What a year it’s been, and it’s only July.
The college football landscape is changing in major ways and fans are seemingly wondering “what’s next?” » It seems like every month there is some important news released.
College football as we once knew it can’t come to the phone right now. Why do you ask? The old ways are dead, screams Taylor Swift. The number of changes that have taken place this year with realignment or name, image and likeness (NIL) is absurd, and in just a week there could be even more changes.
What will happen with all the conference realignments? Texas and Oklahoma joining the SEC should be just the tip of the iceberg. That left the other eight Big 12 teams scrambling to find a new home.
Let’s take a look at the craziness that has occurred so far in the world of college football.
EA Sports Announces Resurrection of NCAA Football Video Game
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Probably one of the best sports video games of all time is back. In February, EA Sports announced plans to bring back the game that had been on hiatus for eight years. The last player to make the cover was former Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson. Until now, there were issues with the use of players’ NIL in the game, as they did not receive any compensation. Something that won’t be a problem anymore.
College Football Playoff announces future expansion to 12 teams
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
After the idea was just that, an idea, it was reported earlier in the year that three commissioners and an athletic director had been tasked with conducting a study to determine whether the playoffs worked or should be expanded . The group decided it would be best to expand the playoffs to 12, but that now comes down to contracts with ESPN and is still awaiting approval. This is expected to happen between 2023 and 2025.
NIL helps pay college athletes
Jay Janner-USA TODAY NETWORK
It was just earlier this month that college athletes finally got a chance to take advantage of their NIL. Players like Texas running back Bijan Robinson raked in money in just one month by joining Cameo and getting sponsorships from places like Raising Canes. Athletes can now put their talents to good use and, for many, this is the last time they play a sport. A truly great moment for the athletes.
Texas and Oklahoma announce they are leaving the Big 12 for the SEC
Andrew Dieb-USA TODAY Sports
This is the most recent of all and was reported only a few days ago. The Longhorns and Sooners are leaving the Big 12 and heading to the SEC, which could happen as soon as next year. A decision that would have left Texas A&M and the rest of the Big 12 in the dark. The Big 12 is still doing everything it can to retain the two major icons, but teams across the league are looking for a new conference. The Big 12 could very well be a thing of the past in a few years.
