The Future of College Football: Will Major Conferences Break Away from the NCAA?

College football analyst Kirk Herbstreit recently discussed the future of college football in light of the NCAA's legal battle over name, image, and likeness (NIL). A federal judge's ruling has sparked speculation about the potential for top conferences to break away from the NCAA. Herbstreit believes that the NCAA's influence in college football has diminished, and a new governing body led by the major conferences could be on the horizon.

He envisions a scenario where conferences like the Big Ten, SEC, ACC, and Big 12 form their own entity, streamlining decision-making and addressing key issues such as NIL compensation, revenue sharing, and the transfer portal. This approach, according to Herbstreit, could help avoid legal challenges and provide more stability for players and programs.

As discussions around player compensation and autonomy continue to evolve, Herbstreit sees a shift towards a model that resembles the NFL, with players potentially being treated as employees. While acknowledging the importance of academics, he emphasizes the need for a more player-centric approach to college football governance.

Ultimately, Herbstreit suggests that the NCAA's waning power and the changing landscape of college athletics may necessitate the creation of a new world for college football, led by the major conferences. This move could reshape the dynamics of the sport and provide a more sustainable framework for the future.

It's clear that the future of college football is at a crossroads, with key stakeholders grappling with the implications of legal challenges and shifting social norms. As the landscape continues to evolve, the decisions made by conferences and governing bodies will shape the trajectory of the sport for years to come.

Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage and stay updated on the latest developments in the world of college football. Subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter for a weekly recap of all the happenings around the sports world.

Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.

Subscribed

You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter!

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ©2024 FOX News Network, LLC. All rights reserved. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Market data provided by Factset. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Legal Statement. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper.

Read more