Why Is College Football Such a Mess?

College football, a major sport, seems to be grappling with significant dysfunction. There’s a staggering amount of money involved, and that figure has only grown since the College Football Playoff (CFP) expanded. Major conferences have seen increased revenues, particularly through television contracts. This has led to the rise of superconferences and realignment, making institutions like the Big Ten and SEC particularly lucrative.

Television ratings are up, and donations are pouring in. With the CFP’s continued expansion, financial support for the sport seems poised to escalate even further. However, along with this influx of cash, also come some troubling developments stemming from changes like name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights, the transfer portal, and an ever-widening gap in scheduling. It all feels a bit chaotic, really.

Recently, Texas A&M head football coach Mike Elko stepped into the conversation, calling for a strong leadership figure who can effectively guide the current landscape of college football.

In a chat with On3’s JD Pickell, Elko articulated his concerns, emphasizing the need for true leadership in the sport. “We need someone in charge,” he pointed out. “This is a $1.2 billion industry, yet there isn’t a single voice overseeing decisions aimed at improving college football. Until that happens, I think we’re going to keep facing difficulties. What benefits the SEC doesn’t always align with what’s best for other conferences, and vice versa.”

He went on to say, “At some point, we’ll need a person who can set and enforce the rules, ensuring the future of college football is constructive. Until that occurs, I believe we’re all at risk of losing what we value in this game.”

Interestingly, the way Mike Elko perceives the need for leadership in college football reminds me of how I feel about cryptocurrencies. There’s a desperate need for clarity and direction.