College Football’s Identity Crisis: NIL, Leadership, and Loyalty with Jay Paterno

In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford sits down with Jay Paterno—former Penn State coach, author, and leadership expert—for a candid conversation about the real impact of NIL on college football. From the rise of pay-to-play collectives to leadership failures, mental health pressures, and the erosion of fan loyalty, Jay breaks down what’s actually happening behind the scenes of today’s game.

This isn’t a hot take—it’s a firsthand look at how college football is changing, and why many fans feel the sport they love is slipping away.

Topics Covered:

• Why NIL quickly turned into pay-to-play

• The lack of leadership from the NCAA

• How money is changing locker room dynamics

• Mental health pressure on 18-year-old athletes

• Why fans are losing emotional connection

• What Joe Paterno would’ve done differently

• The future of contracts, transparency, and collective bargaining

• Why winning—not branding—is the real currency
  
  

Key Takeaway:
College football doesn’t have a talent problem—it has a leadership problem.

Guest Bio:
Jay Paterno is a former Penn State assistant football coach, leadership strategist, author, and nationally recognized voice on the evolution of college athletics. Jay brings a rare inside perspective on leadership, culture-building, and the business of college sports.

Beyond coaching, Jay has served as a Penn State University Trustee, giving him firsthand insight into the intersection of athletics, academics, and institutional leadership. He is also a television analyst and host of Nittany Game Week, airing across more than 400 stations in five states.

Today, Jay consults with athletic departments, organizations, and leaders navigating NIL, culture, leadership, and change, while continuing to write and speak on the realities facing modern college football.

Stay up to date with Jay’s work, insights, and appearances:

• 🌐 Website: jvpaterno.com

• 🐦 X / Twitter: @jpaterno

• 📸 Instagram: @jvpaterno

• Interested in his book? Buy directly from his website or Amazon