Name Image Likeness

Prediction: Saban Says CFP, NIL and Transfer Portal Will Drastically Change College Football

Alabama head coach Nick Saban believes the College Football Playoffs, NIL and transfer portal will dramatically change the way the sport is viewed and played.

Kade Kistner

Prediction: Saban Says CFP, NIL and Transfer Portal Will Drastically Change College Football
Prediction: Saban Says CFP, NIL and Transfer Portal Will Drastically Change College Football /

As the College Football Playoff gets underway, starting with Michigan and Alabama, it's worth delving into Nick Saban's comments. 

Saban has historically been vocal about the state of the game, the path forward and what the sport will look like in the coming years. 

As the CFP expands, NIL changes the economic landscape and the transfer portal creates a pseudo free agency, college football will soon look drastically different. That's not lost on Saban. 

“We’re moving in the sort of semi-pro direction in terms of, there’s pay-for-play now. We call it name, image and likeness, but that’s pay-for-play, basically — and I’m all for the players sharing in what’s happening,” Saban said earlier this week. “You’ve got guys transferring from one team to the next at will with very little guidelines as to how to control any of these things, and we’re gonna have a playoff very similar to the NFL.

“And I’m not saying any of those things are bad. I’m just saying they’re all completely changes from what we had five years ago, 10 years ago, whatever.”

Over 1900 athletes have entered the transfer portal so far with another window still to go. NIL deals have made young players independently wealthy and so much to lose is on the table. That doesn't even include the incredible economics behind conference re-alignments and the expansion of the CFP to 12 teams. 

The game which has historically been known for its bowl games has now made many irrelevant. The expansion of the CFP only exacerbates that, something Saban also acknowledged. 

How any of this will affect the sport is still unknown but the effects of NIL and the transfer portal are already being felt. The future may be bright but it may also be unrecognizable. 

As Saban said, NCAA football may be moving towards a semi-pro type of situation. An interesting prediction that may not be that far off. 

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Kade Kistner
KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner—a driving force in sports journalism. Holding the helm as publisher for Sports Illustrated's acclaimed feature, Rodeo Daily, Kade is a seasoned alumnus of Tulane University. His academic journey culminated in a 2017 graduation, marked by a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Following his academic pursuits, Kade embarked on a distinctive path. He answered the call of duty, joining the ranks of the United States Navy. Guided by his aspirations, he honed his skills at Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Florida, ultimately achieving the esteemed position of Naval Aviator. His base of operations was stationed in Jacksonville, Florida—a testament to his dedication and service. Amidst his academic achievements and military commitment, Kade found himself drawn to the world of sports coverage. His byline graced the pages of prestigious platforms such as USA Today, SB Nation, and the revered Sports Illustrated. Within these domains, he tackled the intricate worlds of MLB and NFL, unfurling their stories with a discerning eye. From capturing the essence of the New Orleans Saints to unraveling the narratives of the Texas Rangers, Kade's journalistic prowess shone through. His writing translated the raw data of the sports world into compelling narratives that resonated with readers far and wide. With the turning of seasons, Kade embraced new horizons. He introduced Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs—an endeavor that unveiled the inner workings of these iconic teams. Kade's knack for storytelling transformed team dynamics and player stories into engaging content for avid fans. Engage with Kade on Twitter, where his handle, @KadeKistner, serves as an open invitation to join the conversation. For inquiries or correspondence, he can be reached at kwkistner@gmail.com. Kade Kistner's journey through the multifaceted world of sports and journalism continues to unfold, leaving an indelible mark along the way.