Agent Confidential

The SEC is accustomed to setting the agenda in college football. Right now, it’s reacting to judges, lawyers and its own schools.

The controversy over former professional players returning to college is only the latest symptom of a much larger problem.

If the most powerful conference in college sports can’t control the rules of competition inside its own conference, who exactly is running college football?

Mike Chaudron breaks down the bigger business and governance story in this Agent Confidential™ Special Edition.

SU has the money. The resources. The fan and donor commitment. And very little patience for anything short of competing for championships.

From Kim Mulkey to Will Wade to Lane Kiffin, LSU has shown it isn't afraid to make bold moves.

The excitement and expectations are thick in the Red Stick.

LSU checks in at No. 7 in the Agent Confidential Top 20 — ranking the programs best positioned in the business of college football.

#LSU #LSUFootball #CollegeFootball #SEC #AgentConfidential #CFB

Oregon checks in at #8 in the Agent Confidential Top 20.

The Ducks aren't just a football success story. They're one of the most fascinating business stories in college athletics.

Nike. Phil Knight. Elite facilities. National recruiting. NIL resources. And a willingness to invest aggressively in winning.

Oregon has built a national powerhouse from a very different foundation than the traditional blue bloods.

Money. NIL. Pressure. Institutional power. Expectations.

#Oregon #GoDucks #CollegeFootball #BigTen #Nike #NIL #AgentConfidential

Michigan checks in at #9 in the Agent Confidential Top 20 — ranking college football programs by the business of the sport, not just wins and losses.

The Wolverines still have one of the biggest brands, largest fan bases and most powerful institutions in college athletics. And Michigan is increasingly leaning into new revenue opportunities as the economics of college football change.

Money. NIL. Pressure. Institutional power. Expectations.

That’s the Agent Confidential Top 20.

#Michigan #GoBlue #CollegeFootball #BigTen #NIL #AgentConfidential

We've reached the Top 10.

The Crimson Pachyderms have lost eight games in two seasons, but don't confuse a few bumps in the road with a decline in the business.

Alabama still has Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium, elite facilities, one of America's most passionate fan bases, one of the best athletic directors in the business — and that script A.

They may not have Lone Star oil money or Nike money.

But they have the Alabama Legacy and lots of support.

The shadows of Bear Bryant and Nick Saban are enormous. So are the expectations.

Alabama checks in at #10 among the programs best positioned in the business of college football.

Robert Earl Keen once said it's so flat in Lubbock that on a clear day, you can see the back of your own head.

Well, these days you can also see a whole lot of money headed toward Texas Tech.

The Red Raiders have billionaire backing, aggressive investment, great coaching and a brand that is making a giant leap into the national conversation.

The expectations are high. The funding may be even higher.

Keep your eyes on Lubbock.

Texas Tech checks in at #11 among the programs best positioned in the business of college football.

Penn State has the tradition, Beaver Stadium, the White Out and one of the most loyal fan bases in college football.

Last year, the Nittany Lions thought they were getting close. They didn't quite get there — so they reloaded.

There's a new coach, new energy, Big Ten resources and a donor base with the appetite to compete at the highest level.

Happy Valley is hungry. They're sharpening the teeth on the Nittany Lion.

Penn State checks in at #12 among the programs best positioned in the business of college football.

NFL players returning to college football sounds crazy. It’s also becoming very real.

Court rulings have created a path for certain players with NCAA eligibility remaining to return to college, and programs are already recruiting them.

Mike Chaudron analyzes NFL rosters to identify some of the most intriguing potential candidates — and explains the decision agents and players will have to make between an NFL opportunity and NIL, revenue sharing, playing time and another shot at the draft.

There’s also a risk nobody should ignore: the NFL has a long memory.

What happens when college programs start recruiting players from NFL rosters?

Agent Confidential Special Edition.

USC has everything Hollywood loves — history, tradition, Heisman Trophies, the Coliseum and Tinseltown star power.

Add Big Ten money and one of the biggest markets in America, and there aren't many programs with a higher ceiling.

But lately, the box office results haven't matched the production budget.

The money is there. The brand is there. The expectations are through the roof.

Now USC needs a blockbuster.

USC checks in at #13 in the Agent Confidential Top 20 of the programs best positioned in the business of college football.

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Florida has the history, the brand, the fan base and the resources.

The recent results haven't always looked like the Florida of Steve Spurrier and Urban Meyer, but don't confuse a lack of recent success with a lack of institutional power.

With John Sumrall bringing renewed energy to Gainesville, The Swamp is restless — and the checkbook is open.

Florida checks in at #14 in the Agent Confidential Top 20 of college football programs from a business perspective.

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