#247 College Football's "Meaningless" Bowl Games Aren't Going Anywhere
Jan 3, 2024
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Exploring the impact of player transfers and NFL draft opt-outs on bowl games, proposing solutions to address declining fan excitement, discussing the economics and value of certain bowl games to TV networks.
Bowl games continue to have strong financial incentives and viewership support despite concerns over player opt-outs.
Player opt-outs due to transfer portal and NFL draft prep have led to decreased game quality.
Deep dives
College Football Changes Over Years
College football has undergone significant changes, moving from the BCS era to a 13-person committee and a 14 playoff system, along with introducing the name image and likeness policy and the transfer portal. These changes have been both praised and criticized, leading to discussions about the relevance of bowl games and the impact on student-athletes.
Impact of Opt-Outs on Bowl Games
The increase in opt-outs, driven by players entering the transfer portal and preparing for the NFL draft, has significantly affected the quality of bowl games. High-profile teams like Georgia and Florida State experienced major opt-outs, leading to lopsided results in games that were once highly anticipated. Despite calls for solutions such as delaying the transfer portal or paying players for bowl appearances, the financial incentives and viewership numbers continue to support the existing system, indicating that significant changes are unlikely in the near future.
With the introduction of a 4-team playoff, NIL regulation, and an open transfer portal, many college football fans are saying bowl games have become meaningless. But the data tells a different story, so today’s podcast breaks down why these games aren’t going anywhere.