Tom Ackerman dives into the challenges facing college athletics under the NIL system, highlighting how frequent transfers and unlimited pay opportunities disrupt team cohesion and long-term player development. He emphasizes the need for structured rules, oversight, and a governing authority to manage fairness across conferences. Ackerman also reviews local sports, praising Indiana’s college football success and analyzing Missouri vs. Illinois, the Blues’ recent NHL victories, and the Cardinals’ trade of Wilson Contreras for promising pitching prospects. The discussion balances systemic issues in athletics with immediate updates on St. Louis sports.