Stephen Tsai: College football better with the freedom of movement, and pay

The landscape of college football has evolved significantly with the introduction of freedom of movement for players and the ability to earn money through name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals. These changes have empowered student-athletes with greater autonomy over their careers and financial opportunities. The transfer portal now enables players to switch schools more easily, providing them with the chance to seek better playing time or academic fits. Meanwhile, NIL deals allow athletes to capitalize on their popularity, offering financial benefits that were previously unavailable. These developments are reshaping the balance of power in college football and influencing recruiting strategies and team dynamics.