The Changing Dynamics of College Football

The landscape of college football is shifting as schools and conferences seek increased revenue. Conference realignment gained momentum when schools like USC and UCLA fell financially behind the Big Ten and SEC peers. Discussions continue about expanding the College Football Playoff, with proponents arguing for more games and teams to boost earnings.

The Role of the NCAA

Beyond playoff expansions, debates focus on the NCAA’s purpose. Suggestions arise for the Power Four conferences to form a separate league. This breakaway league would operate differently. Kirk Herbstreit suggested that a collective bargaining agreement between conferences and players in a new entity could resolve issues like name, image, and likeness (NIL).

“I think the Power Four needs to break away,” he shared with Front Office Sports. “Create their own world, create their own governing body.”

Herbstreit proposes that each group should manage its own playoffs, akin to the FCS and other divisions. Establishing a new governing body and unionizing players could facilitate a CBA, similar to the NFL’s approach.

Proposals for Independence

Some suggest the Big Ten and SEC form their own arrangement. Surprisingly, Big 12’s Iowa State AD Jamie Pollard supports this idea. Pollard suggests that if the top conferences separate, they should do so in all sports, emphasizing the potential challenges faced by a narrowed field.

“Let them go, but they have to go in all their sports,” Pollard stated. “See how fun it is to play baseball, softball, and track when it’s just the 20 of you.”

This sentiment underscores potential tensions between the prominent superconferences and other Power Four members.

Value and Necessity

While Greg Sankey, SEC commissioner, remains part of the discussion, the necessity of collaboration is clear. Although the Big Ten and SEC add significant value, the Big 12 and ACC contribute as well. This dynamic leads to debates on revenue distribution.

The complete breakaway of the Big Ten and SEC would be surprising. However, the possibility of the Power Four splitting from the NCAA seems more plausible over time.