Josh Heupel Hits the Nail on the Head with Scathing College Football Criticism
In recent years, college football has faced increased scrutiny for a variety of reasons—growing concerns over player safety, the controversial transfer portal, and, perhaps most prominently, the commercialization of the sport. While fans and analysts debate the future of the game, one coach has voiced his opinions with a bluntness that has garnered both praise and pushback. That coach is Josh Heupel, the head coach of the University of Tennessee Volunteers. Heupel’s recent criticisms of college football cut straight to the heart of some of the sport’s most pressing issues. His outspoken comments offer both a reflection on the state of college football and a call for change that could reshape the future of the game.
The Rise of Josh Heupel
Before delving into Heupel’s critique of college football, it’s important to understand who he is and why his voice matters. Heupel took over as the head coach of Tennessee in 2021, and in just a few seasons, he has brought the program back to prominence. Known for his fast-paced, high-scoring offensive system, Heupel quickly established himself as one of the brightest minds in college football. His offense was instrumental in turning Tennessee into a top-10 team, and he guided the Volunteers to an Orange Bowl victory in the 2022 season.
While his on-field success has been undeniable, it’s Heupel’s candidness off the field that has caught the attention of fans and media alike. Heupel has always been open about his views on a variety of topics, and he’s unafraid to call out the issues plaguing college football.
Heupel’s Criticism of the Transfer Portal
One of the most significant changes in college football in recent years has been the introduction of the transfer portal. Players now have the ability to transfer from one program to another without sitting out a year, a rule that has drastically altered the landscape of college football. While some argue that the portal provides student-athletes with greater freedom and opportunity, Heupel is among those who believe the transfer portal has created an unstable environment for college football teams.
In a recent interview, Heupel criticized the portal’s impact on team cohesion and long-term development. “It’s hard to build a program when you can’t retain your roster. Every year, we’re having to fight to keep players, and that affects team chemistry,” Heupel said. “You want to have stability, you want to build continuity, but with the portal, it’s like putting together a team of mercenaries every season.”
Heupel’s critique of the transfer portal reflects a broader concern that college football is shifting away from long-term program-building and toward a more transient, win-now mentality. With players able to leave at any time and join a team offering a more immediate path to playing time or a championship, many coaches, like Heupel, find it increasingly difficult to foster the kind of loyalty and continuity that once defined college football.
NIL and the Growing Commercialization of College Football
Another issue Heupel has been vocal about is the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals on college football. The introduction of NIL rights has allowed players to profit off their personal brand, but Heupel believes that it has also contributed to the commercialization of the sport in ways that aren’t necessarily beneficial to the players themselves.
“There’s a lot of money flowing into college football now, but I’m not sure it’s going to the right places. It’s great for the athletes, but it’s creating a system where the focus is shifting from the game itself to the business side,” Heupel explained. “You see schools and boosters using NIL as a recruiting tool, and that’s changing the way players make decisions. It’s not about finding the right fit for a program; it’s about finding the biggest paycheck.”
Heupel’s comments point to a growing concern that NIL is exacerbating the gap between the haves and have-nots in college football. Programs with deeper pockets, especially those in Power Five conferences, have been able to offer more lucrative NIL deals, creating a competitive imbalance that undermines the spirit of college sports. At the same time, some argue that NIL is just a natural progression in the commercialization of college athletics. Regardless of where one stands on the issue, Heupel’s criticism reveals his concern that the focus on money and individual branding is overshadowing the more traditional aspects of college football.
The Impact of Playoff Expansion
Another issue that Heupel touched on in his critique of college football is the impending expansion of the College Football Playoff (CFP). Starting in 2024, the CFP will expand from four to 12 teams, allowing for a more inclusive playoff system. While many fans and analysts have lauded this expansion as a step toward fairness, Heupel expressed reservations about how it will impact the sport.
“I understand why people want more teams in the playoff,” Heupel said, “but what does that mean for the regular season? The beauty of college football has always been that every game matters. If we go to a 12-team playoff, I’m afraid we’ll lose some of that urgency. Teams might start coasting through the regular season, knowing they can still make the playoffs even if they lose a couple of games.”
Heupel’s concerns are valid. Expanding the playoff means that there will be more opportunities for teams to lose games and still make it into the postseason, potentially diluting the intensity of the regular season. Moreover, with more teams in the mix, the idea of a “championship contender” could become more fluid, which could alter the way teams approach scheduling and competition. Heupel’s perspective suggests that while expansion may offer more teams a shot at the title, it may also erode the sense of scarcity and competition that makes college football so special.
Looking Forward: Heupel’s Vision for College Football
Heupel’s criticisms, though scathing at times, also reflect a genuine desire to see college football thrive. He doesn’t reject the changes taking place in the sport; rather, he advocates for a more balanced approach that prioritizes the integrity of the game and the well-being of the players. His call for stability within programs, a more thoughtful approach to NIL, and a reconsideration of playoff expansion all reflect a vision for a college football landscape that values tradition, competition, and fairness.
As the sport continues to evolve, Heupel’s voice will likely remain an important one. His ability to speak candidly about the challenges facing college football, while also emphasizing the need for reform, makes him one of the most insightful coaches in the game today. Whether or not his criticisms lead to change remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Josh Heupel has hit the nail on the head, and his words should not be ignored.
In an era where college football seems to be constantly shifting, Heupel’s outspoken views represent a call for a return to what made the game great—community, competition, and a sense of tradition that transcends the business of college sports. As fans and administrators continue to navigate the changing landscape, they would do well to consider the implications of Heupel’s critique and the future he envisions for the sport.