College football’s changed a lot in the last few years. The NCAA transfer portal and the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policy have shaken things up in ways nobody saw coming.
These shifts have turned college football into a multi-billion dollar business. Transfer numbers are through the roof, and players are cashing in on NIL deals like never before.
All of this has made the sport feel a bit unpredictable. If you want to dig deeper into these changes, check out the article here.
The Evolution of the Transfer Portal
The transfer portal first appeared on October 15th, 2018. Suddenly, players could switch schools with a lot more freedom.
This new system gave athletes more say in their own futures. They could chase better playing time or simply look for a situation that fit them better.
Record-Breaking Numbers
Last spring, 3,900 Division 1 players entered the transfer portal. That’s the most ever in NCAA history.
Clearly, more athletes are willing to bet on themselves and find a school where they can really shine. Take Richie Hoskins, for example—a Lake Forest High School grad who started at Middlebury College in Vermont.
He jumped into the portal and ended up walking on at Vanderbilt University. “The factors leading to my decision to transfer from Middlebury to walk-on at Vanderbilt were mainly associated with my passion to play football at the highest level,” Hoskins said.
Impact on Team Chemistry
The portal isn’t all upside, though. Teams can feel a bit unsettled when players are coming and going so often.
Still, Hoskins pointed out that Vanderbilt’s managed to keep a strong sense of brotherhood. “The mission is winning, and all who come here to serve that purpose are welcome,” he said.
The Rise of NIL in College Football
On July 1st, 2021, the NCAA let players profit from their name, image, and likeness. That move turned college sports into an even bigger business, almost overnight.
Financial Windfall
This season alone, $1.9 billion in NIL money is up for grabs. On average, players are making close to $40,000 a year.
It’s a huge opportunity for athletes to make money while still in school. But it’s not all smooth sailing. “NIL has had quite an impact on the college football experience. It has offered incredible benefit to the individual; however, it has created some issues for teams as a whole,” Hoskins said.
When money gets involved, sometimes players feel entitled, and that can mess with team vibes, especially in the offseason.
Impact on Smaller Schools
NIL hasn’t helped everyone equally. The gap between big and small programs is growing.
Finn Goodman, another Lake Forest High School alum and a walk-on at Purdue, sees it firsthand. “NIL has impacted my team and all other big schools around the country, but also the smaller schools because now they can’t keep up in the race as they don’t have the money to bring in bigger recruits,” Goodman explained.
Real-Life Examples and Success Stories
Richie Hoskins’ story is a pretty good example of how the portal and NIL can work out. He went from Middlebury to Vanderbilt, worked his way up, and is now a captain and one of the SEC’s top slot receivers, with 268 yards and two touchdowns this season.
Finn Goodman’s making progress at Purdue, too. He’s using NIL opportunities while moving up the depth chart. “I think it’s good that players are paid, but sometimes it can disrupt a player or team when all they are focused on is money,” Goodman said.
Conclusion
The transfer portal and NIL have changed college football in ways nobody saw coming. There are obvious perks, but let’s be honest, it’s not all smooth sailing—teams and players face a whole new set of headaches.
Curious about the nitty-gritty of how NIL and the transfer portal are shaking things up? You can dig deeper by checking out the full article here.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
