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College basketball steals the crown back from NBA

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6 months ago

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Remember when college basketball felt like a stepping stone that elite prospects couldn’t wait to skip? Those days are officially over, and the shift has been more dramatic than watching your favorite streaming service suddenly become unwatchable after they raised their prices for the third time this year.

The numbers don’t lie, and they’re telling a fascinating story about how college hoops clawed its way back to the top of the NBA development food chain. We’re talking about a complete reversal of fortune that has international players flying halfway around the world to play in places like Provo, Utah, instead of staying in prestigious European leagues.

Egor Demin’s journey perfectly captures this seismic shift. Picture this: A talented 19-year-old guard from Moscow deciding to leave Real Madrid – one of Europe’s most prestigious basketball organizations – to play for BYU, a school he’d never even visited. That’s like turning down a guaranteed spot at a five-star restaurant to try a food truck you heard about on social media. Crazy? Maybe. But it’s working.

The numbers tell an incredible comeback story

Let’s break down what’s really happening here, because the statistics are absolutely mind-blowing. Between 2015 and 2022, college basketball was cruising along with an average of 12 players from the top 14 lottery picks. Nothing too crazy there – college was doing its job as the primary pipeline to the NBA.

But then something weird happened. The past two drafts combined featured only 17 college players in the entire lottery. That’s not a slight dip – that’s a cliff dive. International leagues, Overtime Elite, and the G League Ignite were suddenly eating college basketball’s lunch, and it looked like the traditional college route might become obsolete.

This year changes everything. ESPN projects 12 college basketball players will get picked in the lottery, which would tie for the second-most since 2015. That’s not just a recovery – it’s a complete resurrection of college basketball’s dominance in NBA development.

What makes this comeback even more impressive is the diversity of talent flowing through college programs. You’ve got Duke’s Cooper Flagg representing the classic one-and-done route, Colorado State’s Nique Clifford as a fifth-year senior proving experience matters, and BYU’s Demin showing how international players can thrive in the college environment.

NIL money changed the entire game

Here’s where things get really interesting: Name, Image, and Likeness deals didn’t just give college players some spending money – they completely revolutionized the entire development landscape. When programs started offering million-dollar packages to elite prospects, suddenly college basketball wasn’t just competing with international leagues; it was outbidding them.

Demin’s situation is the perfect example. BYU didn’t just offer him great coaching and development – they backed it up with a seven-figure NIL package that made the financial decision easy. When you can get paid like a professional while still experiencing March Madness and building your draft stock, why would you choose anything else?

The ripple effects have been enormous. The G League Ignite program? Gone. Overtime Elite? They’ve shifted focus to high school players because they can’t compete with college NIL deals. International teams are watching their best young prospects get poached by American universities offering better money and clearer paths to the NBA.

One NBA agent summed it up perfectly: Most kids would prefer to go to college and play in March Madness if all things are equal financially. Well, guess what? Things are now more than equal – college programs are often offering more money than alternative development paths.

Programs are becoming NBA laboratories

The real genius behind college basketball’s resurgence isn’t just the money – it’s how smart programs have completely transformed their operations to mirror professional franchises. BYU’s Kevin Young didn’t just hire a bunch of assistants; he created an entire ecosystem designed to prepare players for the NBA.

We’re talking about everything from nutrition programs and analytics staffs to workout regimens and film study sessions that replicate what players will experience in the pros. Young brought his brother on as general manager, hired multiple assistants with NBA or G League experience, and built a support system that gives players a legitimate head start on their professional careers.

Illinois has become another fascinating case study. Coach Brad Underwood has sent every type of prospect to the NBA – from international players like Kasparas Jakucionis to transfers like Terrence Shannon Jr. to homegrown talents like Ayo Dosunmu. The common thread? They all bought into a professional culture that prepared them for the next level.

The attention to detail has become incredible. Tennessee’s Rick Barnes talks about teaching players where to stand during timeouts because NBA scouts are watching their body language and engagement. That’s the kind of comprehensive development that alternative programs simply can’t match.

International players are choosing American campuses

Perhaps the most shocking development is how college basketball has become attractive to elite international prospects who previously would have stayed in European leagues. Jakucionis left FC Barcelona for Illinois. Demin abandoned Real Madrid for BYU. These aren’t small programs poaching unknown players – these are major European clubs losing their best young talents to American universities.

The adjustment period is real, though. Demin talked about adapting to American basketball’s physicality and pace, which is significantly different from the European style. But that’s exactly why college has become so valuable – it’s the perfect bridge between international basketball and the NBA.

Programs have also figured out ways to work around NIL complications for international players. While the rules are more complex for foreign students, creative athletic departments have found loopholes that allow them to offer competitive packages. When you combine that financial incentive with superior development resources and March Madness exposure, the choice becomes obvious.

Veterans are getting respect again

One of the most interesting aspects of college basketball’s resurgence is how NBA teams are rediscovering the value of experienced, mature players. During the height of the one-and-done era, being 22 years old as a draft prospect was considered ancient. Now it’s seen as an advantage.

The new collective bargaining agreement has created financial incentives for teams to draft older, more polished players who can contribute immediately rather than expensive young prospects who need years of development. Second-round picks can now be signed to deals that make them attractive options for teams looking to add depth without breaking the bank.

Darrion Williams from NC State represents this trend perfectly. He could have declared for the draft last year but chose to return to college for another season of development. His reasoning? He wanted to work with coaches who had NBA experience and could help him address specific weaknesses that scouts had identified.

The blue bloods are losing their monopoly

Here’s where the story gets really fascinating: The traditional powerhouse programs aren’t dominating this resurgence. Kansas, Kentucky, North Carolina, and UCLA might not have a single first-round pick for the first time since 2004. That’s absolutely stunning when you consider how these schools used to monopolize top-tier talent.

Instead, prospects are choosing programs based on fit, development resources, and coaching staff experience rather than brand recognition. Players want to know they’ll get playing time, work with coaches who understand the NBA, and have access to the same kind of training and analytics that professional teams use.

This shift has created opportunities for programs that might not have the traditional prestige but can offer superior development environments. BYU, Illinois, NC State, and other schools are landing elite prospects because they’ve invested in the infrastructure needed to prepare players for professional basketball.

Looking ahead at the new landscape

The transformation of college basketball into the premier NBA development option represents more than just a cyclical change – it’s a fundamental shift in how elite prospects approach their careers. When you can earn significant money, play in front of massive audiences, and receive professional-level training all while getting a college education, the value proposition becomes irresistible.

Programs that embrace this new reality and continue investing in NBA-level infrastructure will continue attracting the best talent. Those that try to operate the old way will find themselves left behind as prospects choose schools that offer comprehensive professional development rather than just traditional college experiences.

The G League and international alternatives will still exist, but they’ll be fighting for scraps rather than competing for the top prospects. College basketball has reclaimed its throne, and it’s not giving it up anytime soon. The combination of NIL money, professional-level development, and March Madness exposure has created a package that alternative paths simply can’t match.

For players like Demin, who took a massive gamble by leaving Real Madrid for BYU, the payoff has been everything he hoped for and more. His journey from Moscow to Provo to potentially the NBA lottery represents the new reality of basketball development – one where college campuses have become the most attractive destinations for prospects with professional dreams.





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Michael Wilbon claims Kalen DeBoer will leave Alabama for Michigan with loss in College Football Playoff opener

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27 minutes ago

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December 19, 2025

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The College Football Playoff gets underway Friday night as Alabama heads to Norman to take on Oklahoma. But to ESPN’s Michael Wilbon, there’s even more at stake for Crimson Tide coach Kalen DeBoer.

DeBoer’s name has been the subject of rumors throughout the offseason in the coaching carousel. Most recently, he received questions about the opening at Michigan following Sherrone Moore’s firing for cause, though he made it clear he intends to be at Alabama in 2026.

However, Wilbon didn’t sound as convinced. He predicted Alabama would not only lose to Oklahoma on Friday night, but DeBoer would also be on a flight to Ann Arbor to take the Michigan job afterward.

“Let me tell you about … two schools that could be in the coaching carousel after [Friday night],” Wilbon said Thursday on Pardon The Interruption. “Because when Alabama loses to Oklahoma – let me say it again, when Alabama loses to Oklahoma – the coach of Alabama, half the people in the state will want to run him out. And he’ll be on the carousel – oh, wait, that’s a G5 being flown to Ann Arbor, Mich., where he has said, ‘Oh, no. I ain’t got no interest in that.’ He’ll have interest [Friday night].

“And then, Alabama will be in the coaching carousel because they’ll be looking for a coach. … The Alabama coach is going to have a job-on-the-line situation in 24 hours and then, headed to Michigan once he loses. And then, Alabama’s looking. Then, what are you going to say?”

During a press conference this week ahead of the College Football Playoff opener, Kalen DeBoer was directly asked if he intended to be Alabama’s head coach next season. He responded, “Yes.”

Earlier in that press conference, DeBoer received a question about the rumors surrounding him. He again spoke highly of his tenure at Alabama so far and made it clear he’s happy in Tuscaloosa.

“A lot of the same things I said before, a couple weeks ago, when asked really the same question, just feel completely supported,” DeBoer said. “My family loves living here. Just all the things that we continue to build on, love the progress. Haven’t talked with anyone, no plans of talking with anyone. So just, I think that’s a lot of what I said a couple weeks ago, and continues to be the same thing. 

“Feel strong about it. And our guys, if there’s been any distraction, I haven’t seen it, haven’t felt it. I’m really proud of the way they’ve handled whatever noise is out there. And again, we probably all season long, have dealt with enough noise to where it wouldn’t surprise me on how they handle this.”



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Matt Rhule Addresses Dylan Raiola, NIL Investment and the Portal Era

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1 hour ago

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December 19, 2025

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Matt Rhule sounded comfortable, confident, and in control during his interview Wednesday night with the Husker Radio Network ahead of Nebraska’s bowl matchup against Utah.

At times relaxed, “Just Matt,” as he put it when the hat turned backward, Rhule covered a wide range of topics that collectively outlined where the program stands and where it’s headed over the coming months.

From his former starting quarterback and the transfer portal to staff changes and Nebraska’s evolving financial status, Rhule touched on nearly everything Husker fans want to know during an offseason filled with uncertainty.

With that in mind, here’s what Rhule said about the state of his program heading into his fourth offseason in Lincoln.

Dylan Raiola, the portal era, and Nebraska’s quarterback outlook

Making his first public comments on the subject since the news broke on Dec. 15, Rhule didn’t shy away from addressing Dylan Raiola’s decision to enter the transfer portal. Instead, the Huskers’ head coach framed it as a reality of modern college football.

“I think all of our fans, all of our staff, we all just have to embrace it,” Rhule said. “We’re in the portal era. The portal will giveth and the portal will taketh away. It’s just the new normal.”

Raiola’s impact on the program wasn’t dismissed. As the first five-star quarterback to commit to Nebraska, Rhule said, he helped shift national perception around the program.

Former Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola started 22 games for the Huskers in his two years with the program.

Quarterback Dylan Raiola started 22 games for the Huskers in his two years with the program. | Kenny Larabee, KLIN

“He was the first five-star to come here and signal to everybody, ‘Hey, it’s cool to come to Nebraska,’” Rhule said. “And I think you’ve seen some players follow suit.”

Since then, December of 2023 to be exact, the Huskers have been able to sign two other five-star recruits. Williams Nwaneri (No. 6 overall recruit) was ranked one spot higher in the 2024 class than Raiola and eventually joined the Huskers’ roster via the transfer portal prior to the 2025 season. And on Dec. 5 of this year, Danny Odem (No. 31 overall recruit) signed his letter of intent to join the Huskers’ roster in 2026.

While acknowledging Raiola’s desire for a fresh start, Rhule also emphasized Nebraska’s preparedness moving forward.

“If he needs a fresh start, I’m going to pray that he finds the right place and has success,” Rhule said. “With that being said, there’s a lot of great quarterbacks out there and a lot of guys want to play at Nebraska.”

Nebraska quarterback TJ Lateef has started three games for the Huskers during his true freshman season.

Nebraska quarterback TJ Lateef has started three games for the Huskers during his true freshman season. He is expected to be the starter in the Las Vegas Bowl as well. | Kenny Larabee, KLIN

Following his comments on Raiola, Rhule made it a point to publicly reinforce his belief in the quarterback currently on Nebraska’s roster, TJ Lateef.

“We have a great quarterback in Lateef,” Rhule said. “I don’t think there’s a guy on our roster that doesn’t believe TJ is a starting quarterback.”

While praising Lateef’s mindset and approach, the head coach noted that his first-year player has embraced responsibility rather than shying away.

“TJ has no confidence issues and he doesn’t make excuses,” Rhule said. “He doesn’t blame other people. He knows he can be our starting quarterback, and he’s going to do a great job against Utah. He’s going to win a lot of games for us at the University of Nebraska.”

While a vote of confidence may be exactly what his new signal-caller needs, Rhule also reiterated the importance of depth at the position, particularly in today’s college football landscape.

“We’ll have great quarterbacks in that room,” Rhule said. “You need more than one. People want to play for Dana Holgorsen. They want to play for Glenn Thomas.”

If one thing over the offseason is true, Rhule isn’t interested in keeping his program at the status quo. He wants the players on his roster to have the ability to develop into the players they want to be, and he’s putting new coaches in place to do just that.

Matt Rhule made it clear his program will continue to lean on development of players on their roster moving forward.

Matt Rhule made it clear his program will continue to lean on the development of players on their roster moving forward. | Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Single portal window, financial outlook, and Nebraska’s changing staff

While the transfer portal remains a major tool, Rhule emphasized that Nebraska’s approach, now and always, will be to develop players first. And amid changes to the portal window, it has allowed the coaching staff to spend more time focused on player development.

“Historically, in December you’re on the road recruiting,” Rhule said. “But now, we’re all able to be out there and we are focused. We’re focused on getting our team better.”

With a roster like Nebraska’s, currently featuring 91 scholarship players listed as underclassmen, development is exactly what his program needs. And now, with a new-and-improved recruiting schedule in his advantage, the Huskers’ head coach is using his time to help his younger guys take the next step.

Isaiah Mozee took second-string reps behind Big Ten Running Back of the Year Emmett Johnson this fall.

Isaiah Mozee took second-string reps behind Big Ten Running Back of the Year Emmett Johnson this fall. | Kenny Larabee, KLIN

Rhule also noted that much of Nebraska’s roster is made up of players the current staff recruited but have yet to be given their opportunity.

“I believe they’re good players,” Rhule said. “We were a part of recruiting them. They’re our guys. Before we start looking to the portal, we want to make sure we get a real evaluation of our guys and what role they can fill.”

As encouraging as that should be, and is, the head coach made it clear his comment doesn’t mean Nebraska will shy away from portal additions come January.

“We’re going to do both,” Rhule said. “We want guys to burst onto the scene the way Emmett Johnson did. But we also want to go out and get players in the portal that can help us.”

He finished out the topic by saying, “Our job is to put together the most competitive team full of great players. Guys can’t be afraid of that.”

Nebraska Athletics officially partner with the 1890 Initiative on NIL.

Nebraska Athletics’ former partnership with the 1890 Initiative has ended, as the university is moving its NIL operations in-house. | @Huskers on X

Perhaps the most interesting portion of Rhule’s interview centered on Nebraska’s financial standing entering the upcoming offseason. To this point in time, the Husker fan base has been told their favorite program is competitive, but after speaking with Rhule, the Huskers Radio Network was able to discover that 2026 will be vastly improved.

“This will be the first year that we’re at the higher end of the market,” Rhule said. “We might not be where Texas and Texas A&M are, but we’re right there. We’re right below that.”

For context, both of the aforementioned schools have been able to compete at the highest level of college football in recent years. Both programs have or will compete in the College Football Playoff, and don’t appear to be handicapped financially in any way.

Nebraska athletics director Troy Dannen smiles during the Northwestern game.

Nebraska athletics director Troy Dannen smiles during the Northwestern game. | Kenny Larabee, KLIN

Rhule credited athletic director Troy Dannen for positioning Nebraska to compete financially, both in retaining talent and adding impact players.

“For every player that leaves and goes and has four or five sacks, we don’t want to lose those guys,” Rhule said. “We want to keep the players that can help us.”

But from Rhule’s perspective, it isn’t just Dannen that helps the Huskers compete for the nation’s top talent. He also highlighted Nebraska’s fan base as a unique advantage in the NIL space, particularly through local business partnerships and “true NIL” opportunities beyond revenue sharing.

“It’s a differentiator for us,” Rhule said. “It’ll help us in the portal. But make no mistake — having money does not mean you’re going to have a good team. But if you don’t have money, it’s pretty hard to have a good team.”

The head coach finished his comments bluntly, without offering an excuse. “There is no in between,” Rhule added. “Either we do this to be successful, or we don’t, and we become a Group of Four team.”

New Nebraska offensive line coach Geep Wade (left) and defensive coordinator Rob Aurich (right).

New Nebraska offensive line coach Geep Wade (left) and defensive coordinator Rob Aurich (right). | Georgia Tech Athletics & San Diego State Athletics

The other aspect of having a competitive team is having competent coaches on the staff. Following changes made after the regular season, Rhule described the transition as an opportunity for fresh evaluation across his roster.

“They’re getting a fresh look at these guys,” Rhule said, plainly. After additions were made, the head coach made it known how big an opportunity securing a sixth win in 2025 gave the Huskers to further assess needs moving forward.

With the dismissal of former defensive line coach Terry Bradden, Rhule himself has taken over defensive line duties, embracing a hands-on role during bowl prep. Nebraska defensive lineman Riley Van Poppel was also rewarded with a Blackshirt ahead of the matchup with Utah after playing in every contest this season and earning two starts.

Nebraska defensive lineman Riley Van Poppel earned a single-digit jersey ahead of 2025.

Nebraska defensive lineman Riley Van Poppel earned a single-digit jersey ahead of 2025. He now stands as the most recent addition to the Blackshirts. | Kenny Larabee, KLIN

Rhule praised new defensive coordinator Rob Aurich for his ability to lead and develop players. He even suggested the new leader of the defense has taught him some new tricks.

“It doesn’t matter the scheme,” Rhule said. “It matters that your players know the scheme and can adapt.” With recent comments from interim defensive coordinator Phil Snow suggesting the Huskers struggled knowing responsibilities in 2025, Rhule’s comments offered confidence that under Aurich, that won’t be the case.

On new offensive line coach Geep Wade, Rhule emphasized physicality and confidence as key traits he wants to see moving forward. Something the Huskers’ head coach saw from Wade’s former units on tape.

“I want them playing with a level of violence and physicality that only comes from confidence,” Rhule said. With just two of Nebraska’s starting offensive linemen set to return, Wade will have the ability, either by financially obtaining the players needed or by developing them, to kickstart the mindset change.

Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson takes off on a 70-yard run against Iowa.

Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson takes off on a 70-yard run against Iowa. | Cory Edmondson, KFGE

Quick Hits

  • On Nebraska continuing to work on its current roster ahead of the January transfer portal window, Rhule said the focus right now is on retention. “At this time right now, we’re doing a lot of work with our current roster in terms of re-signing guys to contracts and signing guys up for next year.”

  • On young running backs Mekhi Nelson and Isaiah Mozee potentially stepping into larger roles, Rhule said the belief inside the program is already there. “If you asked every guy on our team what they think about Mekhi Nelson and Isaiah Mozee, I think they’d say it’s kind of like a ticking time bomb. They’ve been waiting for their opportunity to explode.”

  • On what makes new defensive coordinator Rob Aurich a good man for the job at Nebraska, Rhule said, he’s got characteristics similar to Tony White. “Because he’s had two huge defensive turnarounds as a first-year coordinator. That to me is the ultimate- It’s what Tony White did when he got here.”

  • On what being more competitive financially will do for his program, Rhule said they will not be handicapped. “We spent two and a half years trying to reestablish the foundation of the program. Make no mistake, it was rocky. And I can turn my attention now more to football.”

More From Nebraska On SI

Stay up to date on all things Huskers by bookmarking Nebraska Cornhuskers On SI, subscribing to HuskerMax on YouTube, and visiting HuskerMax.com daily.





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Memphis HC Penny Hardaway: I ‘Fined’ Aaron Bradshaw NIL Money to Motivate Him

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2 hours ago

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December 19, 2025

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How do you get somebody’s attention? Well, one way to get a college basketball player’s attention is by taking away their NIL money, like Memphis Tigers head coach Penny Hardaway did with junior forward Aaron Bradshaw.

“Aaron Bradshaw has played for some great coaching staffs, but they haven’t figured out how to motivate him, so Penny Hardaway found a way to motivate Aaron Bradshaw. He started taking his NIL money away,” it was revealed on the broadcast of the Tigers’ Wednesday night loss to the Vanderbilt Commodores. 

“He said, ‘I fined him for showing up late. I fined him for violating our dress code. Three grand here, three grand there. Guess who started to show up early? Guess who started to put the effort in?’ … He [Hardaway] takes that fine money and puts it back in the bucket and has some guys further down the roster reaping the cash benefit of those fines.”

Message received.

Memphis is the third stop for Bradshaw in his collegiate career, with the former five-star recruit spending his freshman season at Kentucky (2023-24) and sophomore season at Ohio State (2024-25). Through nine games this season, six of which he has started, Bradshaw is averaging a career-high 7.1 points and 2.9 rebounds in 15.4 minutes per game, while shooting 50.0% from the field.

Hardaway, who starred at Memphis for two seasons as a player (1991-92, 1992-93), is in his eighth season as the Tigers’ head coach, with Memphis a combined 166-74 under him since the 2018-19 season, highlighted by two American Tournament titles and three NCAA Tournament appearances. However, Memphis is off to a 4-6 start this season, with three of its six losses being against ranked opponents in Purdue, Louisville and Vanderbilt.

Maybe if Hardaway takes away the entire team’s NIL dough, Memphis will run the table in conference play?

MORE COLLEGE HOOPS: Last Night in College Basketball: No. 13 Vanderbilt Passed OT Test vs. Memphis

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Joel Klatt can’t stand NIL re-signing announcements

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3 hours ago

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December 19, 2025

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Texas Tech Linked to $2.4 Million College Football Transfer Quarterback

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4 hours ago

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December 19, 2025

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The Texas Tech Red Raiders defeated the BYU Cougars 34-7 in the Big 12 Championship Game. It secured them the No. 4 seed and a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff. They’ll play either the No. 12 seed James Madison Dukes or No. 5 seed Oregon Ducks in the Orange Bowl.

While Texas Tech strives for its first national championship in program history, it’s never too early to look into the future. The Red Raiders will face several major changes after the 2025 season, including from quarterback, Behren Morton. He’s using his final year of eligibility, while ESPN’s Matt Miller gives him a fifth-round grade in the 2026 NFL Draft.

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The transfer portal doesn’t officially open until Jan. 2, but On3 reports that over 800 players are already set to enter. With Morton set to leave, Texas Tech could find his replacement in the portal.

Texas Tech Red Raiders head coach Joey McGuire.James Snook-Imagn Images

Texas Tech Red Raiders head coach Joey McGuire.James Snook-Imagn Images

In an article, On3’s Pete Nakos, links the Red Raiders to Cincinnati Bearcats transfer quarterback Brendan Sorsby.

“Viewed as one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the transfer portal, Texas Tech is the school to watch early on for Brendan Sorsby,” Nakos wrote. “He’s also expected to evaluate the NFL draft, and Indiana and Tennessee are other schools to know.”

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This season, Sorsby has completed 207 of 336 passes for 2,800 yards, 27 touchdowns, five interceptions and a 155.1 passer rating. He’s also rushed for 580 yards and nine touchdowns on 100 carries.

Sorsby is going to be highly sought after, with Rivals placing him as the third-ranked player in the transfer portal. His On3 NIL valuation of $2.4 million is tied for the 10th-highest in college football.

However, that may not be a problem for Texas Tech, which had the top-ranked transfer portal class in 2025. After bringing in 21 players, the Red Raiders had an adjusted NIL value of $7.6 million.

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As the official transfer portal period approaches, Texas Tech’s quarterback situation will be one to watch. With Morton playing his final year of eligibility, the Red Raiders could already be exploring other options.

The Red Raiders will play in the Orange Bowl at noon ET Jan. 1 on ESPN and the ESPN app.

Related: Texas A&M QB Marcel Reed Shares NIL Update Before College Football Playoff

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 18, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.



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Anonymous coach names biggest fraud in the College Football Playoff

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5 hours ago

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December 19, 2025

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There’s always plenty of argument about who belongs and doesn’t belong in the College Football Playoff, and that was certainly the case this season, especially given the debates around that final spot coming between Notre Dame and Miami.

But looking over the 2025 bracket, it’s one of the most recognizable SEC programs that is getting the biggest criticism from those in the coaching business.

Asked to name the biggest fraud in this year’s College Football Playoff, it wasn’t one of the Group of Five teams that got the most attention, but none other than Ole Miss, which made the field on the back of a historic season.

Ole Miss, a fraud?

That’s according to one FBS coach, who doesn’t believe the Rebels have a good case.

“They’ve had so many distractions with Lane Kiffin leaving, and Oklahoma is probably their only good win this year,” an unnamed Group of Five head coach said of the Rebels heading into the College Football Playoff, according to The Athletic.

Whoever it was who said it, he apparently wasn’t alone. Far from it.

Taking a vote from more than two dozen anonymous coaches heading into the playoff, the publication found that to be, if not a consensus opinion, then something like it.

Ole Miss won out among the various playoff teams with 29 percent of respondents saying it was the most fraudulent team in the College Football Playoff this season.

A wild year for Ole Miss

Picking on the Rebels for not being playoff-worthy sounds counter-intuitive, given the unprecedentedly good season they’ve had on the field.

For the first time ever, Ole Miss completed an 11-win regular season and qualified for its first College Football Playoff berth.

Then came the drama. The head coach who brought them that success became the biggest name in what emerged as college football’s most hectic coaching carousel.

Lane Kiffin was named as the leading target for two other SEC programs and ultimately departed the Rebels for conference rival LSU after winning the Egg Bowl game.

Coach highlights Rebels’ schedule

The concern around Ole Miss’ perceived quality of schedule doesn’t seem like a concern at first glance.

It played three teams that made the College Football Playoff, beating both Oklahoma and Tulane, and losing a closely-fought matchup on the road against SEC champion Georgia.

Otherwise, the Rebels beat lesser SEC opponents like Kentucky, South Carolina, Florida, and Arkansas.

The win against then-No. 4 LSU doesn’t look as good as it did at the time, given the Tigers’ fall from grace that led to Brian Kelly’s ouster.

There was no universe in which an 11-1 Ole Miss was being left out of the College Football Playoff. Whether it truly belongs will be decided on the field, which can be said for any team in the bracket.

But the Rebels weren’t alone

Not far behind in the fraud poll were two surprising names. Big 12 champion Texas Tech and SEC runner-up Alabama were both decried as playoff frauds with 17 percent of the vote each.

Texas Tech being included is truly puzzling, given the quality of its defense, but those asked expressed concern for the offense, in particular quarterback Behren Morton.

In second place was “no answer,” as 21 percent of those asked didn’t provide any hints as to who they thought were frauds.

Group of Five selection James Madison received 8 percent of the vote as a perceived fraud, while Oregon and Oklahoma each got 4 percent.

Alabama not getting respect

One defensive coordinator from the SEC and a defensive assistant from the Big Ten took issue with the Crimson Tide being included among the dozen playoff teams this year.

“Alabama should have, like, five losses this year. They shouldn’t be there,” the SEC defensive coordinator said.

And the Big Ten coach added: “I’ve watched them. They’re not that good this year. I didn’t see enough from them to get this chance.”

(Athletic)

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