When NIL first became a thing, it sounded great. Finally, college athletes, especially football players, could make some money off their own name. After years of schools and the NCAA making millions while players got nothing, it felt like the right move. But now that we’ve seen how it’s actually working, it’s honestly kind of a mess.
The biggest problem? It’s turned recruiting into a money game. Schools with rich boosters are throwing ridiculous amounts of cash at kids just to commit. And it’s not even under the table anymore—it’s wide open. If you’re a smaller school that can’t offer six figures or more, you’re not even in the conversation. It’s not about development or coaching or fit anymore—it’s about who can pay the most, plain and simple.
Another thing that’s messed up is how it’s changed how players think. College football used to be about building something, staying loyal to your team, and putting in the work. Now, guys are transferring left and right, chasing better NIL deals. You can have a good season, and next thing you know, half your starters are gone because someone else offered them more money. It’s not really about the team anymore—it’s about the paycheck.
Just look at what happened even before NIL was legal—remember Johnny Manziel? He was electric on the field, a Heisman winner, and the face of college football for a moment. But all that fame and under-the-table money started to mess with him. He admitted later that it all went to his head. He partied more than he practiced, and by the time he got to the NFL, he wasn’t ready—physically or mentally. That was without a legal NIL system. Now, imagine what a guy like that would get today with no real rules in place. It’s a recipe for the same thing, just on a bigger, more dangerous scale.
And let’s be honest: NIL has basically become pay-for-play. That’s not what it was supposed to be, but that’s exactly what it’s turned into. Boosters and “collectives” are basically offering contracts to kids before they even commit. Everyone sees it. The NCAA claims they’re monitoring it, but they’re not doing much. There are no real rules being enforced, and it feels like no one’s in control of any of this.
I’m not saying players shouldn’t make money—they absolutely should. But the way NIL is set up right now just doesn’t work. It’s killing the balance in the sport, and it’s making college football feel less and less like the game people fell in love with. If it keeps going like this, it’s going to be all about who has the deepest pockets, not who has the best team or the best culture.
Something needs to change, or college football’s going to lose what made it great in the first place.
