Mike Norvell: The Navigator of College Football's New Era

By Mark Neel

"Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should."

-Jeff Goldblum as Dr. Ian Malcolm in Jurassic Park

As the ramifications of the new age of college football have unfolded, there are those, including me, who wonder if the changes that have come about are in the best interests of the game, the fans and, in the long run, even the players.

The ongoing saga of realignment has the unmistakable stench of planned obsolescence for all but the biggest of the boys. There will be no more rooting for the “little guy” as the arms race pushes to the side of the universities – and their fans – who don’t have the funding to keep up. Some might think, correctly, that even some of the little guys within the P5, now P4 or P2 or, dare we say, P1 conferences will be pushed out. NFL Lite anyone?

So, can the game afford the eventual loss of fan interest that comes with having only a baker’s dozen or so teams that have a realistic chance at a national championship each season? I’m afraid we’re going to find the answer is no. And the things that have made the sport so special for so long will wither.

That brings us to the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) boom. What started out as a way for players to benefit from the university’s use of their NIL by being able to sell themselves to businesses and sponsors has become an unmitigated free-for-all in the buying and, in effect, selling of players. The idea of paying players was anathema to all who were involved in college sports not too long ago. Now it’s not necessarily how well you can recruit, but what’s your player acquisition budget. If you need funds to pay the next big thing, you tell the player you just paid last year to take a hike so you can use his money (“selling” of players).

This has led to situations such as high school quarterback Jaden Rashada committing to the University of Florida – for $13 million dollars. And then flipping to Arizona State – not because of his love for the school, coaching staff or facilities, but because Florida found that they couldn’t afford to pay what they committed to.

Or take the bizarre move by Alabama offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor, who left the Crimson Tide for Iowa, made his money there, and flipped back to the Tide with his wallet full.

Commitment and allegiance have become dirty words. How long before that refers to the fans as well?

Anyone who has eyes to see can certainly agree that what is happening is not good for the game, even if we support some type of payment to the players or letting them seek out their own sponsors to make money selling their NIL.

The New World Order will benefit fewer and fewer universities as we move forward, so the need to keep up will be paramount.