College Football “Integrity” Was Always a Myth

Money, winning, and the long facade of the sport’s image

Tradition and decorum are two concepts that have long been staples in the list of talking points from the institution of college football. This emphasis stems from deep roots — the first college football game was played in 1869 between Rutgers and Princeton and for many years college football was the superior football brand whereas the NFL was considered a bit of a sideshow exhibition.

The same sport that prides itself so much on history has had a dramatic level of change. With conference realignment, NIL (name, image, and likeness) deals, the transfer portal, and modified playoff system the sport is much different today than it was just a decade ago. Recently, two things happened that dispel a myth that is no longer a truth in college football: the perceived integrity of the sport.

The first was a proposal from Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti to expand the College Football Playoff from the current 12-team format to one with as many as 28 teams. The second was the NCAA’s ruling in the sign-stealing case that involved the University of Michigan.

The Wolverines were put on probation for four seasons, face multiple fines, and will incur a 25% reduction in recruiting visits. Jim Harbaugh (Michigan’s head coach at the time), Sherrone…