College Football's Big Changes: A Coach's Call to Action

College football is in a state of flux, and one former player is stepping up to suggest some major changes. Greg McElroy, who once played quarterback for Alabama, has some ideas on how to fix two big issues in the sport: the transfer portal and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. The transfer portal has become a hot topic in college football. It allows players to switch teams more easily, but it can also cause chaos. McElroy thinks the portal should only be open in May. He believes this would give players more time to make thoughtful decisions instead of rushing into a move out of fear or frustration. He even shared a personal story about how he might have left Alabama if the portal had been open when his coach was fired. That hasty decision could have cost him a chance to win a championship. McElroy's idea makes sense, especially when you look at teams like Alabama. They lost over 20 players to the transfer portal after a disappointing season. While some might blame the coach, the portal certainly played a role in their struggles. But McElroy didn't stop at the transfer portal. He also has thoughts on NIL deals. These deals allow players to make money off their name, image, and likeness, but they can also create a lot of confusion. McElroy wants to see a standard contract that all schools follow. This would prevent schools from offering crazy deals to snag top players, like the $10. 5 million contract Michigan offered Bryce Underwood. McElroy's idea could help level the playing field, especially for smaller programs. He suggests finding a way to support these programs, whether they're in the Group of Five, FCS, D2, or D3. This could help ensure that all players have the same opportunities, not just those at big-name schools. Of course, all of this depends on Nick Saban and Cody Campbell, who are co-chairing a new college sports commission. They have the power to make these changes happen, but will they? Only time will tell.