Drew Rosenhaus, the dynamic owner of Miami-based sports agency Rosenhaus Sports, has made waves in the NFL over the past three decades, negotiating more than $7 billion in contracts. But now, he’s setting his sights on a new frontier: college football. With the rise of name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals and the potential for revenue-sharing for student-athletes, Rosenhaus and his agency are diving headfirst into the collegiate ranks. However, he acknowledges that this new landscape comes with its own set of challenges.
Embracing Change in College Football
During a recent episode of The Pat McAfee Show, Rosenhaus shared insights into how his agency has adapted to the rapidly changing environment of college football. The introduction of NIL and the transfer portal has transformed the recruiting process. “It’s so different from when we recruited you guys. We started recruiting guys out of college their junior or senior years; now we’ve got to start with high school guys,” Rosenhaus explained.
He highlighted the case of Mason Graham, a standout player he signed this year. “We started representing Mason as a freshman at the University of Michigan. He’ll be a top (NFL Draft pick). … Just NIL when we started and when his season ended he hired us to represent him in the draft.” This shift illustrates the urgency of adapting to a new recruiting strategy that focuses on younger talent.
The New Reality: Professional Players in College
Rosenhaus is enthusiastic about the current state of college football, emphasizing that players are now functioning as professional athletes while still in school. “Look, (NIL contracts) are year-to-year. So players right now are professional football players in college, and they get a new contract every year. There is free agency every year. There is no salary cap. There are no rules. The ability to transfer is almost unlimited. Guys getting paid coming out of high school. I love it. I’m for the players. I love it.”
This new reality has opened doors for student-athletes, allowing them to capitalize on their talents in ways that were previously unimaginable. But with this freedom comes a need for structure and regulation.
Call for Standardization and Structure
When McAfee suggested that the NCAA needs a standardized system to tackle the many issues currently plaguing college football, Rosenhaus was quick to agree. “Absolutely. In any system, we need structure. Every other professional league has rules,” he stated.
He pointed out that the NFL operates under a cap, has a draft order, waivers, and trade deadlines. “This doesn’t exist in college football. So it is very chaotic.” The lack of organization can create confusion and uncertainty for players, schools, and agents alike.
The Future: Revenue-Sharing and Transparency
As the landscape evolves, there are signs that some of this chaos may soon be addressed. The expected arrival of revenue-sharing could be a game-changer, with Power programs projected to receive approximately $20.5 million annually from the NCAA to distribute among their student-athletes. This financial boost could help establish a more professional system, fostering better communication and information-sharing between agents, athletes, schools, and outside NIL collectives.
“Let’s have transparency, let’s know what guys are being paid, what the schools are working with,” Rosenhaus urged. “I think transparency is huge and sharing information is a big deal. … There’s a lot of issues. Let’s do it the right way. Let’s have legit contracts, let’s know what everybody is making, and let’s work for the players and colleges and make it a good system for everyone.”
The Road Ahead: Navigating the New Landscape
As college football continues to evolve, the importance of establishing a clear framework cannot be overstated. The introduction of NIL and the potential for revenue-sharing are exciting developments, but they also bring complexities that need to be managed effectively.
Rosenhaus’s passion for the sport and the players is evident. He recognizes the tremendous opportunities that lie ahead, but he also understands the necessity for rules and structure to ensure a fair and sustainable environment for all involved.
The future of college football is bright, but it will require collaboration among all stakeholders—players, schools, agents, and governing bodies—to create a system that benefits everyone. With leaders like Rosenhaus advocating for change, the stage is set for a more organized and equitable college football landscape.
In this new era, the focus must be on the players and their rights, ensuring they are treated fairly while still pursuing their dreams on the field. The excitement of college football is only just beginning, and as the game transforms, it’s essential to keep the players’ best interests at heart. The journey ahead is filled with potential, and with the right framework in place, college football can thrive like never before.
