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Staples Today
By the People, for the People
College Football Fans Accused of Accepting 'Crappier Product'
Prominent writer Andy Staples slams fans for supporting programs that prioritize easier schedules over marquee matchups.
Apr. 11, 2026 at 7:34am
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The evolving priorities of major college football programs are reshaping the sport's traditional rivalries and high-stakes matchups.Staples TodayCollege football writer Andy Staples has strongly criticized fans who support programs that are prioritizing easier schedules and a smoother path to the College Football Playoff, rather than maintaining tough, traditional rivalries and high-stakes matchups. Staples argues this 'cupcake-first' mentality is eroding the very appeal of the sport.
Why it matters
The shift towards softer scheduling by major college football programs has become a growing controversy, as it threatens to diminish the quality of the on-field product that fans have traditionally craved - intense, high-profile matchups between top teams. This trend raises questions about the balance between playoff qualification and preserving the sport's integrity and excitement.
The details
Staples points to several recent examples of high-profile programs canceling or backing out of challenging non-conference games, such as Alabama reportedly wanting to end a series with Ohio State, and Texas coach Steve Sarkisian questioning the value of matchups with Ohio State and Notre Dame. The writer argues this 'cupcake-first' mentality is becoming normalized, with some fans even suggesting Texas should avoid playing Notre Dame in favor of an easier opponent.
- In April 2026, Andy Staples published his critical comments on the trend of major college football programs prioritizing easier schedules.
The players
Andy Staples
A prominent college football writer who has strongly criticized the trend of major programs scheduling easier non-conference opponents in order to improve their chances of reaching the College Football Playoff.
Steve Sarkisian
The head football coach at the University of Texas, who has openly questioned the value of locking in high-profile non-conference series against programs like Ohio State and Notre Dame.
What they’re saying
“The stupidest thing ever. Fans should not cheer for a lower-quality product, even if the payoff seems comfortable in the short term.”
— Andy Staples, College Football Writer
What’s next
The debate over the balance between playoff qualification and preserving the sport's traditional rivalries and high-stakes matchups is likely to continue, as programs weigh the risks and rewards of their scheduling decisions.
The takeaway
This controversy highlights the tension between the practical realities of the College Football Playoff system and the desire of fans to see their teams compete against the best opponents. As programs prioritize easier paths to the playoff, the quality of the overall college football product may suffer, raising questions about the sport's long-term integrity.
