So if an old friend I know stops by to say hello
Would I still see Dots in your eyes?
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If there’s an existential threat to college sports at the moment, it is the lawlessness that has followed legal decisions about the transfer portal, revenue, sharing, and NIL for players. Without a collectively bargained agreement between a union representing players and a body representing the programs, any solution is likely to face the same legal risks that brought us to that point. The one exception may be federal legislation that could change the laws on which the collegiate rules are made. Congress doesn’t have carte blanche to invalidate judicial rulings, but could tailor new laws to regulate college sports within the legal framework set by the courts. Congress is set to debate the Protect College Sports Act over the next month. For more information about what is in the bill and what could happen next, Jon Wilner has an article explaining the nuance.
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A side effect of the changing rules in college sports is that it has become extremely difficult to accurately track eligibility. Who has used a red shirt or a medical exemption is often opaque. We are finally, seemingly, beyond any extended Covid eligibility. Even so, it’s great to have a resource that tracks each player’s eligibility. Dawgman has done just that for the UW defense.
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On the recruiting front, the Dawgs have started looking ahead to the ‘28 class. They are one of the teams hot on the trail of 4* California Safety Ace Leutele. UW has been active at Mater Dei in recent years, which should build some connections with the DB and his coaching staff. USC and Ohio State are also pursuing Leutele heavily, so UW will have to work to get him on campus.
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For a look outside the bubble, Daily Bruin has Big Ten previews of other teams UCLA will take on this year. Interestingly, the previews include not only football, but men’s and women’s basketball, as well as men’s soccer. They most recently covered the Dawgs in this series.
