Own the group chat with The Weekender, highlighting the biggest stories in college sports, standout writing from Eleven Warriors, and a glance at what's next.
NCAA SIGNS 8-YEAR, $920 MILLION TV DEAL WITH ESPN
The NCAA and ESPN agreed to an 8-year, $920 million TV deal, which will grant the self-proclaimed Worldwide Leader in Sports the media rights to 40 NCAA Championships — including, but not limited to, women’s basketball, women’s volleyball, women’s gymnastics, baseball and FCS football.
The new TV deal will go into effect on Sept. 1, 2024, and will continue the exclusive coverage of sports included in the NCAA’s previous agreement with ESPN. As a result of the new deal, more than 2,300 hours of NCAA championships will be presented on ESPN networks and ESPN+ annually.
The new agreement also includes media rights to the NIT, WBIT and international coverage of the NCAA DI Men’s Basketball Championship.
JIM HARBAUGH ADVOCATES FOR REVENUE SHARING WITH PLAYERS
During his Saturday media session for the College Football Playoff National Championship, Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh supported the idea that collegiate athletes should receive a percentage of the revenue generated by the program or sport.
Jim Harbaugh on paying college athletes: The billions that are being generated, theyre not getting much of.
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) January 6, 2024
Suggests everyone profiting off college athletes, himself included, should take a 5-10% pay cut and put it toward the players. pic.twitter.com/nqtEb8rYiT
This is not a new stance by Harbaugh, who has previously expressed this sentiment throughout the past few years while serving as the head coach of the Wolverines. On Saturday, Harbaugh went a step further, noting that coaches, administrators and television networks are “robbing the same train” by earning massive payloads off the back of collegiate athletes — who are currently only allowed to receive compensation from their Name, Image and Likeness.
The Michigan skipper laid out a plan of how to put this idea into motion, declaring that anyone who is profiting off of student-athletes — including coaches, administrators, conferences and television networks — should make 5 to 10 percent less money, which would be thrown into one pot for all student-athletes to share.
SEVERAL COLLEGE QUARTERBACKS ON THE MOVE
Ohio State saw the benefits of the transfer portal market during the week, scooping up former Kansas State quarterback Will Howard on Thursday. Several other programs also bolstered their quarterback position during the week through the portal, while many signal-callers found new homes and fresh starts.
On New Year’s Day, former Clemson and Oregon State quarterback DJ Uiagalelei announced his commitment to Florida State. On the same day, former Arkansas dual-threat quarterback KJ Jefferson made the move to UCF.
On Friday, Maryland signal caller Taulia Tagovailoa made the surprise move to enter the transfer portal, despite having no remaining eligibility. According to ESPN, Tagovailoa filed for a reinstatement waiver with the NCAA on Thursday, and is seeking a sixth year of eligibility.
After one season at USC, Malachi Nelson — a former five-star quarterback from the 2023 recruiting class — announced that he would continue his college career at Boise State on Saturday.
ICYMI
OHIO STATE HEAD COACH RYAN DAY NEEDS TO FIND SOMEONE TO MANAGE HIS OFFENSE, FULLY EMBRACE CEO ROLE
After a less-than-impressive offensive showing in the Cotton Bowl, beat reporter Andy Anders argues that it’s time for Ohio State head coach Ryan Day to hand over the keys to the offense and embrace more of an oversight role as the Buckeyes’ skipper.
Will Howard is officially a Buckeye, and Josh Poloha digs into how he fared at Kansas State last season compared to Kyle McCord’s campaign as Ohio State’s quarterback in 2023.
WHAT RYAN DAY SAID ABOUT 19 OF OHIO STATE’S 20 2024 SIGNEES
After signing the No. 5 recruiting class on National Signing Day on Dec. 20, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day commented on a majority of the players in the class.
WHAT’S NEXT?
- 237 Days Until: 2024 season-opener vs. Akron, TBD
- 328 Days Until: Michigan @ Ohio State, TBD
- Men’s Basketball: vs. Wisconsin, Jan. 10
- Women’s Basketball: vs. Rutgers, Jan. 11
