. I like it. Teenagers can make a wrong decision. The portal allows for a compass recalibration. The portal also allows for the market to reset. It’s also intended to grant college graduates the latitude to move to a new school to find a graduate program that fits their academic needs. Lol.  

I’m sorry. I just can’t pretend to take this seriously anymore. I mean, with all that I have going on, let’s be real here. Let’s be honest.  

Rules aren’t just being bent, they are being shattered. They are also being created on the fly. Enforcement is as effective as stationing a traffic cop on Turn 2 at the Daytona 500.  

I’ve grown tired of portal addicts. I don’t have a specific reason why. It’s really none of my business, but it’s still exasperating. Players are now making “With that said” and “Taking my talents” graphics on three or four occasions during the stretch of an eight-year career. It gets old. It’s just a little much. Why so many graphics? Overboard.  

Name, Image, and Likeness 

NCAA. Lol. Sorry, it’s just too easy to see the humor in all this. Raise your hand if you didn’t see this trainwreck coming from a mile away. Nobody in their right mind believed for a minute that NIL was going to be as simple and pure as it was theoretically sold by the NCAA. Furthermore, nobody with any knowledge felt as if the dithering governing body was going to be able to manage or enforce the rules within the new era.  

The grand scheme — and I emphasize the word scheme — was that players were to be compensated for jersey sales, commercials, advertisements, and actual, you know, endorsements. Lol. Snuck that one by us, didn’t they? Enter collectives.  

So a player can be legally and openly shopped from school to school to the highest bidder but it’s illegal for prospects to take pictures on visits or for schools to have over a specific number of color pages in their media guides. Makes sense to me, NCAA. See the baloney here? Maybe irony? I’d say comedy but mainly hypocritical. Sorry, I’ll try to get back on task.    

Again, nobody saw this coming, did they? The ole workarounds surfaced about fifteen minutes after the rule was instituted. It’s like smart folks not bound by bureaucracy saw the future coming by using common sense. Hmm. Strange how that happens.  

Hey, I’m on record supporting NIL so don’t call me a hater or grouchy. I’m neither. I do think that student-athletes — if that term still applies — should profit from their name and likeness. Only makes sense. I say make as much bank as possible while the operational plan is one that mimics the Wild West. Pay-for-play is in full effect. So is free agency.  

Today, NIL is interminably so far removed from its original intent that I don’t see any way to put the genie back in the proverbial bottle. It’s too far gone. Coaches are justifiably asking their fan bases to donate to their collectives. There’s no right or wrong time for the request. Coaches are also asking for change while taking full advantage of toothless enforcement. I don’t blame them. Their job is to win games, not to legislate.  

Want to know which program has the most money in the collective accounts? Simple answer, really. Follow the recruiting and portal rankings. Facilities are so 2010s. It’s now mostly about the Benjamins. Not all, there are exceptions. Want to see the individual coach’s recruiting rankings? Follow the money. The art of recruiting is a dying skill in 2024.  

I thought the initial NIL regulation was written to strictly forbid financial enticements in the recruiting and or transfer process. I swear I heard or read that somewhere. Hilarious. Think that’s going on? The answer is yes. Money negotiations are now as common as a dorm tour and steak dinners during recruiting visits.  

How naïve did the NCAA think we were? Again, I’m glad student-athletes are getting paid. But, it’s out of control and is only going to worsen unless there are guardrails established. The problem and main issue is just who will construct the boundaries.  

The NCAA is nearly obsolete and losing teeth as I type away on this article. Two conferences (SEC and Big Ten) and one sport (football) are now the supreme beings. All other athletic endeavors and leagues are secondary. That’s just life and that’s just the market.  

A football breakaway coming. The only question is when? Maybe it should happen. The separation may be the only way that any semblance of common sense, authority, regulation, and enforcement will be recognized. Conferences in general are greedy. But, the two leagues that matter also seem as if they can and are capable of providing leadership. Why? Because they control the purse strings and divvy up profits.   

The NCAA had a good original purpose and run. Those days are over. I worry about non-football sports. However, that organization has become too “government-y” and the market states that it is no longer necessary, specifically in regards to football.  

Think about it. The NCAA has zero influence on the national championship of its most profitable, important, and influential sport. There’s always been beef between football and the NCAA. Why? Money. It’s always money.  

The vibe between the two is so bad now that there’s no going back. I await the time that a program like Michigan for example just says, “Go stick it” after learning of a negative infraction ruling.  

COVID Year  

By no means am I downplaying the virus’ seriousness nor am I being political with this take. My only disagreement with the additional COVID year is that it seems to be randomly utilized and has no apparent endpoint. I’ve grown tired of watching 28-year-old, super-duper seniors on their fifth team. Again, how is that possible? Good luck trying to figure out a veteran player’s class status.

I’m uninterested in player declarations on staying or coming back to school. There are graphics for every decision now. Staying. Going. Going then staying. You name it. Apathy.  

I’m Now in Like with College Football  

This divorce is clean. One attorney, no child support, no property to divide. We are merely shaking hands and going our separate ways. We will be cordial and say hello in the produce aisle at the Krogers.  

I no longer love college football. I like college football in the same way that I like cottage cheese, oatmeal, and the smell of a new car. It pleases me, but I don’t miss it when it’s gone.  

I watched one bowl game this postseason (Clemson vs. Kentucky). I also checked out the Bama-Michigan playoff matchup. That’s it. Part of it is that I now go to bed at 8:00 PM. I read that some games were actually fun to consume. That’s great. My personal choice was to not participate. In other words, I opted out of bowl season.  

Florida State is the poster child of how not to college football. The annoying whimpers after being picked over for the playoffs were followed by a plethora of departures/opt-outs. The Seminoles quit their coach and teammates. More importantly, they quit their fans. All that led to an embarrassment against the Dawgs. FSU disrespected the game of football.  

The game’s outcome ignited outcries. Georgia approached the Orange Bowl like a playoff game. Culture. FSU managed the contest with the same fervor and provision as a post-practice scrimmage that’s comprised of redshirting freshmen and walk-ons. Lack of culture.  

FSU did not influence my decision. I refuse to let a program with that showing from a second-tier league guide my life choices.  

It’s only going to get worse. Way worse. Bowl games are currently watched by impact players in street clothes on the sideline. I expect that declaration point could move into the regular season once teams are eliminated from playoff contention. Again, I don’t blame the players. I blame the adults who have created the pathway.  

To me, college football is bizarre. I’m done. I’m not mad. I’m not stomping off nor am I smashing pictures. I understand and appreciate change. Even though I’m old, I’ve always been a forward-leaning dude. But, I’ve had enough of today’s game. Again, we all consume sports differently. This is my approach. You do you. I’ll do me.  

All-star teams are being created. That’s great for the handful of programs that can manage a 20+ million-dollar annual collective. The playoffs are now going to include 12 logos, which I think is great. But, we are still playing make-believe, which is a common action with college football, to think that the champions will come from outside the Power-2 on a consistent basis. It’s nice to let others get in bracket, but the mega league collectives will prevail. Again, there will be exceptions. But, those will be few and far in-between.  

I’ve learned through therapy that pain can be looked at as an opportunity. That’s my approach to my daily walk as well as my relationship with college football. I’m grateful that I can no longer keep up. I’m happy I don’t have to give precious time to the waiver wire. I’m blessed to not have to follow shady agents and influencers on social media. I’m relieved that my run is nearing the finish line.  

So Long, “Recruit and Develop” 

Remember, how one consumes sports is a personal decision. I don’t expect anyone to agree or disagree with my stance nor does it matter. That’s a you-thing.  

I don’t miss the good old days. I’ve learned over the past year that days are just days no matter when they happen.  

For me, the part that I miss about college football the most is the absence of a long-term strategy. This applies to recruiting, maintaining, and developing a roster. That was my favorite part. Today, if you don’t like your team, go to the portal and buy a player or twelve.  

Another reality may actually be worse and can be seen on any given Saturday. I’ll try to explain.  

Let’s just say that Player X is highly paid and deemed invaluable. That said player is also a turd in the locker room and off the field. What is a coach to do? Fines aren’t allowed, yet. How much power do coaches have these days? Are there clauses in NIL contracts? Depends really.  

Coddling college-age athletes has a damning effect. It does no good for all involved. Yet, it happens, a lot. This is the reason that maturity is becoming a rare trait in individuals and teams.  

I used to love studying programs in their approach to recruiting. Programs would sign a certain type of player before developing them into the finished product by year four or five. Projecting personnel was my jam. There are still a handful of programs that are still doing it this way. But, that number is dwindling in today’s pay-for-play, win-now-or-else world.  

“Recruit and Develop” is nearly gone. Of all my issues with college football, this is by far the most upsetting to me. Developing a winning team using that philosophical culture required vision, dedication, discipline, and strategy. Today, two-deep upgrades are remedied by the portal and checkbook. The most money usually wins.  

What’s Next?  

What will I do with my time? I will still follow the Cats, just not as intently as I could before. I intend to focus on me. Therapy and treatment now give me the same adrenaline rush as National Signing Day once did. Speaking of NSD, I read Nick and Adam’s stuff on that day, but that was it. They were terrific by the way.  

I’d annually take National Signing Day off before I did sports for a living. My basement was set up like an SEC war room. Computers, televisions, grease boards, and other organizational devices were spread all over the place. Coffee flowed like wine. That was my element. That was my happy place. 

I didn’t watch a second of NSD coverage this year. Is it still a television thing? Why would it be? NSD in 2024 is somewhat meaningless. It feels like some players have one foot out the door from day one. A better deal is a phone call away. Again, I don’t blame the players. Get paid, young men, while you can.  

The moment to begin monitoring the waiver wire doesn’t have a start/stop mark. That’s not the player’s fault. It’s the system that’s failing them. I do feel that high school players are getting the short end of the stick due to the portal.  

High School Recruiting 

By now, you must be tired of this memo. I feel like Jerry McGuire in the hotel room while writing this. Stay with me. We’re almost done.  

I’ve had the honor of getting to know high school coaches from all over the nation. Here are a couple of high school head coaches’ take on NIL/Portal and its impact on recruiting.  

“They (coaches) aren’t around as much in my opinion. I think the star players are going to get recruited like always out of high school, but no doubt not as many offers are going to high school kids. Even if they offer a high school kid, they are going to take a guy who has been in college two-three years over a high school kid.”   

I don’t like that.  

Another coach said: 

“Portal has hurt high school recruiting due to the number of available spots on a roster. Back in the days before the portal, colleges would know high school kids inside and out and take 20-25 high school kids per class. That number is smaller due to the portal and colleges are taking older kids.  

I’m not mad at college coaches. I understand the situation but I do feel like the transfer calendar needs moved around so high school kids get at least properly evaluated. High school kids are still getting looks but you better be elite, have bodies right, and be a great human. Colleges aren’t going to take chances on as many kids now so parents/players need to know your options need to be wide scaled than just Power 5 due to the trickle-down effect. NIL/pay for play makes our job harder at the high school level.”  

Again, I don’t like that.  

Thank You 

It’s been one hell of a ride. I’ve so enjoyed footballing with you over the years. It’s brought me enjoyment and fulfillment for which I’m eternally grateful. For many reasons, I just can’t do it anymore.  

Nick Roush and Adam Luckett are young, hungry, and incredibly talented. They do football far, far better than I ever did. KSR has you more than covered for your football fix. We cover football with more personnel and resources than anyone else in the business. Nick and Adam are the present and future. They are the best of us. I love them and their analysis.  

I actually hope that the vast majority of you disagree with me on this. I’m not breaking up with the game of football, just whatever D-1 is called these days. I follow 1AA as closely as I can which has led to my South Dakota State fandom throughout the season and playoffs. I have an SDSU hoodie and all. I’m also a huge Walt Wells and EKU supporter. 

High school football is my real passion. Yes, there are issues there as well. But, not as bad as the higher level. I absolutely love Friday nights. Those stadiums and communities present me with my happy place.  

I don’t know what this fall will look like. My Care Team will have the final say so in those matters. One of my major goals through therapy is to be able to attend high school games. I may need a ride, but I pray I get to go.  

Please don’t let my relationship status with college football dampen your love for the game. That is not my intention. Tyler is letting me write most of this one by myself. I simply needed to get some stuff off my chest. I tried to be real, honest, and authentic with my opinions. What have I got to lose these days?  

I absolutely love my Care Team. One word that they’ve encouraged me to remove from my vocabulary is “never.” I can’t say that I’ll never fall back in love with college football. I doubt it, but not sure time is on my side. I take that back — I can say that I will never, ever shop at a Publix. I’m a Kroger man. So that breaks the rule. But as far as college football? We’ll see, but not likely.  

Like I said, it’s been one heck of a ride. I will remain a UK fan and follow along as much as I can. But, sadly, the days of infatuation, passion, and occupation are coming to an end.  

Football Nation.