Join Matt Baker, National College Writer for The Athletic, as he dissects the turbulent landscape of college sports. From the rise of NIL deals and player free agency to the blurring distinction between news and opinion in sports journalism, Baker offers an incisive look at how the game has fundamentally changed. He shares insights into The Athletic's expansive coverage and the formidable challenges facing the NCAA in enforcing its own rapidly evolving, often unclear, rulebook, particularly in the wake of high-profile transfer sagas.

Baker contends that while the on-field product in college football is arguably at an all-time high, systemic issues, such as unchecked tampering, significant financial pressures on institutions, and a lack of consistent governance, threaten its long-term viability. He argues that the current chaos is largely irreversible, predicting an inevitable march toward a "Super League" model within the next decade.

Join&nbsp;Matt Baker, National College Writer for The Athletic, as he dissects the turbulent landscape of college sports. From the rise of NIL deals and player free agency to the blurring distinction between news and opinion in sports journalism, Baker offers an incisive look at how the game has fundamentally changed. He shares insights into The Athletic's expansive coverage and the formidable challenges facing the NCAA in enforcing its own rapidly evolving, often unclear, rulebook, particularly in the wake of high-profile transfer sagas.
Baker contends that while the on-field product in college football is arguably at an all-time high, systemic issues, such as unchecked tampering, significant financial pressures on institutions, and a lack of consistent governance, threaten its long-term viability. He argues that the current chaos is largely irreversible, predicting an inevitable march toward a "Super League" model within the next decade.

Stay in the Game with 102.1 The Won – Springfield’s Sports Hub

Welcome to the official 102.1 The Won — your all-access pass to local sports, expert picks, live betting odds, and real-time updates for the Springfield, MO area.

-Local Coverage, Local Voice — In-depth coverage of Springfield-area teams and sports stories you care about.
-Live Sports Odds & Boards — View real-time odds for NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and more.
-Pro Picks & Betting Insights — Daily expert picks and analysis to help you level up your game.
-On-Air Shows & Podcasts — Stream live shows like VSiN Primetime, Keys to the Kingdom, and more.
-Alerts & News — Get notified on big games, breaking scores.

Stay in the Game with 102.1 The Won &ndash; Springfield&rsquo;s Sports Hub
Welcome to the official 102.1 The Won &mdash; your all-access pass to local sports, expert picks, live betting odds, and real-time updates for the Springfield, MO area.
-Local Coverage, Local Voice &mdash; In-depth coverage of Springfield-area teams and sports stories you care about. -Live Sports Odds &amp; Boards &mdash; View real-time odds for NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and more. -Pro Picks &amp; Betting Insights &mdash; Daily expert picks and analysis to help you level up your game. -On-Air Shows &amp; Podcasts &mdash; Stream live shows like VSiN Primetime, Keys to the Kingdom, and more. -Alerts &amp; News &mdash; Get notified on big games, breaking scores.