Ethan Young’s Journey in College Football

Ethan Young, who plays college football indoors, has quite a clear vision of where the sport is headed.

Having started on the media side, including a role focused on advanced statistics in the NFL, Young transitioned to UCLA, working under Chip Kelly. Initially, he was the director of strategic intelligence for the team, later applying his analytical skills to football operations before becoming the director of player development. In this role, he not only led recruitment efforts but also played a part in managing the team’s games on Saturdays. Between 2021 and 2023, Young helped the team secure 25 wins and contributed to a program that saw 17 players, many of whom he personally recruited, make it to the NFL.

Currently, Young works as a consultant, providing advice to both the university and NFL teams in his position as client director for the 33rd team. Despite his consulting work, his heart still lies with college football, especially as a new season approaches. He recently published his first book, titled Transforming College Football: How Revenue Sharing Will Change the Game, where he explores both the history and future of college football amidst significant changes in the sport.

In a recent email exchange, we discussed his experiences, the book, and what lies ahead for the sport.

SB Nation: How has your journey from media to UCLA led you to become an author?

Young: It’s been quite the adventure! When I first joined the UCLA staff, I honestly wouldn’t have guessed how everything would unfold. Joining during such a dynamic time in college sports, with the opening up of portals and new regulations, was a challenging but exciting experience. It has pushed me to think deeply about the evolution of the sport, especially regarding revenue distribution, and this book reflects that journey.

What was the most challenging aspect of recruiting?

Recruiting often gets a bad reputation, but I actually enjoy it. Building relationships with players and their families is usually a rewarding experience. That said, I often found myself questioning the authenticity of offers we were told players had. Sometimes things got distorted in communication, which made the process tricky.

How did NIL changes impact your recruitment strategies at UCLA?

The NIL changes have completely transformed recruiting. We found that the stakes have skyrocketed, especially for the 2023 and 2024 classes. We had to get creative to keep up.

What motivated you to write a book?

Since moving into the consulting realm, I noticed many universities were grappling with similar issues to what I faced at UCLA. Writing this book became my way to clarify the landscape. I feel like there are many misconceptions out there, and I hope my insights help others navigate these challenges.

Did you have a specific outline in mind for the book during the writing process?

Definitely. Initially, I recognized a lot of frustration surrounding revenue sharing, but I wanted to highlight how powerful proper implementation could be. It provides programs an opportunity to reshape their future instead of being limited by historical reputations.

What key conversations are central to “The Transformation of College Football”?

Beyond the challenges posed by recent legislative changes, the book delves into the need for understanding professional sports organizational structures. It’s essential for college football programs to adapt and recognize the shifts in the business of sports.

In your view, what benefits does revenue sharing bring to college football?

Players should definitely be compensated fairly for their contributions. This isn’t just about ethics; it’s also about enhancing competition. It can level the playing field, even for programs like UCLA that have faced uphill battles. We’ve seen programs like Indiana radically shift their fortunes, achieving unprecedented success, and that will likely continue. The recruitment landscape is changing too, with a broader variety of destinations becoming attractive to top talent.

What potential challenges does revenue sharing present?

The biggest concern for me is the survival of other sports that rely on traditional funding methods. Poor financial management could jeopardize programs, and that’s a situation we want to avoid. I explore these risks in detail toward the end of the book.

Having experienced college football from the inside, what stands out the most to you?

Game day really is something special. The dedication from fans and the atmosphere is genuinely one-of-a-kind.

There are also unique opportunities for player development. For instance, at UCLA, we’ve seen players transition positions in remarkable ways—like Kain Medrano, who started as a wide receiver and is now an NFL linebacker. It showcases the creativity and innovation possible at the college level.

What does the future hold for college football?

The restructuring is significant. I have concerns about the influx of entertainment-driven changes, as geographical rivalries are vital to the sport’s essence.

What can readers expect from your book?

The book covers a lot of history and philosophy. We aim to provide readers with a foundational understanding of the current state of college football, but it won’t take long to dive into more complex issues.

When making decisions in football (revenue sharing, recruiting, play calling, etc.), do you feel overwhelmed with information?

There’s definitely a gap in available data compared to the professional ranks, which can complicate things. However, I believe it’s important to focus on the information we do have and rely on historical precedents to guide decisions.

How can people get a copy of your book?

You can find it on Amazon!