When President Donald Trump talked with commissioners of all sports a month ago, college football and college basketball were left out of the equation. College basketball is not surprising. Their season wrapped up and would not start again until November. But to not have a representative in college football feels surprising. Mark Emmert runs the NCAA, but he does not technically run college football or basketball. If the pandemic has taught us anything, each major spot needs a commissioner.

There seems to be no right answer when you ask about college football. California state schools decided in May that they will not be having kids at their schools in Fall. That feels like a vast overreaction. But it affects three Mountain West schools – Fresno State, San Diego State, and San Jose State. It also impacts both college football and college basketball. With no commissioner, how to handle these schools is left up to the Mountain West and probably a dash of Emmert. Like he is CC’d on emails but isn’t exactly involved. If college football had a commissioner, they would on the front lines to figure this out.

Furthermore, FOX Sports’ Colin Cowherd reported that USC-Alabama isn’t happening this September due to USC’s inability to practice. USC’s Athletic Director came out against that. Discussions are likely happening with the two teams, but again, this stresses the importance of having someone at the top routing all these conversations. Emmert can only do so much, and if they had a person focused solely on college football, there would be some sort of action plan in place. Instead, we have to rely on rumors, athletic directors, and others to report the news. Good thing that college football and basketball have reputable reporters that can hopefully inform all of us.

College football does not need to be decided on until early July. The drop-dead date should be July 15th. At that time, decisions should be made on whether teams are playing or not plus if non-conference games can happen like USC-Alabama. If teams are wary of their status, they should inform their schedule, and those teams that are still playing should set up contingency plans. College football is a huge source of revenue for schools and states. Politicians will get involved if plans aren’t developed soon.

Hopefully, this wakes up all the conferences in college athletics and makes them realize that they need a leader. Someone whose focus is on their sport and only their sport. Because if that was available, there would be a lot less confusion.

Charlie.