On July 1st, 2021, the NCAA announced that schools could now distribute money to athletes. This practice has been ongoing for years, albeit on a relatively small scale, under the table. This ruling has set a dangerous precedent for athletes and has diluted the spirit of college sports.
Back in the 2000s, College Football was an alternative to the NFL. It was an escape from the money-hungry NFL stars and a place where players only played because they loved the game. These players received scholarships and went on to play football. The heart of the game was paramount during these years; players would fight and die for their schools on the field. There was a huge tie to the school for each player, and all of the players would put their lives on the line to win. Now, players have more loyalty to their brand than their school.
In 2005, players were far less likely to transfer from their school to another; today, it’s commonplace. Seven out of the top 20 highest-earning NIL athletes have made a transfer to different schools, two of which are coming in the top 5. It is clear that money has become king in College Football, and players are now playing for that above all else. This is a testament to the decline of passion in the college game. Players are so focused on their own brand that now they are sitting out games in order to protect it, regardless of the effect on the team.
In 2025, NIL athletes are sitting out bowl games to protect themselves from injury and other factors. This shows us how players are not passionate about their team, and how players have become money-centered in today’s CFB. NIL isn’t all bad, though; it has brought life to new rivalries and new competitors.
This year, Indiana has emerged as a powerhouse in the College Football world. Indiana spent over 20 million dollars on their football program, and they now sit as National Champions of College Football. Led by coach Curt Cignetti, Indiana has been turned from one of the worst programs in College Football to one of the best. The establishment of more competition is one of the benefits of NIL, but it does not outweigh the passion being lost from the game.
In conclusion, College Football is rapidly losing its identity. The sport has become more commercialized than ever, and is losing the heart that makes it so appealing to the viewers. NIL has been the root of this decline in passion. While it does have positives like bringing new schools into the mainstream, there can be no other verdict than that it is ruining the spirit of College Football.