The NIL discussion on “College Gameday” gives Kirk Herbstreit cause for criticism

On Saturday, the College Gameday cast openly expressed their complaints about the current NIL system. However, this in turn led to Kirk Herbstreit facing criticism for his comments.

The topic of NIL was heavily discussed during Week 5 of College Gameday, as the crew also specifically discussed UNLV quarterback Matthew Sluka's decision to transfer from the program due to a failed NIL deal.

Later, the current NIL system as a whole was discussed, with people like Nick Saban and Kirk Herbstreit commenting that the system was ruining college football tradition.

“Well, I just think we need a manageable system,” Saban said. “I think all the ideas we have presented here will give us a manageable system. But someone has to understand how important this is. The passion we have for college football across the country and everywhere we go is too important not to have a system that works for the players and the competitive spirit of the game.”

“Yeah, I think we’ve said it enough,” Herbstreit said. “The players… We're all for them getting paid. But we are not in favor of players having full control. I think we've gone from an extreme where players didn't have much control to an extreme where players now have full control. There has to be some responsibility for the players. I feel like some players are accepting college, which for me means a four-year extension. This is a big decision for her academically, in her relationships, and in her future.

“I feel like we’re teaching these kids. It's almost like a 7-on-7 all-star team. And they miss what those relationships can be. The NFL is great. But once that's done, you need a place to feel at home. These boys won’t have a home because they bounce around too much.”

“The passion that we have for college football across this country and everywhere we go is too important not to have a system that works for the players and the competitive spirit of the game…Some type of revenue sharing system… That’s what we need.” – Nick Saban pic.twitter.com/H7GH5wBgyH

– Awful Announcement (@awfulanncreasing) September 28, 2024

This was just part of the conversation, which can be heard in full on the ESPN College Football YouTube channel.

Saban and Herbstreit make many good arguments here that, thanks to the current rules of the transfer portal, players can largely transfer to the school that is currently offering the most money.

However, there are a few other factors to consider. College coaches can also leave their current jobs at any time for other duties, which has resulted in countless players no longer having the coach they originally signed up for.

This exact situation happens all the time in college football. So it's fair to ask why players can't do exactly the same thing they're currently doing through the transfer portal.

While some agreed with Saban and Herbstreit, others had a completely different opinion and took to social media to express their opinions about why they disagreed.

“Terrible to say that out loud,” wrote Mike Ryan of Meadowlark Media. “What control do they have? The NCAA is fighting to maintain its control and opts for an 80/20 split without collectively negotiating that split. Are the players in full control? GameDay embarrassed itself with the water of the NCAA.”

Horrible to say that out loud. What control do they have? The NCAA is fighting to maintain its control and opts for an 80/20 split without collectively negotiating that split. Are the players in full control? GameDay embarrassed itself with the NCAA water https://t.co/ed1l9V3BQK

— Mike Ryan (Ruiz) 🙌🏽 (@MichaelRyanRuiz) September 28, 2024

“Herbstreit emphasizes the importance of a four-year decision,” wrote Steven Godfrey of the Washington Post. “One of Herbstreit’s children moved from Clemson to Ohio State because transferring is a completely normal and acceptable move. His willingness to buy into this lie is so great because he has never stuck to anything he says.”

Herbstreit emphasizes the importance of a four-year decision; One of Herbstreit's children transferred from Clemson to Ohio State – because changing schools is a completely normal, acceptable move. His willingness to go into these rakes is so great because he never followed through… https://t.co/5gk3Jzr27z

— Steven Godfrey (@38Godfrey) September 28, 2024

Obviously, NIL is an issue on which there will simply be completely different viewpoints. But regardless, Herbstreit didn't leave Week 5 college game day without a slew of critics.

(Terrible announcement on X)