Eli Drinkwitz calls out college football’s identity crisis as CFP expansion buries tradition

Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz has joined a growing chorus of voices questioning the future of college football. He argues that the sport is undergoing an identity crisis as it shifts toward a pay-for-play model and expands its playoff system.

The expansion of the College Football Playoff to 24 teams, just three years after its inception, has accelerated changes that are eroding the sport's traditional values, according to Drinkwitz.

Conference identity questioned

A central point of contention is the potential elimination of conference championship games. Drinkwitz asks why conferences still exist if their primary purpose is no longer to determine a champion.

He suggests that if the focus is solely on reaching the expanded playoff, the traditional role of conferences is being rendered obsolete.

Devalued traditions

Drinkwitz contends that recent decisions in college football have devalued elements that once made the sport special. He points to the loss of regional rivalries and the uncertainty of player retention as major issues.

The rise of the transfer portal and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) payments have created a system where teams are effectively starting over each season, making it difficult to build long-term momentum.

Impact on fans

The coach also questions whether the interests of college football fans have been considered in these sweeping changes. He notes that the expanded playoff may generate viewership, but it does not necessarily improve the quality of the product.

Drinkwitz believes that the elimination of conference championship games, once a staple of the season, is no longer justified in the new playoff format.