THE FUTURE IS DISRUPTED, NOT DESTROYED

Not everyone is a fan of such changes. Hardcore college sports fans feel the lack of amateurism is ruining the intense competition they’ve enjoyed for over a century.

Some such complaints may just be short term ones as changes get made.

“There’s a difference between disruption and destruction, right now they have to figure out how this will work,” said Fellenzer. “Some people have the point of view that it’s not helping the people that it’s intended to, it’s not helping enough people, but it’s helping some, and isn’t that better than nothing this early on?”

Two athletes with household names added to the disruption in 2023. Bronny James and Arch Manning have yet to set foot in a college classroom, but the second they do, the NIL deals they have lined up will likely make both of them top-three earners in the new era because they’re related to LeBron James and Peyton and Eli Manning.

Fellenzer believes this disruption can show NIL’s potential, especially as rules and guidelines become clearer.

“We’re still writing the rules, so who knows what this will look like in the future,” Fellenzer said, “but I think the basic premise that athletes can capitalize on who they are and what they represent is a solid principle.”

Fellenzer, Schrader and Simpson all agree that one change they’re waiting to see is college athletes earning salaries.

“A friend of mine gave a speech about athletes getting paid for their hard work and labor, and I 100% agree,” said Simpson. “The time and effort we put in, there’s not time to work a 9 to 5 or work another job on the side to make money.”

Regardless of the controversy surrounding this new era, it’s here to stay. While there are some bumps in the road, paying college athletes has only been beneficial and will continue to improve.