The Future of College Football: A Deep Dive with Joe Goodman

Goodman explores the brewing controversies and potential solutions in the world of college football

Apr. 11, 2026 at 11:21am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting featuring abstract geometric shapes and planes of vibrant colors, conceptually representing the strategic complexities and evolving dynamics of college football.A cubist interpretation of the strategic complexities and evolving dynamics shaping the future of college football.Duluth Today

In this column, sports writer Joe Goodman takes a deep dive into the current state of college football, examining topics such as the decline of Alabama's offense, the impact of the running game on the Seattle Seahawks' success, and the ongoing debates around NIL, player compensation, and the future of the sport.

Why it matters

College football is facing a number of complex issues that could significantly shape the future of the sport, from the changing offensive strategies of top programs to the evolving landscape of player compensation and recruitment. Goodman's analysis provides valuable insights into these brewing controversies and potential solutions that could impact the sport for years to come.

The details

Goodman's column covers a range of topics, including the decline of Alabama's offense, the impact of the running game on the Seattle Seahawks' success, the potential of young talents like AK Dear and EJ Crowell, and the controversial ideas around player compensation and the NIL system. He also explores the offensive strategy of Auburn's new coach, Golesh, and a proposal from reader Sam to have a major program opt out of the NIL/portal system and return to traditional recruitment methods.

  • The column was published on April 11, 2026, just ahead of the upcoming Super Bowl.

The players

Joe Goodman

A sports writer who provides analysis and commentary on the state of college football.

Metta World Peace

Formerly known as Ron Artest, a former NBA player who once inquired about Goodman's ecstasy intake.

Thomas

A reader from Atlanta who suggests that Goodman's writing might be influenced by certain substances.

B-Man

A reader from Duluth, Georgia who comments on the struggles of the offensive line.

Adrian

A reader who brings up an interesting point about the Seattle Seahawks' running attack and its influence on Sam Darnold's performance.

AK Dear

A young talent who Goodman had the pleasure of meeting and who could be the signature back Alabama needs.

EJ Crowell

A young talent who Goodman had the pleasure of meeting and who could be the signature back Alabama needs.

William

A reader who shares a bold take on Alabama's running game and its performance despite the team's offensive struggles.

Golesh

The new offensive coordinator for Auburn, who is implementing an intriguing strategy focused on the run game and creating favorable matchups.

Sam

A reader who proposes the radical idea of a major program like Alabama opting out of the NIL/portal system and returning to traditional recruitment methods.

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What they’re saying

“I assure you, Thomas, that my encounters with Metta World Peace (formerly known as Ron Artest) were not hallucinations. He once inquired about my ecstasy intake, which I can confirm was a sober moment.”

— Joe Goodman, Sports Writer

“B-Man from Duluth, Ga., hits the nail on the head regarding the offensive line's struggles. The pressure is on for the new offensive line coach to deliver a robust running game and improved pass protection. If they don't, well, let's just say the coaching staff might need a new brew.”

— Joe Goodman, Sports Writer

“Adrian brings up an interesting point about the Seattle Seahawks' running attack and its influence on Sam Darnold's performance. This leads us to a crucial question: Should Alabama revisit its historical approach to offense?”

— Joe Goodman, Sports Writer

“William's take on Alabama's running game is a bold one. Despite their struggles, the team still managed to secure a top seed in the SEC and advance in the College Football Playoff. Is this a testament to their resilience or a sign of deeper issues?”

— Joe Goodman, Sports Writer

“Sam proposes a radical idea: What if a major program like Alabama opted out of the NIL/portal system and returned to traditional recruitment methods? It's a thought-provoking concept that challenges the current landscape.”

— Joe Goodman, Sports Writer

What’s next

As the debate around the future of college football continues, it will be important to monitor the impact of any potential changes to the NIL/portal system, as well as the performance and strategies of top programs like Alabama and Auburn. Goodman's analysis suggests that the sport is at a critical juncture, and the decisions made in the coming years could have far-reaching consequences.

The takeaway

Goodman's deep dive into the current state of college football highlights the complex and often controversial issues facing the sport, from the evolution of offensive strategies to the ongoing debates around player compensation and recruitment. While there are no easy solutions, the column provides valuable insights and thought-provoking ideas that could shape the future of college football.