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.”

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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.

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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.   

For the second time in as many days, Southeastern Louisiana has pulled off a massive upset against LSU. This one is going to sting the Tigers a little more, though, being an elimination game. They are now out of the NCAA Tournament, crashing out after hosting the regional.

Drama ensued in both games but the latest one certainly takes the cake. Getting the bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh, a groundball is hit to first base. The winning run scores quite easily, although there was still a challenge on the play from LSU.

Wanting to know if the runner left first base early, the umpires went into a review. There was not much to see as the play was soon confirmed. Everybody was called safe, Southeastern Louisiana got their eighth run, and a party ensued.

The Lions will live to see another day due to the victory. However, there is still a lot of work to do and a mountain to climb. Nebraska is waiting on the other side in the Baton Rouge Regional championship. Two Southeastern Louisiana wins are going to be required for them to advance. A loss, in the first or second contest, would send Nebraska into the Super Regionals.

As for the home team, the season ends in the most disappointing of fashions. For the second time in three seasons, LSU has not made it out of a regional despite hosting. Funny enough, back in 2024, they got into the Super Regionals despite being away from Baton Rouge.

LSU enjoyed successful season before suffering upset losses

Despite the tough ending, the 2025 season was still full of great moments for LSU. There is a reason they were hosting a regional, earning the No. 10 overall seed. Even so, the NCAA Tournament experience may not have lasted as long as they liked.

The final record will be an incredible 42-16, dating back to the season opener on Feb. 7. Weirdly enough, there was an early season game against Southeastern Louisiana. LSU was able to escape back then, winning 3-2.

Elsewhere, the SEC record finished bang on .500, winning 12 games and losing 12. Four conference series went in their favor, including a sweep of Kentucky to get the party started. Two games were played at the SEC Tournament too in Athens, beating the Mississippi State Bulldogs before running into the buzzsaw known as the Oklahoma Sooners.

In a college football era where star players are lured by massive NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, Penn State’s biggest names are making headlines for a very different reason. Drew Allar, Nick Singleton, and Kaytron Allen have chosen loyalty over lucrative offers—let’s explore what drove these standout athletes to stay with the Nittany Lions.

Adam Breneman Spotlights How James Franklin’s Culture Is Winning Over Penn State’s Stars

Recently, analyst Adam Breneman took to Instagram to share a revealing excerpt from his interview with Penn State head coach James Franklin. The post quickly gained traction, sparking conversations across college football. Breneman highlighted how, despite the ever-growing influence of NIL money and the transfer portal, Penn State’s stars have chosen to stay in Happy Valley.

The Instagram post, which drew from Breneman’s “Next Up” show and the must-watch YouTube interview “The James Franklin Interview Every Penn State Fan Needs to Hear”, underscored Franklin’s culture-first philosophy.

Rather than focusing on financial incentives, Franklin has built a program centered on genuine relationships, trust, and personal growth. This approach, Breneman notes, is what keeps top talents like Allar, Singleton, and Allen committed to the Nittany Lions.

Franklin’s message is clear: Penn State is about more than just football- it’s about transformation. “I care so much about the kids, and their journey, and their experience… I still want it to be as transformational as we possibly can be here at Penn State,” Franklin said. This commitment to his players’ holistic development is resonating, even as rival programs dangle bigger paychecks.

The Power of Relationships Over Riches

For Franklin and his staff, success isn’t measured by the size of NIL deals but by the strength of the Penn State community. Every player on the roster, according to Franklin, is likely walking away from some amount of money. Yet, they remain because they value the unique experience and camaraderie that Penn State offers.

This culture-driven approach is rare in today’s college football landscape. While other programs overhaul rosters with transfers and chase the next big NIL signing, Franklin’s selective strategy and focus on continuity have fostered loyalty. Players like Allar, Singleton, and Allen aren’t just staying for another season—they’re investing in their growth as athletes and people.

Players consistently describe Franklin’s personal investment in their lives. Linebacker Kaveion Keys shared, “He’s going to recruit you different. He’s going to send you posts, quotes every day. He’s not going to stop calling, texting you, just seeing how you’re doing and just checking in on you. And that’s all that matters.”

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