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‘It’s amazing’: Urban Meyer has changed the way he views NIL and transfer portal

Former Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer has revised his initial skepticism about the impact of NIL and the transfer portal on college football, admitting his earlier predictions were off the mark. Meyer, now a Fox Sports analyst, had anticipated that elite programs like Alabama and Georgia would further dominate the sport under these new rules, but he now sees a surprising shift toward greater parity.

After witnessing top-ranked teams suffer consecutive losses—including the AP Poll No. 1 team dropping twice in a row—Meyer noted the blurred lines between powerhouse programs and mid-tier teams, citing UCLA’s undefeated season as a prime example of this new dynamic.

His remarks came during a discussion with Colin Cowherd, where he highlighted how the transfer portal and NIL deals have leveled the playing field, making it harder to distinguish between programs based solely on traditional hierarchies.

While Meyer embraces the changes, not all figures in college sports share his enthusiasm. Former Alabama coach Nick Saban has been vocal about his concerns, advocating for stricter regulations through the Protect College Sports Act.

Saban argues that unchecked NIL and transfer portal activity risk destabilizing college athletics financially, potentially forcing cuts to academic programs or non-revenue sports to sustain the system. His stance contrasts sharply with Meyer’s evolving perspective, underscoring the ongoing debate over how to balance financial opportunities for athletes with the long-term stability of college sports.

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