Title: The Ever-Extending Careers of College Football Players
The phenomenon of older college football players
Introduction:
College football rosters are experiencing a trend of players extending their careers beyond the traditional four years of eligibility. This is due to the NCAA’s decision to grant an extra year of eligibility for athletes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, some players are now entering their ninth year of college. Let’s delve deeper into this trend and explore other intriguing aspects of college football.
The First Ninth-Year Senior:
Miami TE Cam McCormick has become the first-known ninth-year senior in college football history. McCormick began his college football journey in 2016 and has since spent seven seasons at Oregon, with injuries hampering four of those years. After transferring to Miami, he earned a starting role last season and even obtained a master’s degree during his time in college. McCormick’s longevity is remarkable, as he has been in college for as long as Kirby Smart has been the head coach at Georgia.
Other Notable Players:
While McCormick holds the title of the longest-tenured college player, there are other veterans making waves in the sport. Utah QB Cam Rising, Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel, and Alabama S Malachi Moore are among the notable players who have made the 2024 roster. These players continue to showcase their skills and contribute to their respective teams despite their extended college careers.
Car Dealerships and College Athletics:
Car dealerships have long played a role in college athletics, often providing inducements to talented young players. With the introduction of name, image, and likeness (NIL) legislation in 2021, these deals have become more transparent. Student-athletes from various sports are now securing car leases from local dealerships in exchange for marketing, primarily on social media. These deals have proven to be profitable for both parties, with car dealerships estimating that they have sold at least 20 cars through their partnerships with college athletes.
The SEC’s Best Rivalry:
With the addition of Oklahoma and Texas to the SEC, the landscape of rivalries in the conference is changing. In a recent survey, fans voted on the top rivalries in the SEC. The results indicated that the Red River Rivalry between Texas and Oklahoma is expected to become one of the best rivalries in the conference. However, the Alabama-Auburn rivalry, known as the Iron Bowl, still retains its status as a fan favorite. Fans can look forward to exciting matchups between these teams in the coming years.
The Bowl Schedule:
The 2024 postseason will see a significant change with the expansion of the College Football Playoff to 12 teams. First-round games will be played on campus sites in mid-December, a month before the national championship. One notable date on the bowl schedule is December 28, which will feature eight bowl games, including the fan-favorite Pop-Tarts Bowl and the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl presented by Gin and Juice by Dre and Snoop. Another packed day for college football enthusiasts is December 14, with a range of games from HBCU championships to FBS bowls.
Conclusion:
College football continues to evolve, with players extending their careers and new rivalries emerging in conferences. The influence of car dealerships in college athletics is becoming more apparent, thanks to NIL legislation. Additionally, the expanded bowl schedule promises more excitement for fans. As the sport progresses, it will be fascinating to see how these trends shape its future.