Since the spark of NIL in 2021, it seems like an unprecedented event has occurred every year in college football. Most recently, Ole Miss quarterback won his battle against the NCAA to gain another year of eligibility.
In normal times, if Chambliss had been told no by the NCAA, he’d be preparing for the NFL Combine about now. However, NIL and the rampant transfer portal have created the college football version of free agency.
There’s nothing wrong with student athletes seeking to be compensated for their Name, Image, and Likeness or even revenue sharing. It’s when there is no structure that creates chaos that things create concern.
MORE: Trinidad Chambliss continues to resist being QB2 in the 2026 NFL Draft
Texas A&M head football coach Mike Elko voiced his opinions on the climate of college athletics–specifically college football. His take on things was an interesting one.
“It’s a $1.2B industry with not a singular voice in charge of it making decisions for the betterment of college football,” Elko told On3 Sports. “Until we get that, I think we’re all at risk of this thing not lasting like we want it to last.”
Let me ask you, the reader, something. When you think of the leader of the NFL, who do you think of? Roger Goodell, probably. The NBA? The MLB? What about the NCAA or college football?
More often than not, one will think of a sports league’s commissioner. Sure, divisions in college football have a commissioner like the SEC.
MORE: UNC reports $14M deficit after record athletic spending year
None of the current figures is that true, singular voice like Elko calls for. The NCAA doesn’t have that strong leadership like similar sports entities.
Dec 20, 2025; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies head coach Mike Elko reacts to a call during the game between the Aggies and the Hurricanes at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Granted, some argue the NCAA’s role is changing, and maybe it is on the way to being eliminated. While the NCAA has its controversies, it still has a purpose. It just lacks proper leadership, vision, and needs a refined philosophy.
We are seeing athletic programs report millions in losses in operations. What if this continues? Eventually, the federal government steps in, and then things really get uncomfortable.
MORE: MAC makes big decision impacting the future of their conference
These are unknown waters for college football. Not necessarily the sports world. If the NCAA can find proper leadership to help shape this venture, it should benefit all.
Jan 24, 2026; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti holds up the coaches trophy on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, during the Indiana Football College Football Playoff National Championship celebration and parade at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Grace Hollars-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
At the end of the day, the student-athletes do need freedom to be compensated and will seek their fair share. At the same time, however, there needs to be better processes to help protect them.
Protect them from predatory NIL deals, predatory recruiting tactics, and most importantly, themselves. These are still kids who haven’t been legal adults for long. They need guidance and leadership.
Strong leadership that the NCAA and college football currently lack.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —
OLYMPICS: 2026 Winter Olympics medal count, standings entering February 17
NFL: Tyreek Hill makes hilarious first move after Dolphins release
CBB: 2026 college basketball rankings, updated AP Top 25 after Week 15
MLB: Tigers infielder from Taiwan apologizes to Koreans after trash talk goes viral
SPORTS MEDIA: College Hall of Famer, father of Chicago Bulls coach, diesVIRAL: Chloe Kim ‘obsessed’ with $100k gift from NFL star Myles Garrett after Olympics
The post Does the NCAA, college football lack leadership? appeared first on The Big Lead.