The NCAA's new 5-for-5 rule, which limits player transfers and aims to curb exorbitant private NIL deals, is a misguided attempt to 'save' college football. While the intention is to level the playing field, the reality is that it will lead to a shift in spending, with athletic departments turning to high school recruiting and paying significantly more for recruits. This rule will rob Peter to pay Paul, as it doesn't address the root cause of the issue: the lack of collective bargaining with players. Instead, it creates a new set of problems, including dead money on rosters and a suffocation of the out-of-nowhere magic that has characterized the NIL era. The NCAA's fear of collective bargaining is misguided, and the solution lies in allowing players to collectively bargain, which would lead to a more sustainable and equitable system for all involved.
