A group of influential leaders, known as "College Sports Tomorrow" (CST), has put forth a plan to revolutionize college football, aiming to address various challenges and reshape the sport. This ambitious proposal, often referred to as the "Super League," envisions a new governing body, playoff system, promotion and relegation structure, player compensation arrangements, and resolution of legal issues surrounding Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights and the transfer portal.

According to officials from CST, the current model for governing and managing college athletics is no longer viable. Syracuse chancellor Kent Syverud stated, "The current model for governing and managing college athletics is dead," while West Virginia president Gordon Gee added, "We are in an existential crisis."

This 20-person group includes prominent figures such as NFL executive Brian Rolapp, Philadelphia 76ers owner David Blitzer, and search firm organizer Len Perna of TurnkeyZRG. They seek to establish a new system that would replace the NCAA and College Football Playoff, while also addressing the ongoing legal challenges facing college sports.

The proposed CST outline outlines a system that includes the top 70 programs, comprised of the five major conferences, Notre Dame, and new ACC member SMU, as permanent members. All 130-plus FBS universities would be encompassed, with the second-tier teams having the opportunity to compete their way into the upper division through a promotion and relegation system inspired by European football leagues.

Playoff berths in this new model would not rely on a selection committee but instead be determined by the eight division winners and eight wild cards from the top tier, using record and tiebreakers criteria similar to the NFL. CST believes that borrowing ideas from successful professional leagues like the NFL, Premier League, and MLS will increase television value and sustainable revenue streams.

Despite the potential benefits, CST has faced challenges in gaining traction with existing institutions. While the ACC board of directors received a presentation from CST, planned meetings with administrators from the Big Ten, SEC, and Big 12 were called off. Leagues have been cautious due to their current broadcast partnerships, including ESPN and Fox.

A significant obstacle CST faces is the existing multi-billion-dollar TV deals held by the major conferences. These deals extend into the 2030s, leaving little room for untapped revenue at this stage. The group recognizes that involvement and support from the major networks would be crucial for the success and implementation of their plan.

Under the proposed plan, universities would own a percentage of the league, with revenue distribution favoring top brands like Alabama and Notre Dame. The aim is to negotiate TV deals collectively, creating more sensible broadcast windows and maximizing revenue potential.

Notably, CST's model would eliminate the traditional conference structure for football, but non-football sports would remain in their current conferences. The group seeks to establish a national college league that can address paying athletes, sustaining non-revenue-generating sports, and ensuring competitive equity through a more centralized labor structure.

CST's efforts are not the only ones attempting to address these challenges. The SEC and Big Ten formed an advisory alliance to explore a sustainable future for college sports. Additionally, individual schools like Florida State have been exploring private equity partnerships.

While there are concerns regarding the involvement of private equity and the suitability of the CST group to solve these complex issues, the leaders of CST maintain that their intentions are pure and that time is of the essence. The looming threat of legal action further emphasizes the need for swift action.

"The only way to solve the problem is to have a solution that is legally defensible, politically acceptable, commercially prudent, and is able to strike a partnership with student-athletes in a way that's really good for them," said Len Perna.

As CST strives to bring its vision to fruition, the future of college football hangs in the balance. The proposed changes could potentially reshape the landscape of the sport, providing a path forward amid the challenges facing college athletics.