Samwise College Football Newsletter
Friday, June 5, 2026
Nick Saban Backs College Sports Reform Bill Before Senate, Warns of Arms Race Reaching $40M
Former Alabama coach Nick Saban testified before the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee on Wednesday in support of the Protect College Sports Act, calling the current NIL landscape a “race to the bottom.” In sworn testimony, Saban backed the Cruz-Cantwell bill’s effort to separate legitimate NIL from “disguised pay-for-play,” urging Congress to bring order to college athletics. He noted Alabama’s NIL collective grew from $2.7 million to $24 million over his tenure, with some programs now fielding rosters near $40 million. The SEC and Big Ten withheld support for the bill as currently drafted, citing unresolved issues. Saban, who retired after the 2023 season, now works for ESPN.
Sources: Yahoo Sports / NBC Sports
SEC and Big Ten Meet With Sen. Cruz on College Sports Bill, Still Withhold Support
The Big Ten and SEC met with Senator Ted Cruz on Thursday to discuss the bipartisan Protect College Sports Act, two days after the conferences released a joint statement opposing the bill as currently written. In a post-meeting statement, the two leagues described the conversation as “productive” and said they “appreciated” the dialogue, but reiterated they do not support the legislation in its current form. Key sticking points include the bill’s provision allowing schools to pool media rights at a 75-percent threshold and the lack of a meaningful federal preemption of state laws. The conferences said they presented “concrete solutions” to Cruz’s team and remain committed to continued dialogue.
Sources: On3
Bielema to Notre Dame: ‘Just Join a Conference’ After Super League Debate
Illinois coach Bret Bielema publicly called for Notre Dame to join a conference Thursday, responding to Fighting Irish athletics director Pete Bevacqua’s comments during Wednesday’s Senate hearing on the Protect College Sports Act. Bevacqua discussed how a hypothetical super league of 24 to 30 elite programs could maximize media rights value, using Notre Dame as an example, while making clear he does not support such a format. In a post on X, Bielema wrote “it’s pretty easy just join a conference,” taking aim at Notre Dame’s independent football status. Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti separately called any suggestion his conference was pursuing a super league “a fabrication.”
Sources: On3
ESPN Launches First-Ever College Football Preview Magazine on Newsstands Today
ESPN released its first-ever 128-page College Football Preview magazine Friday, now available on newsstands nationwide and on Amazon. The publication covers teams from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, and SEC, and features three regional editions with different covers. The West edition features Texas quarterback Arch Manning, USC quarterback Jayden Maiava, and Oregon quarterback Dante Moore. The Midwest/Northeast edition spotlights Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr, Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, and Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood. The South edition features Georgia running back Nate Frazier, Alabama running back Daniel Hill, and Miami wide receiver Malachi Toney. ESPN enters a market previously dominated by Athlon Sports, Lindy’s Sports, and Phil Steele.
Sources: ESPN Press Room
Official Visit Season Kicks Off as Texas A&M, Georgia, Nebraska, Oregon Host Top 2027 Recruits
College football’s annual June official visit season launched this weekend, with Texas, Texas A&M, Georgia, Nebraska, Oregon, and other programs hosting top 2027 prospects. Top cornerback recruit John Meredith opened his visit slate at Texas A&M this week, with a trip to Texas also on his schedule this month. June marks the peak of the annual recruiting calendar, as programs compete to secure commitments ahead of the July Fourth period. Nearly 60 percent of prospects ranked in ESPN’s SC Next 300 for the 2027 class are already committed entering the month. Rutgers also scheduled its second official visit weekend for June 5, following an earlier session that landed six commitments.
Sources: On3/Rivals
2026 Season Preview — Post-Spring Power Rankings
CBS Sports 138 (Post-Spring)
1. Ohio State
2. Notre Dame
3. Texas
4. Miami
5. Oregon
2026 season kicks off late August — pre-season power rankings only
2027 Recruiting Class Leaders
Blue-Chip Commits (On3/Rivals)
1. Oklahoma
2. Notre Dame
3. Texas A&M
4. Florida
5. Ohio State
Official visit season underway — class rankings will shift in June
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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