College Football’s Professional Problem Child

The Big 12 has become the latest conference to ban professional athletes from returning to college sports in all disciplines. This decision, made unanimous by the conference, marks another step towards the NCAA regaining control over its own rules.

The recent court order granting athletes from the 2022 class a fifth year of eligibility has created chaos in the system. Conferences such as the Big Ten and SEC have already followed suit with similar bans. The driving force behind these decisions is clear: to protect the integrity of college sports.

The NCAA’s age-based model is no longer viable. The new rules, which grant athletes up to five years of eligibility within a five-year period, are being applied retroactively. This has led to confusion and uncertainty among coaches, players, and administrators alike. In response, conferences like the Big 12 have taken matters into their own hands.

The case of Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, who left their NFL teams to join Lane Kiffin’s roster at LSU, exemplifies the problem. Both players had completed four college seasons and gone pro under the old rules, only to discover they were eligible for a fifth year due to the new court order.

The Big 12’s decision has significant implications for college football as a whole. Conferences will need to revisit their own rules and regulations to ensure compliance with the new NCAA guidelines. Athletes considering leaving for the pros must now weigh the possibility of returning to college sports later on.

This decision highlights the larger issue of amateurism in college sports. As long as athletes can leave and re-enter college football at will, it’s difficult to argue they are truly amateurs. They’re professional athletes being courted by NFL teams and offered significant contracts.

The Big 12’s decision is a necessary step towards addressing this problem, but it’s only a temporary solution. The NCAA must provide clear guidance for athletes, coaches, and administrators alike. Until then, conferences will continue to take action, and college football will remain a chaotic landscape.

The implications of this decision are far-reaching. It’s not just about the money or fame; it’s about the very definition of amateurism in college sports. As long as athletes can leave and re-enter at will, they’re professionals, plain and simple. The NCAA must take a hard look at its rules and regulations to ensure fairness and transparency for all parties involved.