President Donald Trump has brought together a diverse group of sports figures, coaches, and notable personalities at the White House for a roundtable discussion focusing on the challenges faced by college athletics, including the transfer portal and the NIL situation.
As reported, the president’s guest list includes former Alabama coach Nick Saban, former NFL player Tim Tebow, and Texas Tech’s Cody Campbell. Notable leaders from college sports such as Tony Petiti from the Big Ten, Greg Sankey from the SEC, Brett Yormark from the Big 12, and Jim Phillips from the ACC are also set to participate.
Other notable attendees are Ohio State coach Urban Meyer, Notre Dame’s Pete Bevacqua, Tennessee’s Donde Plowman, golf’s Tiger Woods, and Bryson DeChambeau, alongside NBA commissioner Adam Silver and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
The chancellor expressed concerns that college sports are not in a good position currently, and he is committed to taking action.
Back in December 2025, President Trump remarked, “These universities are going to kill themselves, and we need to do something about it.” He emphasized the need for federal support and warned that without immediate changes, some universities might not survive, even those traditionally strong in football.
He added, “They can’t pay players $12 million, $14 million, $10 million, $6 million. There’s going to be one standout, that’s the only focus, and every university will want to claim that national title. It’s a dangerous game, and many universities can’t sustain it.”
Moreover, he has taken steps to address these challenges. For instance, last year he signed an executive order focusing on compensation for college athletes.
The executive order, titled President Trump saves college sports, prohibits certain payments from third parties, clarifying that it doesn’t obstruct reasonable market value compensation for athletes through endorsements.
In addition, President Trump advocated for supporting female athletes and aimed to enhance scholarship opportunities in women’s sports and non-revenue sports.
Recently, he also signed an executive order ensuring that no other college football games air during the Army-Navy game, expressing a desire to make that day particularly special for the historic event.
