College Sports at a Crossroads: NIL, Transfers, and the Future of the Game

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 196 - College Sports at a Crossroads: NIL, Transfers, and the Future of the Game

The 2026 season of Church Pew Sports kicks off with a wide-ranging conversation about the rapidly changing world of college athletics—and what those changes teach us about life, leadership, and faith. As Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and the transfer portal continue to reshape college football and basketball, the traditional idea of amateurism has all but disappeared. What's emerged instead looks more like a minor league system, raising serious questions about fairness, regulation, and sustainability.

This episode explores how NIL has leveled the playing field, particularly impacting power conferences like the SEC, while exposing the lack of clear rules governing college sports. From unchecked player movement to ballooning coaching contracts, the current model feels increasingly chaotic and costly. The conversation also dives into transparency—why it was necessary, what it has fixed, and what it may have broken along the way.

The episode closes with encouragement rooted in sportsmanship, perseverance, and perspective. Whether it's celebrating hard work, respecting competition, or embracing challenges instead of shortcuts, the lessons extend far beyond the field. Church Pew Sports continues its mission of connecting sports to life and faith—helping listeners navigate change with wisdom, humility, and purpose.

This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup:

Bill Hobson

David Collins

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