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There is a lot going on in college football. USC is trying to regain their place in the sport in terms of modern-day contexts. In terms of historical significance and the power of the Trojan emblem, the university continues to be a top school in the NCAA. Only the record as of late has not matched that of some of the past teams that have walked through the Coliseum.

An excellent example of a familiar face from a past, more successful era is LenDale White. The former running back won back-to-back titles and was on the team that came close to achieving a three-peat.

The retired player sat down with The Coach JB and Big Smitty Show and discussed part of why he joined USC and why he believes the Trojans are close to being annual contenders again.

For White, he knew that the power and connection of being a member of the USC football team would go further than anywhere else. Not to mention that he played on a roster that had an embarrassment of riches in the RB room alone.

From Joe McKnight to Reggie Bush, USC brought in top talent at all positions and was the force to be reckoned with on a national level.

While the program has taken a sizable dip since the days of coach Pete Carroll, White believes that there is a resurgence happening now under coach Lincoln Riley. According to him, it starts with the current recruiting classes and how the staff is winning those battles. It won’t be too long before the future wins also translate to increases in the win column.

White did discuss an important difference between when he was a player and now. NIL gets a lot of attention, but the transfer portal affects the relationship with players in a different way between them and their schools.

As mentioned, White played in a great position group room. In today’s era, most likely, many would have sought the door after the first season or had flipped on a commitment once finding out who their teammates would be.

Certainly, there are positive cases of the transfer portal, and athletes have benefitted from this newfound freedom. It does, however, give a bad look when the only apparent reason for transferring out is due to lack of initial playing time or fear of competition at the same position.

Important distinction mentioned by former USC player

That’s something that was not as readily an option back in the day compared to now. Again, all circumstances have individual factors to consider. There is something to be said for sticking with a program and fighting for a spot and earning playing time after learning and working behind the scenes.

One advantage that older players have compared to now, as White mentioned, is that when he returns to Los Angeles, he is unquestionably a Trojan. That isn’t to bemoan those who transfer for a season and find themselves in a good situation. It should be something of a stronger consideration point for all athletes as to the why when deciding to move to a different school.

Players like White have a legacy and are immortalized at USC forever. It feels different when comparing those who hop around, changing their school colors every semester.  

Former Alabama football coach Nick Saban is in Hoover this week for the Regions Tradition, and the legendary coach spoke with the cast of local radio show “The Next Round” about the state of college football.

Saban, who has been vocal about the landscape of college football with name, image and likeness (NIL), the transfer portal, and other aspects leading to his seemingly abrupt retirement, has been rumored to help lead President Donald Trump’s commission on college athletics.

RELATED: Saban: ‘I don’t really know’ what presidential commission on college athletics would do

In speaking with “The Next Round,” Saban criticized what NIL has become, saying it had gone “a little bit off the rails. He emphasized the importance of getting all state laws to mirror each other to “level the playing field.”

“Look, I want everybody to know. I’m not against players making money. I think they deserve to do that. I think name, image and likeness is no longer name, image and likeness; it’s become play for pay. So, the system that we’re paying players right now probably is a little bit off the rails. And we probably need to do something to get all the state laws the same so that everybody competes on a level playing field, authentic name, image and likeness, which means it really and truly is like a marketing opportunity. And when this House settlement comes down, there will probably be some revenue sharing and some guidelines that we can build around hopefully to make the game a little better.

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Former Ohio State and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier is sounding the alarm about what college football might be losing in the process. During a candid conversation with fellow former Steeler Arthur Moats on his podcast, Shazier didn’t mince words about the sport’s evolving culture.

The former first-round NFL draft pick, who saw his playing career cut short by a devastating spinal injury in 2017, expressed both support for players getting paid and concern that the focus on financial gain is eroding what once made college football special. As NIL collectives drive over 80% of the booming market, Shazier’s perspective offers a rare glimpse into how veterans of the pre-NIL era view the transformation.

More Money, Less Meaning? Former Steelers Star Points to NIL’s Unintended Side Effects on Player Mindset

In the podcast discussion, Shazier acknowledged the obvious benefits of NIL that he missed as a college athlete. “I wish I had NIL,” he admitted candidly. “Hey, you might would have stayed a little longer, maybe,” suggested Moats.

Despite supporting financial opportunities for players, Shazier expressed concerns about how the current system affects athlete motivation. “It’s like guys are so focused on like their money now and not just the love of the game. It’s not as many guys in my opinion that love ball as much as we did.”

Shazier contrasted this with his own mindset during his playing days: “When I used to play, I used like bro, the money going to come, bro. If I do what I’m supposed to do, If you the best, if you top five in your position, you going to be paid top five.”

Beyond NIL itself, Shazier took issue with how the transfer portal has created a constant leverage game among players. “The one thing I don’t like though for real is, just the transfer aspect of it because guys can just constantly leverage what somebody else is giving them.”

While acknowledging that leveraging offers makes business sense, Shazier questioned its educational value: “So to me, like in business, it’s nice to leverage, but just to leverage every year just in business and life, it doesn’t really teach you much. It doesn’t really allow. You don’t build a relationship.”

While strongly supporting player compensation, Shazier pushed back against standardized payment models. “I do feel that everybody should get paid. I do feel like everybody should get the most they can get, right? But when you get player unions and things like that as well, that’s when everybody think everybody should get the same amount.”

KEEP READING: College Football’s 16-Team Playoff Plan Sparks Outrage—Why Experts Say It Could Break the Sport

As the college football landscape continues transforming with direct revenue sharing expected to begin in July 2025, Shazier’s concerns highlight an important balance that financial empowerment is long overdue but preserving the sport’s core values such as passion, relationship-building and love of the game, remains essential for college football’s future.

College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and baseball!

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The Meteoric Rise of Quinn Ewers: From College Phenomenon to NFL Trailblazer

In the high-stakes world of professional football, the journey from collegiate play to the National Football League (NFL) represents a pivotal transition that extends far beyond the gridiron. It’s a realm where talent meets opportunity, and the savviest of players navigate the waters of endorsement deals to amplify their earnings. Among this elite group, Quinn Ewers, the rookie quarterback for the Miami Dolphins, has not only transitioned but transcended, setting a new precedent with a staggering $3 million payday that has turned heads and set the sports world abuzz.

A Record-Breaking Deal for a Seventh-Round Pick

The narrative of Quinn Ewers is not just a story of athletic prowess but a testament to strategic acumen. Ewers, who entered the NFL as a seventh-round draft pick, has shattered expectations and previous records with his monumental payday. This achievement is not merely about the financial milestone but signifies a broader shift in how athletes, especially those transitioning from college to the professional leagues, are beginning to leverage their brand and marketability to unprecedented heights.

Financial Acumen Off the Field

Ewers’ journey to this point is marked by more than just his on-field achievements. It’s a narrative enriched by his understanding of the business side of sports. His ability to secure such a lucrative deal speaks volumes about his foresight, negotiation skills, and the value placed on personal branding in today’s sports era. This deal not only enhances Ewers’ financial stability early in his career but also sets a benchmark for future athletes looking to maximize their earning potential both on and off the field.

Imparting Wisdom to the Next Generation

Beyond his financial success, Ewers has emerged as a beacon for aspiring athletes, particularly those navigating the complex transition from college sports to the professional arena. His journey underscores the importance of financial literacy, personal branding, and the strategic pursuit of opportunities beyond traditional avenues. Ewers’ story is a compelling advisory for upcoming college recruits, emphasizing the need to be as adept in financial decisions and brand building as they are in their sports.

A New Paradigm in Athlete Endorsements and Branding

Quinn Ewers’ remarkable achievement is more than a personal victory; it represents a shift in the landscape of athlete endorsements and personal branding. His success story illuminates the potential for athletes to harness their marketability and influence to secure financial futures that were once deemed improbable for players, especially those drafted in later rounds. It heralds a new era where an athlete’s value is not solely determined by their performance on the field but also by their savvy off it.

Reflecting on the Broader Implications

As the dust settles on Quinn Ewers’ groundbreaking deal, the broader implications for the sports industry and future athletes become increasingly apparent. His story is a powerful reminder of the evolving dynamics of professional sports, where financial literacy and personal branding are becoming as crucial as athletic talent. For upcoming athletes, Ewers’ journey is both an inspiration and a blueprint—a testament to the fact that with the right mix of talent, foresight, and strategic acumen, the possibilities are boundless.

In a world where the lines between sports excellence and business savvy continue to blur, Quinn Ewers stands as a pioneering figure, charting a course for future generations to follow. His story is not just about a remarkable payday but about setting a new standard for what athletes can achieve, both on the field and in the boardroom.

The transfer portal giveth and it taketh away. 

Players are now jumping ship for more playing time or more NIL money at a higher clip than any point in college football history. It’s more important than ever for coaching staffs to navigate the crowd and nail every addition.

Here’s a look at four questions Mountain West teams have yet to answer after plucking what they hope are difference makers out of the portal. 

Can RB Malik Sherrod Rejuvenate His Career At Boise State?

Sherrod carried the load for Fresno State’s backfield in 2023, producing 966 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns to go with the Bulldogs’ first kickoff return for a touchdown since 2008. He finished last season with just 196 rushing yards and four touchdowns after injuries kept him out of all but four games. 

The sixth-year senior transferred to Boise State where he has a real chance to rejuvenate his career. The Broncos have shown a willingness to lean on the running game in recent seasons, and they return four offensive linemen with starting experience, including left tackle Kage Casey, who could be one of the best in the Mountain West. 

The biggest hurdle Sherrod will have to clear is Boise State’s packed backfield, which includes junior Jambres Dubar and young, explosive backs Sire Gaines and Dylan Riley.  

Will Transfers Lead UNLV Back To The Mountain West Title Game?

UNLV has lost to Boise State in the Mountain West championship games the past two years in a row. The Rebels are hoping a rebuilt roster under the leadership of new head coach Dan Mullen will lead them to another shot at a conference title. 

The Rebels lost 10 of their 11 All-Mountain West players from last season, but they’ve brought in a stacked transfer class, which includes former five-star recruits like linebacker Justin Flowe (Arizona) and cornerback Denver Harris (UTSA) as well as explosive running back Keyvonne Lee (Mississippi State/Penn State) and quarterbacks Anthony Colandrea (Virginia) and Alex Orji (Michigan).  

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Can New Mexico Field Another Electric Offense?

New Mexico is in rebuild mode again after losing head coach Bronco Mendenhall to Utah State and a litany of starters to the transfer portal. None will be more difficult to replace than quarterback Devon Dampier (Utah), running back Eli Sanders (USC), and wide receiver Luke Wysong (Arizona).

New head coach Jason Eck may have found his answers at running back and wide receiver after plucking Montana State’s Scottre Humphrey and Kansas State’s Keagan Johnson out of the portal. Humphrey posted 1,827 yards and 24 touchdowns on the ground the past two seasons. Johnson caught 53 passes for 586 yards and three touchdowns the past two seasons at Kansas State after beginning his career at Iowa.

The Lobos still have questions to answer at quarterback. Former Idaho starter Jack Layne followed Eck to New Mexico. He’s joined on the roster by JUCO transfers Gabriel Motschenbacher and James Laubstein.  

Has San Jose State Found Its New Go-To Receiver?

One of the best stories in the Mountain West last season was San Jose State wide receiver Nick Nash’s ascension to national prominence. The former quarterback ranked No. 2 in the country with 104 catches and 1,382 receiving yards and led the nation with 16 touchdown catches.

San Jose State quarterback Walker Eget needs a new go-to target this season, and the Spartans may have already found one in former Purdue wide receiver Leland Smith. 

The 6-foot-4, 215-pound native of Houston played in all 12 games for the Boilermakers last season, catching six passes for 72 yards and two touchdowns. Smith was a junior college All-American in 2023 after hauling in 26 passes for 655 yards and nine touchdowns at Fullerton College.   

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