In a move that’s left plenty of folks scratching their heads, Liberty University and James Madison University have agreed to play a college football game on September 15, 2040. Yep, you read that right—2040.
College football scheduling has always had its quirks, but this announcement really takes the cake for sheer audacity and, honestly, wild long-term planning. We’re sitting here in 2025, and it’s hard not to wonder what on earth college football will even look like by then.
Let’s get into the details and try to unpack why this scheduling decision is both fascinating and, well, kind of baffling.
The Absurdity of Long-Term Scheduling in College Football
College football scheduling has always sparked debate. But booking a game 15 years out? That’s a whole new level.
The future’s unpredictable, to put it mildly. From sudden changes in university policies to curveballs like the COVID-19 pandemic, which once had Cal and UCLA scrambling to schedule a game just 48 hours ahead—there are endless variables.
Why Schedule So Far in Advance?
So, why do universities bother locking in games this far ahead? A few reasons usually pop up:
- Financial Planning: Securing games years ahead helps schools map out budgets and financial strategies.
- Recruiting: High-profile matchups can be eye-catching for recruits.
- Conference Commitments: Conferences often require a certain number of scheduled games.
Still, it’s tough to see how those reasons justify planning 15 years ahead. College football is always changing. What sounds smart now might not mean much at all in 2040.
The Unpredictable Future
One of the biggest issues with scheduling this far in advance? The future’s just too uncertain.
There are so many things that could change between now and then. Let’s take a look at a few.
Changes in University Policies
Universities aren’t static. New leaders come in, policies shift, and sometimes the whole mission changes.
Heck, some folks even speculate Liberty University might not exist by 2040, depending on how things go with ongoing legal issues. If something like that happened, this game would be off the table anyway.
Unforeseen Circumstances
Take the COVID-19 pandemic—it threw everything into chaos. Cal and UCLA had to set up a game with barely two days’ notice, which really showed how much flexibility matters.
When you schedule 15 years out, there’s just not much room to adapt. It feels risky, maybe even reckless.
The Impact on Fans and Players
There’s also the question of how this affects fans and players. They’re the heartbeat of college football, after all.
Fan Engagement
Fans are what make college football special. But who can get excited about a game that’s 15 years away?
The fanbase is bound to change over that kind of stretch. It’s hard to keep people engaged when the payoff is so far off.
Player Considerations
For current players, a game in 2040 might as well be science fiction. They’ll be long gone by then, and the kids who’ll actually play are probably still in elementary school today.
It makes you wonder if this kind of scheduling really makes sense for anyone involved.
Is There a Better Way?
With all these headaches, maybe it’s time to rethink how college football schedules get made. Some ideas come to mind:
- Shorter Scheduling Windows: Maybe stick to a 5-7 year window—enough time to plan, but not so far out that everything changes.
- Flexible Contracts: Build in ways to adapt if things go sideways. That might make long-term deals a bit less risky.
- Increased Coordination: If conferences and schools work together more closely, maybe the whole process could be simpler and smarter.
For more details on this intriguing scheduling decision, you can read the original article on Barstool Sports.
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