Name Image & Likeness Was Meant to Provide Equality

Something Is Different

Another college football season is in full swing, however, something seems different. Money has taken the forefront of college football in recruiting, putting together a roster, attracting talent from other programs, and a “win now mentality.” There are NIL salary listings of major FBS college rosters which show the value of star players. While fan interest and viewership remains high, disillusion has begun to creep into the picture due to a “Show Me The Money” and “Anything Goes” mentality and environment where college football rosters are in flux every offseason. All of the uncontrolled booster and corporate cash, and uncontrolled transfer portal have created a professional football league with no rules or regulations. Money Talks” and no NIL equals a loss of talent, a depleted roster, and likely losses which will cost the head coach his job.

Inequality In the Locker Room

What was meant to provide economic equality among student-athletes has done nothing but created programs and team rosters of “Haves and Have Nots.” It is not uncommon for starters at a number of Group of Six programs to receive no NIL money, while other select starters are. Coaches have been quick to say that such inequalities have no effect in the locker room or with team dynamics. However, many have to wonder if this is indeed the case? “I need to block for a guy who is earning $500,000, while I have to stretch my scholarship money this month to pay to make ends meet?” Such feelings do arise under such emotional demands in a highly charged environment which leads to disenchantment and jealousy among those players who receive no NIL. This can apply to players who are backups or those on the scout team which is viewed as a valuable team commodity - provide a live tackling/blocking target in practice. The growing pay gap in college locker rooms is only tearing apart teams, a major distraction, and divisive. Simply having a well paid quarterback buy dinner for his uncompensated or less paid offensive linemen just does not cut it.

This also works the opposite way as resentment and dissension will arise when a well compensated player’s athletic production fails to match expectations on the field. Questions and bad feelings will quickly arise in the locker room from players who are productive contributors, but are not well compensated by corporate sponsors.

The Loss Of “The Team”

One major recruiting pitch and attraction prior to NIL was the opportunity to be a part of something significant in terms of belonging to a program with a coaching staff that would teach life-long and valuable life skills long after one’s playing days are completed. Speak to college players in past years and many will exude tales regarding valuable life lessons they learned from their coaches. Often, these lessons were not evident at the moment under harsh and demanding conditions, however, once done the messages were clear regarding discipline, toughness, challenging oneself, perseverance, overcoming adversity, being accountable, and simply the value of hard work. In many cases, the ultimate reward was earning a college degree through all of their efforts which would be with them for life, and not disappear like money. With many of these former college players, the lessons paid a key factor in becoming successful in life. Perhaps in 2026 the term “Team Chemistry” is a thing of the past in favor of “How much will a get paid?” or “What’s in it for me?” These monetary factors now take precedent over any team building, togetherness, or working towards a common goal.

A Rotting Core

Former Alabama head football coach Nick Saban, who won a total of seven National Championships (including one at LSU), commented that the unregulated NIL and Transfer Portal, along with the bidding war by corporate sponsors resulted in a chaotic environment he did not want any part of, which led to his retirement. Dealing with player agents added to his displeasure and disenchantment with the college coaching profession. Many of these agents were also unregulated or unlicensed whom he regarded as simply “handlers” of young 18-19 year olds. The questions asked by potential recruits were “How much are you going to pay me?” and “What promises can you make that I will start right away?” Agents were quick to tell these players to enter the Transfer Portal in search of greater financial rewards. 

NIL Not Equated With National Championships?

Without question, the NCAA needs to get things back in order if they wish to save college football and prevent an exodus in fan interest. As it currently stands, In spite of the unlimited wealth and spending, in particular, of the Texas football programs with deep oil pockets, spending with NIL does not equate with a national championship, so far. National Champ Indiana spent in the area of $21 million, although head coach Curt Cignetti says it was more like $15 million in 2025 which was considerably down the list compared to other football powers. Questions arise as to whether many of these big spenders are getting their money’s worth?

True College Football
September 20, 2026