Ask anyone who has played college football—or even at the NFL level—and they’ll tell you the same thing: it’s a business, plain and simple. Gone are the days of high school ball, when you lined up beside the same friends you grew up with, proudly representing your hometown, and playing simply for the love of the game.

In college football, especially today, you’re operating inside a profit-generating corporation. Think of it like this: the head coach is the CEO, assistant coaches are vice presidents, and the athletics department serves as the board of directors. And just like in any other business, politics are everywhere.

These politics influence everything, and perhaps the most frustrating part for players—they can affect your playing time. While talent and performance matter, they aren’t the only factors at play. Understanding what these political forces look like can help you navigate your own journey more effectively.

1. Follow the Money

One of the toughest realities to accept is that money matters. If a school invests heavily in a player—whether through scholarship dollars, NIL deals, or recruiting resources—they expect a return on that investment.

That means even if the backup is better, the guy with the bigger financial backing often gets the nod. Position coaches don’t want the head coach or athletic department to think the money they spent on a recruit was wasted.

For you, this means if the player in front of you is being paid more, you’ll have to beat him out by a significant margin to earn playing time.

2. Coaching Agendas and Career Moves

It’s important to remember that assistant coaches are not just coaching for today—they’re coaching for their careers. For many, their current role is just a stepping stone toward bigger opportunities.

That’s why some coaches may lean heavily on recruiting or playing transfers. Transfers are often more game-ready and can deliver immediate results, which makes the coach look good and potentially opens the door for them to land a better job elsewhere.

At the end of the day, each coach’s personal goals and aspirations can influence who they choose to put on the field.

3. The Power of Relationships

At the end of the day, coaches are human. And like anyone else, they’re naturally going to favor the players they know best and have a stronger connection with.

Building a personal relationship with your coach can go a long way. It won’t replace talent or work ethic, but it can absolutely tip the scales when coaches are making tough decisions about playing time.

Final Thoughts

Don’t let this discourage you—the best players still find their way onto the field. You control your destiny, and betting on yourself is always the best strategy. But it’s equally important to understand that college football is a business, and politics are part of that business.

Knowing these dynamics helps you approach your career with clearer eyes and a stronger game plan.

At RecruitSync, we understand how stressful this journey can be for athletes and their families. If you or your child need guidance, have questions, or just want someone to talk through the options with—we’re here to help.

Feel free to reach out to me directly at jared@recruitsync.net. I’d love to support your family in any way I can.