Own the group chat with The Weekender, highlighting the biggest stories in college sports, standout writing from Eleven Warriors, and a glance at what's next.
Five-Star Apple Cart Upset
Speaking ahead of their meeting in the College Football Playoff Championship Monday night, Alabama coach Nick Saban and Georgia coach Kirby Smart called for tighter regulation of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) programs.
Saban, the most successful coach of the modern era, is worried about NIL benefits being used to recruit players.
"I don't think that was the intention," Saban said. "I don't think that would be the NCAA's intention. I think we probably need some kind of national legislation to sort of control that to some degree because I think there will be an imbalance relative to who can dominate college football if that's not regulated in some form or fashion."
Smart, for his part, was worried about the poor have-nots of the college football world.
"You're going to have the haves and have nots, and the separation that is already there is going to grow larger," Smart said. "The schools that have the capacity and the ability and are more competitive in the NIL market are going to be schools that step ahead on top of other schools. So I don't want (recruiting) decisions to be based on that, but ultimately a lot of young men want to make their decision based on that."
Man, that's refreshing to hear Saban and Smart so concerned about schools that don't have the resources of the Alabamas and Georgias of the world. It probably has nothing to do with the NIL machine that Texas A&M boosters are spinning up, helping the Aggies to sign one of the greatest recruiting classes of all time with a rumored $30 million on the line (with constant plans to expand operations).
Fans of other schools – even one very close to home – are also looking to get in on the action.
For everyone asking me about timing of my charitable nil fund for @OhioStAthletics studentsI will be launching it by the Spring Game, but can announce tonight that my great friend @CJ1two will be running it with me!
— Brian Schottenstein (@DaSchott) January 8, 2022
This is really simple: Nick Saban likes control. NIL presents too many variables (at the moment) for Saban.
Harbaugh to the NFL Just Won't Die
Bruce Feldman's bombshell report indicating Jim Harbaugh might be “tempted to leave” Michigan for the NFL is still alive and well, folks.
Harbaugh told Top247 signee of plan to entertain NFL options. #Michigan #GoBlue (VIP) https://t.co/izRcZjKcPq pic.twitter.com/J93gir2p0W
— Sam Webb (@SamWebb77) January 7, 2022
On one hand, you gotta admire his honesty. On the other … yeesh, that honesty might not be the best approach on the recruiting trail.
Adding to Michigan fan misery, Michigan fan site The Wolverine reported that Harbaugh had “gone quiet” with Michigan's administration.
Big Ten Hoops is Once Again Loaded
The Big Ten always seems to punch hard when it comes to men's basketball. This season, the league is packed with many of the best players in the game, including Ohio State's own E.J. Liddell.
Update: 6 of the Top 10 in KPOY are from the Big Ten pic.twitter.com/V7K5adwQbL
— Jeff (BPredict) (@BPredict) January 4, 2022
Yeah, good luck picking the 2021-22 All-Big Ten Team.
ICYMI
Ryan Day is a Killer (in a Good Way)
Johnny Ginter on why Ohio State head coach Ryan Day has been quick to make staff changes when needed. Something his predecessors weren't always eager to do.
Tanner McCallister is Ready to Contribute
Dan Hope spoke with safety Tanner McCalister after he announced his intention to transfer from Oklahoma State to Ohio State, reuniting with his defensive coordinator, Jim Knowles. Man, let's run it back, indeed.
“Route Man Marv”
Marvin Harrison Jr. doesn't just have a top-shelf nickname. The wide receiver has a promising future with the Buckeyes after going off for three touchdowns in the Rose Bowl.
