Before we hastily jump on the bandwagon of perceiving the end of college football as we know it, let's take a step back and embrace a fundamental concept we learned as children. You can't have your cake and eat it too. In the context of the ever-expanding player empowerment in college athletics, it becomes clear that one can't have everything and still desire more. Beau Pribula, a backup quarterback at Penn State, took to social media on Sunday to express his dilemma. He claimed that the NCAA's postseason transfer model had forced him to make a choice between participating in the College Football Playoff with Penn State or entering the transfer portal. With a heavy heart, he announced his entry into the transfer portal. This situation presents a complex issue that requires careful examination.

Defending the NCAA: A Necessary Task?

It is our duty to address this matter and defend the NCAA, which is often criticized as a dysfunctional and ineffective organization. While it may seem like a daunting task, we must look at the facts. Any player who enters the transfer portal does not have to leave their school until they sign with another. Pribula, a changeup quarterback who sees limited playing time, can remain on the Penn State team throughout its College Football Playoff run and then explore other opportunities. This has nothing to do with the limited number of scholarships available or the horror stories of players entering the portal and not finding a home. The NCAA has provided a system that allows players to make informed decisions.In addition, every school is aware that Pribula is transferring. If there is a market for him in the portal, schools will wait to make a decision on the quarterback position until after Penn State's CFP run. This is a logical approach that takes into account the importance of the position and the potential impact on the team.

The Transfer Portal Timeline

Pribula is now in the transfer portal, and schools are closely monitoring the situation. The NCAA, anticipating potential issues related to the CFP and the transfer portal, gave players participating in the new 12-team CFP an extension to the winter transfer portal beyond the December 28 closing date. This shows that the NCAA is trying to address the concerns of players and schools.It is important to note that Pribula is a communications major who graduated in three years from one of the top public universities in the country. He is not a victim of the system; rather, he is working the system to his benefit. Less than 24 hours after his announcement, Penn State quarterback Drew Allar announced his return to State College in 2025. This highlights the complex nature of the situation and the impact it can have on individual players.

The Potential for a New School

Pribula doesn't have significant game tape, and any school considering investing in him would do so based on his potential. Not many Power Four conference schools are willing to spend top dollar on portal potential. Therefore, the longer he waits to leave Penn State, the less chance he has of connecting with a major conference school.As a Penn State graduate with family ties to the university and a star from Central York High School, about two hours southeast of State College, Pribula should consider the impact of his decision. Leaving his team before the end of the season is a selfish move that goes against the values of loyalty and commitment.

The NCAA's Role and Player Responsibility

Players already have the opportunity to earn from their name, image, and likeness and have free movement without the previous restrictions. Beginning next season, players in all sports at universities will be paid from a media rights revenue sharing salary pool. The NCAA has essentially handed over everything players have asked for, including back pay to former players.However, players cannot have it both ways. They cannot complain about the NCAA keeping them down when they have control over their movement and employment. If a player decides to leave their team, it is their responsibility. Just like Jayden Daniels, who left Arizona State and later signed with LSU and won the Heisman Trophy, players have the opportunity to make decisions that can lead to success.In conclusion, the situation faced by Beau Pribula is a complex one that requires a balanced perspective. The NCAA has provided a system that allows players to make decisions, and players must also take responsibility for their actions. It is important to look at the big picture and not simply blame the NCAA for every situation. By understanding the nuances of the transfer portal and player empowerment, we can better navigate this evolving landscape in college football.