Joel Klatt is currently covering the Big 12 media days at The Star in Frisco, Texas. However, as a long-time analyst and a former quarterback of the Colorado Buffaloes, he attracts some media attention from reporters at the event.
At one point, while talking with Brian Howell, Klatt explained why he feels that the NCAA’s decision not to modernize in the 1990s brought on consequences that are being felt today:
“Jeremy…was like, ‘How is this any different?’ And I said, ‘It’s not. It’s not.’ and the NCAA again, that the…lack of foresight from the NCAA. It was archaic that they…felt like essentially…Jeremy taking money from Oakley as a sponsorship was somehow because he was a college football player, and it’s like…somehow that’s worse than somebody playing by the Pirates…as the Olympics modernized in the early 90s, even with the Dream Team…the NCAA just stood there.” (5:20)
“They tried to retain their 1950s model, and we are right now suffering the chaos of the ineptitude of the NCAA through those years.”
Truth be told, the NCAA seemed to be the last bastion of amateurism for sports. The other big sports organization clinging to the concept, the International Olympic Committee, dropped the idea a long time ago and left US college athletics in an anachronistic situation when compared to the rest of the world of sports.
House v. NCAA isn’t just a monumental change for sports in the US. It was the death knell of the amateur sports system. Some think for the better, others think for the worst.
Joel Klatt on the 2025 Nebraska Cornhuskers
On the latest episode of the “Joel Klatt Show”, Klatt weighed in on the possibilities of Matt Rhule’s Nebraska Cornhuskers making it to the College Football Playoff this season, and the chances he’s giving them might surprise you:
“He’s got an experienced quarterback. They upgraded at the wide receiver position from last year. … To me, it all comes down to schedule. They’ve got a real shot to be 7-1 in their first eight games going into November. Now, will they be?
“I’m not sure they’re going to have to win some of those close games, which historically has been a real issue for Nebraska. … You look at that Nov. 1 USC game, that’s the one that I’ll be kind of looking at.”
As per Joel Klatt, Nebraska have got a favorable schedule and they could be playing some meaningful games in November.
He also feels that the Cornhuskers have a core of returning veterans, including their quarterback Dylan Raiola, and even last year, they were very close in almost all the games they lost. It’s just about nudging them a bit, and they can compete for a spot in the CFP.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
