The NCAA's new 5-for-5 rule, which limits player transfers to five years of eligibility, has sparked debate and raised questions about its impact on college football. While some view it as a necessary measure to control spending and reduce the influence of private NIL deals, others argue that it will lead to a return to the pre-NIL era, where rosters were built through high school recruiting. This shift could result in a significant increase in spending on high school recruits, as teams will need to compensate for the lack of free player movement. The article highlights the irony of the situation, where the NCAA's attempt to regulate spending may inadvertently lead to higher costs for athletic departments. The author emphasizes the importance of collective bargaining with players, a practice that is avoided in college football, and suggests that this could be a solution to the current issues. The 5-for-5 rule may not necessarily level out private NIL deals, but it could lead to a different set of challenges and expenses for college football programs.
