Trump Focuses on College Sports Over Iran Conflict

President says regulating college athlete pay is 'harder' than dealing with Iran war

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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President Donald Trump convened a roundtable discussion on college sports, arguing that the issues surrounding athlete compensation and the transfer portal have become more complex than the ongoing conflict with Iran. Trump spent over an hour debating the topic with former coaches, athletic directors, and other experts, at one point suggesting he may issue an executive order on college sports if Congress does not act.

Why it matters

Trump's focus on college sports amid major foreign policy challenges like the conflict with Iran raised eyebrows, with the president himself acknowledging the topic may seem less pressing than global affairs. However, the governance of college athletics, particularly around athlete compensation, has become a major political issue that the president appears eager to tackle.

The details

During the roundtable, Trump and the assembled experts, including former Alabama coach Nick Saban and Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua, argued that changes to NCAA rules around name, image and likeness rights, as well as the transfer portal, have 'wrecked college athletics.' Trump suggested he may issue an executive order on college sports if Congress does not pass legislation like the SCORE Act, which aims to impose new rules on college sports.

  • A week ago, the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran.
  • On Thursday, Trump fired Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who convened the roundtable discussion on college sports.

Nick Saban

Former head football coach at the University of Alabama.

Greg Sankey

Commissioner of the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

Pete Bevacqua

Athletic director at the University of Notre Dame.

Marco Rubio

Secretary of State under President Trump.

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What they’re saying

“That's an easy problem compared to what we're doing here.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States (taylorvilledailynews.com)

“I'm just a football coach.”

— Nick Saban, Former Alabama Football Coach (taylorvilledailynews.com)

“If this doesn't work, colleges are going to be destroyed.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States (taylorvilledailynews.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.