THINKtank: Smaller is Better?

EDITORIAL

February 17, 2026

College athletics, specifically football, is spiraling out of control. The NCAA is no longer the governing body of college sports. Conference realignment, NIL, Transfer Portal and the courts have neutered that organization.

There is eminent danger of it getting worse. Why?

OVER EXPOSURE.

History has shown us that when a sport over exposes its product, it begins a slow but steady decline in the eyes of the public. It has happened to every top sport. Take NASCAR, MLB, PGA Golf, Olympics, and Tennis. They simply over exposed their product to the point of “nothing is special anymore.” Sure, most are still doing well, but each has hit their peak in popularity.

Is college football at the point? There are warning signs.

Average attendance at games continues to decline. Fan bases must now travel thousands of miles to away games thanks to conference realignment. Team identities have disappeared thanks to the Transfer Portal and NIL. The Courts have divided long-time conference relationships. The Bowl Games are a shadow of their former selves. Bowls are beginning to close down.

Is it time to close down the NCAA?

Start over with fresh blood leadership with bold, creative ideas? Can the universities take back control of the athletic programs? All good questions.

This series will examine the possibilities that could save college athletics.

GO CANES!