The world of college football is undergoing seismic shifts, with the NIL era and the impending 12-team playoff format at the forefront. What was once a sport built on passion for the game, team culture, and school loyalty is now evolving into an arena where money talks loudest. Ohio State quarterback Will Howard and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith are emblematic of this new era, offering contrasting glimpses into the sport’s changing identity.
“Will Howard: A Traditionalist Navigating a Changing Landscape”
For Will Howard, the NIL era represents a stark departure from the college football he grew up watching. A transfer from Kansas State to Ohio State in early 2024, Howard lamented the state of recruitment in a candid interview on November 19:
“When I got to college, guys were still getting recruited based on their stars, and there wasn’t any money involved. It was where you felt like it was the best fit. Now guys are throwing bags of money at freshmen. It’s crazy, man. It’s a whole different atmosphere.”
Despite his concerns, Howard isn’t blind to the opportunities NIL offers. With an impressive $1.5 million NIL valuation, he benefits from the very system he critiques. However, Howard insists his decision to join Ohio State was not driven by money but by ambition: “The goal I have is to win a national championship. I want to go be a starting quarterback in the NFL; Ohio State gives me a chance to make a jump and leap into that conversation.”
His recent performance backs up his lofty aspirations. In a commanding 31-7 win over Northwestern, Howard threw for 247 yards and two touchdowns, helping the Buckeyes improve to 9-1 on the season. While he navigates the NIL era with a traditionalist’s perspective, Howard’s play ensures he remains a central figure in the sport’s evolution.
“Jeremiah Smith: Fame, Fortune, and Football”
On the other side of the NIL spectrum lies Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State’s standout wide receiver, whose own $1.5 million valuation raises eyebrows and questions. Is it his NIL worth, his net worth, or simply a projection? Regardless, Smith’s rise reflects the financial realities of college football today.
Smith’s talent on the field is undeniable, but his story highlights a growing trend: the intertwining of athletic performance and financial opportunity. Players like Smith aren’t just athletes anymore—they’re brands, managing million-dollar valuations before even stepping onto an NFL field.
“Has College Football Lost Its Soul?”
The introduction of NIL deals has sparked a philosophical debate among fans, players, and coaches. For traditionalists like Howard, the influx of money risks stripping the sport of its authenticity. The days of choosing a school based on its coach, culture, or championship potential seem to be fading, replaced by bidding wars and skyrocketing valuations.
Yet, others argue that NIL is simply the new reality. College athletes, long excluded from profiting off their own likenesses, are finally getting a piece of the billion-dollar industry they power. For players like Smith, NIL offers a chance to secure their future while playing the game they love.
The question remains: does NIL signify the loss of college football’s soul, or is it a necessary evolution in a sport driven by money at every other level?
“What’s Next for College Football?”
As the sport heads deeper into the NIL era and the expanded playoff format, players like Howard and Smith will define the next chapter. Whether college football can strike a balance between tradition and progress is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the game will never be the same.
For fans and players alike, the challenge is to embrace this new reality while holding onto what made college football special in the first place—the passion, the rivalries, and the pursuit of greatness.
