The Ryen Russillo Podcast Is NIL Getting Better or Worse? Plus, Matt Leinart on Whether It's Easier to Play Quarterback Now, Travis Hunter, and Caleb Williams’s Struggles.
Sep 25, 2024
Matt Leinart, a former college football star and Heisman winner, joins the conversation about the current state of quarterback play in college football. They dive into the complexities of NIL agreements and how they affect player transfers. Leinart shares his thoughts on the struggles of rising star Caleb Williams and discusses his Heisman favorites for the season. Along the way, they also reflect on the evolving dynamics in the sport and speculate on the future of standout teams and players.
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Heightened Awareness Shapes Perception
- Russillo argues problems feel worse now because awareness and coverage are peaked, not because the underlying trends are universally deteriorating.
- He calls this the "theory of awareness" and says many long-term trends remain overwhelmingly positive.
NIL Creates Disruptive But Manageable Change
- Russillo frames Matthew Sluka leaving UNLV as a gray-area example of NIL/portal disruptions rather than the end of college football.
- He warns more stories like this will occur, changing the sport but not ending it.
The UNLV QB Quote That Sparked Debate
- Russillo recounts reading Sluka's quote claiming representations made to him were not upheld after enrollment.
- He presents both possibilities: being misled on NIL promises or leaving despite team success.