Should there be an age limit in college football

[CB4]

I follow Richard Hendrix’s notion on this: Richard is a former Bama basketball player and spent 15 years playing professional basketball overseas. He does color commentary on basketball for the SEC Network. I respect Richard a lot. The guy is a sharp dude.

He was asked about “all these older players still playing in college basketball”. Richard point blank said it is ridiculous. There is HUGE difference physically, mentally and emotionally between an 18 year old and a player heading towards their mid twenties. At 22 years old he was in banging bodies with grown men in European leagues. College basketball is kids game to be played by 17-22 year olds.

I feel the same about college football.

 

[BamaBoySince89]

5 to play 4. If you’re over 23, hit the NFL or the workforce. Plain and simple

 

[CB4]

Some how the minimum number of credits pursued per semester should have a requirement to where they have to be on a track to getting a degree also should be figured in along with years of eligibility limit.

I was glad to read that the NCAA and universities CAN set academic performance standards in order to receive revenue sharing compensation.

 

[Krymsonman]

Because in theory, the main purpose of college isn't sports. I could see putting a restriction on academics being a problem, but playing sports in college isn't a right but a privilege, especially seeing that they technically still have amateur status. They arent professionals which comes with a different set of workplace protections.

Unfortunately many of them are now being paid like they are professional. I just wish the NCAA would enforce the long-standing 5 years to play 4, counting JC years. But since the NCAA can't enforce anything players will keep getting older and older.

 

[The Ols]

Ah! The APR thing...

What if the kid becomes a professional student going for multiple degrees?

I agree with you though. College Football should be about education as well.

CFB has become nothing more than a farm league for the NFL.

On the same track…and if it’s been mentioned elsewhere I apologize, but how about Carson Beck’s comment about classes when asked!?!?
“Classes? I graduated 2 years ago.”
Doesn’t he still have to be enrolled in something…anything? …or at least lie about it!?!?

 

[Slowpoke Catracho]

Kind of, my thoughts are more about the school side of college. I haven't placed a lot of thought in how I would fix the issue, but it would be something like this.

1. You must show progress toward a degree, not just taking enough hours to be considered a full time student.
2. Each year you would be expected to hit percentage marks toward a degree that is equivalent to a standard student.
3. A 2nd undergrad degree does not count toward eligibility. You can only maintain eligibility after your undergrad degree if you are attending a graduate program. That program would also have percentage requirements.

I think this is the ticket!

 

[Elefantman]

Because in theory, the main purpose of college isn't sports. I could see putting a restriction on academics being a problem, but playing sports in college isn't a right but a privilege, especially seeing that they technically still have amateur status. They arent professionals which comes with a different set of workplace protections.

The way all these lawsuits keep coming, being a student and academics is a secondary issue. Players and their lawyers are throwing everything on the wall just to see if it sticks. The NCAA just sticks their head in the sand and the courts just say "why not"?? It's the wild west, anything goes these days. I agree with your point. Unfortunately kids with quick cash, and lawyers willing to take their case and money are running the show.

 

[Bamabuzzard]

Miami defensive line is handling II's OL right now

 

[RammerJammer14]

I really think that is the last thing that is wrong with college football. I was a late bloomer. Went into the military and used those funds to pay for college. I was an older guy in the day program but I was a student just like the 18 year olds. Don't think we should be punished for being older in college. If anything, the older dude is going to be a mature leader in the locker room more that a difference maker on the field anyway. Yea, need to fix this NIL and portal situation but just don't see this as a major issue.

I think the issue is where you can just put 50 dudes over 21 on a team now due to unlimited transfer rules and basically no degree requirements. That is not something you would ever be able to achieve through a normal progression of players through a program through recruiting, and why we never saw it in the past.

 

[Con]

5 to play 4. If you’re over 23, hit the NFL or the workforce. Plain and simple

Yep, don’t overthink it.

 

[davefrat]

But this would mean we don’t get the feel good story every so many years about a 60 year old fulfilling his dream of playing at a Division 3 program that hasn’t won a game since grandpa was in diapers.

 

[OBMS]

For perspective, 10 years ago the 2015 Crimson Tide that won a National Championship, had less than a dozen players on the roster that turned 22 before the season started and only one I can find that was 23, yet we had a veteran team that played mostly juniors and seniors and were considered "old" at the time. That's the same basic game plan Indiana used with approximately a dozen guys who have been together under the same staff for 4 or five years with the best of the old Indiana team hanging around and learning while being able to buy a known commodity at quarterback and known older players on the offensive line. It won't be them next year, but it'll be somebody else. If something doesn't change, three years from now the top signing day will be NFL cut down date and the college game will resemble a 7-on-7 camp full of 25 year olds.

 

[davefrat]

For perspective, 10 years ago the 2015 Crimson Tide that won a National Championship, had less than a dozen players on the roster that turned 22 before the season started and only one I can find that was 23, yet we had a veteran team that played mostly juniors and seniors and were considered "old" at the time. That's the same basic game plan Indiana used with approximately a dozen guys who have been together under the same staff for 4 or five years with the best of the old Indiana team hanging around and learning while being able to buy a known commodity at quarterback and known older players on the offensive line. It won't be them next year, but it'll be somebody else. If something doesn't change, three years from now the top signing day will be NFL cut down date and the college game will resemble a 7-on-7 camp full of 25 year olds.

Cignetti took 13 JMU players with him to IU, and 7 of them were on this years team.

Some were major contributors too.

After 4 years of good coaching in a winning culture, 1 star players can become national champions.

 

[TDBama78]

Before the NCAA and NIL destroyed the spirit of college athletics I would say if you can pass the physical and qualify for enrollment,you can be on a team, but with NIL you need an age limit, what that number is I don't know.

 

[RammerJammer14]

More pertinent question- should college football players be required to be students and attend class and pursue degrees at said college?

 

[bamaga]

If you put an age limit on college athletics, you would wipe out the Brigham Young University athletic department.

 

[CrimsonTitles]

I don't think there should necessarily be an age limit, because there are circumstances and scenarios where it's okay. Brandon Weeden, for exampl. I don't think anyone really had an issue when he was literally 28 years old playing college football. It was seen as a "great story".

 

[Snuffy Smith]

Because in theory, the main purpose of college isn't sports. I could see putting a restriction on academics being a problem, but playing sports in college isn't a right but a privilege, especially seeing that they technically still have amateur status. They arent professionals which comes with a different set of workplace protections.

Blasphemy

 

[dtgreg]

If it were pure, we'd be talking about intramurals.

 

[Con]

I’m guessing the UFL should be getting worried about the players sticking to college too. With the teams getting older there will be less of a pool to draw from every year.