In a world where college football has become a wild, wild west of rule-breaking and money-driven decisions, Steve Sarkisian, the head coach at Texas, has had enough. He's taking a stand against the chaotic culture that has engulfed the sport, and his words are a scorching indictment of the current state of affairs.
Sarkisian, a former coach at USC and an assistant to the legendary Nick Saban at Alabama, has seen it all. He's witnessed the sport's descent into a free-for-all, where common sense is a hostage to financial interests and the rules are mere suggestions. In his eyes, the game has lost its way, and he's not afraid to speak up.
"I try my best to not get consumed with how bad it is," Sarkisian says, but the truth is, the situation is dire. The sport has become a battleground for power and money, with little regard for the principles it was built on. The transfer portal, NIL deals, and academic standards have all been sacrificed at the altar of profit.
One of Sarkisian's biggest concerns is the College Football Playoff (CFP) and its selection committee. He believes the current system is flawed, favoring certain conferences and ignoring the impact of strength of schedule. The proposed expansion to 24 teams, he argues, will only exacerbate the problem, further diluting the quality of the playoff and increasing the influence of polls.
"The committee doesn't have the bandwidth to watch that many games," Sarkisian points out. "They copy the media and coaches' polls, and that's a problem. We need transparency and a better selection process."
But it's not just the CFP that has Sarkisian worried. The entire culture of college football is in disarray. Free player movement has led to a lack of continuity and development, with players using their value to play schools off each other. Some succeed, but others find themselves in a purgatory portal, their scholarships gone and their futures uncertain.
"It's an unholy game," Sarkisian says. "Schools are forced to play it, and those with financial might have an unfair advantage."
The academic standards, once a cornerstone of college sports, have also taken a backseat. Sarkisian highlights the example of Ole Miss, where players can transfer and still receive credit for easy courses, unlike at Texas. It's a stark reminder of the inequities that exist between institutions.
As for the NCAA, Sarkisian is scathing in his assessment. He believes the organization has lost control, unable to enforce rules or provide any fear of consequences. From breakfast bagel workarounds to blatant tampering, the governing body has failed to keep up with the sport's wild west mentality.
"There's no fear in college football right now. People do whatever they want, and that's a problem," he says.
Sarkisian's solution? A return to a four-team playoff, with conferences running their own playoffs to determine the participants. He wants a more thoughtful approach, one that considers the unintended consequences of decisions. He's calling for a reset, a chance to rethink the sport's future before it's too late.
"We need to think outside the box," he urges. "Adding more teams is not the answer. We've got to get back to the fundamentals and remember why we love this game."
In a sport where money talks and rules are optional, Sarkisian's voice is a much-needed reminder of the values that should matter most. His words are a rallying cry for those who want to see college football return to its roots, where academics and fair play are prioritized over profits and power.
"It's time for a change," he concludes. "And it starts with us."
A powerful statement from a coach who's seen it all, and a call to action for those who care about the future of college football.
