College Football Is Shifting. The Game Is Not.
From NIL chaos to Elite 11, a tribute to John Brenkus, and why Capture the Flag still wins
Welcome to the new world order in college football. One we all saw coming... kind of.
Athletes are about to get paid — legally.
NIL is expected to be monitored — legally.
And former stars may finally start to earn their due — somewhat.
Since the first day of NIL back in July 2021, I’ve been in favor of it. I remember it like it was yesterday — Spencer Rattler sitting in a Starbucks launching his OU-branded merchandise, an agent beside him. That moment was the catalyst for me and Joey Roberts to write 5-Star QB, and it’s stayed with me ever since.
That moment has grown into the one we’re all living through now. The stories over the past 48 hours are proof: the game is shifting, fast.
And if we’re being honest — the same group of us who didn’t see realignment coming a decade ago probably didn’t see revenue sharing coming either. I know I didn’t.
But here we are.
As I reflect on what this means, reading the smart work being published across the web and sitting at a café overlooking the Pacific, I keep asking myself: what’s next?
Is it a 60-team super league — “NFL Lite”?
Will the NFL step up and fund a true minor league system?
Will the Power 4 break away?
Will the SEC and Big Ten lead the charge… or leave the rest behind?
I don’t know the answers. But I care. A lot.
I’m not worried about the games we’ll watch every Saturday this fall — I’m concerned about where this sport will be in 2, 4, 6 years.
For every person saying college football is healthy, I’d ask them to look at the programs that can’t operate under full revenue sharing, let alone balance NIL expectations. Or look at the current transfer portal: thousands of athletes without a team. Many without a degree.
And while I don’t have the solution, I also know that’s not my role. But I do hope whoever claims that responsibility delivers, as everyone I talk to in college sports understands the unique time we are in.
In 12 weeks, my role will be to stand on the 50 and call the game we all love.
Because no matter what changes around it, the game itself — 53⅓ yards wide, 120 yards long — remains undefeated.
Until then, I’ll keep learning. And counting the days.
Gone Too Soon
John Brenkus was a friend. We first met like millions of others did with him—through a television screen. A few years later John and I met in person. Over time we became friends — visiting each other’s homes, spending time with our families, and sharing long conversations about life.
His passing is heartbreaking. A reminder to check in — on yourself, and on those you care about.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available.
Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.
If you are missing his voice, take a listen to our conversation from 2018.
What I’m Reading This Summer
I’m on a mission to be on my phone way less than I am during the fall and NFL draft season. So far, so good.
Here’s what’s been helping me put the phone down:
The Daily Dad — My favorite book on fatherhood. Quick daily hits of perspective.
The 5-Minute Journal — A simple gratitude practice that’s had a real impact.
The Anxious Generation — A timely and important read backed by powerful research.
The First Rule of Mastery — Dr. Michael Gervais nails it again. We just did a 2-part AMA on his Finding Mastery podcast if you want to dive deeper.
Youth Sports: A Preview
I’ve been teasing an upcoming piece on youth sports and it’s nearly ready.
In short: I believe this might be the least confident generation of young athletes we’ve ever seen. But I’m also confident that as parents and leaders, we can change that.
Elite 11 is Almost Here
In 10 days I’ll be back at the world’s most prestigious QB event — for my 17th consecutive summer.
I’ll be sitting down with several of the quarterbacks to explore their personal visions, missions, and values. I can’t wait to share their stories with you. Be sure to follow me on Threads.
Orlando Bound
Next week I’m giving the keynote at NACDA for the second year in a row. If you’ve never heard of NACDA, picture thousands of leaders from every college athletic department all in one place.
My talk this year? Chase What Matters. If you’re in Orlando, I hope to see you!
Summer in Full Swing
Our kids are almost done with school, and my wife and I are trying to bring back the vibe of an ‘80s summer.
Earlier this week I explained Capture the Flag to our boys. They were locked in — proof that free fun still works.
If you need a little nudge in that direction, check out my children’s book Finding Free Fun.
Coming in August
I’m genuinely excited about where this newsletter — and Y-Option overall — is headed.
We’re building out a new series around purpose and process that I believe will really resonate, not just during the season, but beyond it. If you haven’t yet, upgrade to the paid version to get access to everything.
We’ve got some meaningful stuff coming your way.
Until next time — much love and stay steady,
Yogi
Very much looking forward to Year Two of Y-Option!
Definitely subscribing!