A new proposal for the future of college football has emerged, led by former Disney executives and backed by private equity firm Smash Capital, according to sources reported by CBS Sports. This ambitious plan involves a 70-team structure that would revolutionize the college football landscape by introducing changes to the postseason format, scheduling, and revenue distribution.
With the expansion of the College Football Playoff to 12 teams this season, major shifts in conference alignments and revenue sharing have already begun to reshape the sport. The proposed “Project Rudy” aims to further transform college football by excluding current Group of Five and FCS teams from competition and creating a single-entity media rights package for the 70 selected schools.
Former Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick is one of the key figures behind this project, which is set to take off after the expiration of existing media rights deals around the 2031 season. While the SEC and Big Ten conferences are expected to have multiple automatic qualifying spots in the playoff field, concerns have been raised about the potential exclusion of smaller programs in the new system.
In addition to the “Project Rudy” proposal, another reorganization plan known as the College Student Football League has been introduced, aiming to establish a 72-team “Power 12” conference alongside a “Group of Eight.” These initiatives reflect a growing trend of private equity investment in major sports leagues, as seen in the NFL and proposed for the Big 12 with firms like CVC.
The involvement of private equity in college football raises questions about ownership stakes, revenue sharing, and the commercialization of the sport. While previous proposals dating back to 1999 have sought to centralize the management of college football and enhance its financial value, the current wave of reorganization efforts presents unique challenges and opportunities for the future of the game.
As discussions continue among conference officials and key stakeholders, the fate of college football’s structure and governance rests in the hands of leaders like SEC commissioner Greg Sankey and Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti. The intersection of private equity investment, media rights deals, and competitive balance will shape the next chapter of college football, impacting programs and fans across the country.
