Most people feel that a massive shakeup in the structure of college football is on the horizon.
With all of the conference realignments and downright purging that’s taken place, we keep hearing that a “Super League” will inevitably take over the sport.
Now, that idea of a Super League is gaining more and more traction.
Several college presidents are trying to implement a drastically new system that would replace the NCAA and the College Football Playoff dubbed by outsiders as a “Super League”.@AndrewMarchand and @slmandel on how the proposed league would look ⤵️https://t.co/bJxMGPqAIO pic.twitter.com/FCV4CoKlox
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) April 3, 2024
According to a report by The Athletic, a group of influential figures have put forward a bold proposition to try and create their version of a Super League once and for all.
The group has ties to Roger Goodell and the NFL which tells you that there is some serious weight behind their plans.
NEWS: A Group of College Presidents + Sports Executives are proposing a College Football “Super League” of 80 schools.
This is to pay players, collectively bargain, and increase revenue.
“The current model for college athletics is dead.”
Per @AndrewMarchand and @slmandel pic.twitter.com/6adNZKpsoO
— College Football Report (@CFBRep) April 3, 2024
As ESPN college football insider Pete Thamel pointed out, there is a serious “weakness” within the current NCAA structure and power groups are planning behind the scenes to take full advantage.
In other words, there’s blood in the water and the sharks are circling…
.@PeteThamel talked to @PatMcAfeeShow about the questions surrounding the future of college sports. pic.twitter.com/xSR9DUza79
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) April 4, 2024
Specifically, the proposed Super League would comprise the top 70 programs, encompassing every Power Five school, Notre Dame, and SMU, as permanent members.
“The perpetual members would be in seven 10-team divisions, joined by an eighth division of teams that would be promoted from the second tier,” The Athletic reported.
“The 50-plus second-division teams would have the opportunity to compete their way into the upper division, creating a promotion system similar to the structure in European football leagues … The 70 permanent teams would never be in danger of moving down, while the second division would have the incentive of promotion and relegation.”
“The playoffs would not require a selection committee, as the eight division winners and eight wild cards from the top tier would go to the postseason. The wild-card spots would be determined by record and tiebreakers, much like the NFL.”
.@DilfersDimes on why a college football super league seems "inevitable." pic.twitter.com/lki53Z0G1O
— Jim Rome (@jimrome) April 3, 2024
The idea of promotion and relegation is fascinating. It’s a nice competitive wrinkle that many soccer leagues have.
“So what can hold up things like this or what can stop change is the one thing that happens a lot, especially with guys — ego.”@golic & @mikegolicjr discussed the rumored college football “Super League” on @GoJoandGolic. pic.twitter.com/mqQhSEmy1k
— DraftKings Network (@DKNetwork) April 4, 2024
Of course, all of this is much easier said than done.
The playoff field is expanding to 12-teams this season – and eventually to 14. Plus, multiple record-breaking television contracts were recently signed securing SEC and Big Ten rights.
What would a Super League mean for those plans?
Speaking of the two power conferences, as an alternative, some believe that there will soon be a day where the SEC and Big Ten expand MUCH deeper and create a “have” (them) and “have not” (every other conference) in college football.
(In many ways, we’re almost at that point.)
College Football's Realistic Super League? The Future of the Sport, Big Ten, SEC@AndrewMarchand from @TheAthletic joins @Andy_Staples to discuss the future of college football and what an actual "Super League" may look like pic.twitter.com/QMlp36YBt5
— On3 VIDEO (@On3Video) April 4, 2024
What are your thoughts on the new proposed Super League?
Does it have a chance of actually happening?
What changes – if any – would you make to the proposal?
In the bigger picture, what exactly does the future hold for college football???
Do it. College football would be wildly entertaining with a Super League.
No more Ohio State-Youngstown, Penn State-Delaware, Alabama-Mercer.
Every Saturday would be flooded with premier match-ups from Noon to Midnight. https://t.co/KYqbAGzMdE
— Sekrah (@sekrah) April 4, 2024