I saw a thing on ESPN about the transfer portal.
Over 70% of players entering the portal are doing so for financial reasons.
They change schools for more playing time. More playing time = More $.
They're essentially free agents seeking out the best deal.
Another part was transferring to a smaller school so they'd be a stud player. The best linebacker not the 3rd best. The pool of money is smaller, but they get a bigger slice. Still means more money.
For players transferring for non-financial reasons, they move for culture, weather, to change majors, etc. That was around 5% of transfers.
In 2024, 30 something Division I athletic departments hired a general manager to manage the finances of either the football or men's basketball programs. 30 something just this year.
Adrian Wojnorwski left ESPN to become the GM at his alma mater's basketball program! He was a reporter for the biggest sports organization on the planet, and he moved because the school needed him & they were offering him a salary he couldn't decline.
It's been big business for 40 years, at least. It's just bigger now with fewer illusions of amateurism.
Unlike you, I have never been a college football fan. It's a slower, inferior game being played by kids in highly corrupted systems. Everyone was getting rich except the players.
At least the transparency reduces the corruption a bit. But, the game is still the minor league feeder for the NFL.
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