The Varsity College Football Gone Wild
Nov 30, 2025
Ross Dellinger, a Senior college football writer at Yahoo Sports, shares his insights on the chaotic landscape of college football. He discusses the skyrocketing N.I.L. costs and how athletic departments are struggling financially. The conversation delves into the potential for a super league and the rising tensions between powerful conferences like the SEC and Big Ten. Ross also predicts that the College Football Playoff could expand from 12 to 16 teams as dynamics shift in the sport. Expect a mix of financial strategies and political maneuvering shaping the future of college athletics.
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NIL Escalation And Looming Friction
- NIL has exploded: top football rosters grew from $5–7M to $25–40M in three years.
- Ross Dellinger expects continued growth and legal/organizational friction around booster limits.
Congress As The Default Backstop
- College athletics is actively seeking Congress to impose rules and protections.
- Dellinger says either Congress acts or schools will pursue collective bargaining or breakaway solutions.
Super League Is Likely A Distant Step
- A full Super League of 30–40 teams feels politically and legally fraught.
- Dellinger expects a narrower subgroup (the four power leagues and ~70 teams) to lead change first.