Big Changes in the NCAA
Before I get to the main focus of my post today, I wanted to point out that school softball season is officially at an end. My oldest niece finished up her first year of University ball about a week ago and as of last night, my other niece who plays had her final high school game of the season.
Their team once again came up short against their opponent, but despite their bad luck, my niece has been taking advantage of every second she spends on the field. She batted 1.000 last night going three for three. It was an awesome showing for her. I hope she can continue to hit as well during summer ball with her travel team.
As I mentioned in the title though, there are big things going on in the NCAA that we need to talk about.
First off, the transfer portal. I don't remember this being as big of a deal in the past, but it seems like in just the last year so many players are taking advantage of the transfer portal. Michigan State has lost at lest two or three players so far and the same is true for Michigan.
It seems to be an epidemic that is spreading across the nation. One of the latest transfers from Michigan is Hunter Dickenson. I honestly can't stand the guy, so I won't be shedding any tears there, but it is interesting his reasons for leaving.
Apparently, it sounds like he was getting some better offers for NIL (Name Image and Likeness) from other colleges. I'm on the fence about that. I guess it is the old way of thinking where you make a commitment to something and you stick with it because it is the right thing to do. Whether it is a job or playing for a team.
These days it seems that young folks are just looking out for themselves and what will benefit them the most. That isn't entirely a bad thing, we don't want anyone getting taken advantage of, but it also just doesn't sit quite well with me.
Finally, starting in the 2024 and 2025 seasons, the NCAA football playoff will be expanding to 12 teams. Instead of those top teams being determined by some random popularity contest, they will be determined by the top four conference champions. Then, there will be an additional top six at large bids and the two highest ranked remaining conference champions.
It's going to take time to see if this is really going to be the final answer we have been looking for, but it is at least a step and that is better than continuing the way we had been.
It sounds like the rankings will still rely a little bit on the polls, but this should at least let some of those bubble teams squeak in and have a chance to prove they belong there. In the past, those teams have just been left sitting on the sidelines.
This could also shift the balance of players who actually participate in the bowl games. In the recent past we have seen players decline to play because they wanted to stay healthy for the NFL combine. Playing for the national title might make them reconsider that line of thought.
For better or worse.
Personally, I am looking forward to seeing how this all plays out. It will be nice to see more than just the same four teams playing towards the title every year.
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Yes, the day of seeing Boise State embarrassing one of those big names is coming.
For sure! It's going to happen and I am going to love every minute of it. Especially if it happens to be Alabama!
I like the fact that your niece is still able to do something reasonable on field even though they defeated her team.
Yeah, she is quite talented. I am very proud of her!
No matter what they do there is going to be crying about the AP / coaches poll determining who the top 12 are but honestly... with thousands of teams in contention what else can they possibly do? Will politics play a role? Yeah, of course. In the end it is still going to be a lot more exciting than having no idea who the best in the country is though and they are going to love the ratings and revenue that this will bring in.
I think the way they do the Basketball playoffs is pretty solid. Sure, some of it is all about rankings, but being able to win an automatic bid with a conference tournament win is a start.