The implementation of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals to college football has been a long-awaited idea that is finally being utilized. Now, players can make money off their fame and the colleges are forced to share their profits in things like jersey sales and money made. It is seemingly a beneficial addition that sees the players being paid for the work they put in, and the popularity they bring to their college. But college football teams are heavily abusing NIL deals to attract top recruits, prioritizing financial incentives for the players over a genuine passion for the game. This focus on endorsements has already altered the postseason, and has created a transactional atmosphere experienced around the league. As players begin to prioritize financial gains, the sport is at risk of transforming from a passionate game to one of commercialization.
Starting July 1st, 2021, NIL deals have for the most part been a positive experience. Players who possibly would not have much of a career after college football are given the opportunity to make some money before they leave the game forever. In a way, the time before NIL deals was a direct exploitation of the players. For example, players like Johnny Manziel and Tim Tebow, both who in their prime were some of the most talked about college athletes, and still are today. But for all this fame, they saw not a dime. Instead, the colleges benefited from their fame, and made immense amounts of money off their image. Now with NIL deals, these players are able to become financially independent, helping them pursue their college education and also secure a solid starting point after college. It also rewards the athletes for their hard work, giving an incentive to work hard to provide financial help to their families or themselves.
However, these incentives are also the ones taking away from the sport. Twenty years ago, you would never see a player sit out of a bowl game, as it was the last game of the season and sometimes a chance to really prove yourself when it mattered. But since the addition of NIL deals, this has become a common theme. In the past few years, players like Marvin Harrison Jr., Jayden Daniles, and Caleb Williams have all opted out of their respective bowl games. This individuality apart from the team is something that is slowly eating away at the heart of the sport. Football used to be about playing for the guy next to you, and still is in some aspects. But since the legalization of NIL deals, it has become more of an individual sport, and could be a direct cause for why teams struggle to win.
Not only are the deals taking away from the sport, it is also creating an unfair advantage. For the top rated NIL contributors like Oregon and Texas, they are able to offer players huge sums of money to bring them to their school. On the one hand, it’s good to see these players get both the respect and the money they deserve for their talents. On the other hand, smaller, less funded Division 1 programs can’t offer deals like these. They struggle to get the best talent, and in turn, experience an unfair advantage. Of course, at some of the top Division 1 programs the coaching is excellent, and you can’t buy that. But at times, it’s the money players are drawn too, not the opportunity. The cycle of big schools getting large sponsorships and being able to persuade big players with money is never ending, and will likely cause a drop in quality of the football being played. While big schools will attract the best talent from around the country, the gap between larger programs and smaller ones is likely to increase exponentially. Upsets, like Vanderbilt’s victory over Alabama, will become increasingly unfeasible, discouraging smaller schools from even competing in these games.
In conclusion, while NIL deals have introduced a much-needed shift in the financial game for college football players, they have also brought significant challenges that threaten the integrity of the sport. The focus on financial gain has shifted the recruiting landscape, seeing players prioritize themselves as individuals before the team. As larger programs use their resources to attract top talent, the growing gap between big and small schools risks losing the competitiveness that makes football exciting. While NIL deals present an opportunity for players, it also calls for close moderation to ensure that the playing field is relatively even, regardless of size or funding.
