### "Project Rudy: A Game-Changer for College Athletics?"

Ahead of a crucial meeting between athletic directors from the SEC and Big Ten to deliberate the future of college sports, a groundbreaking concept known as "Project Rudy" has emerged. Spearheaded by former Disney executives-turned-investment professionals, this super league model is poised to dramatically reshape the landscape of college football, aiming to integrate 70 teams from four power conferences.

Project Rudy boasts significant backing, with Smash Capital, a venture capital and private equity firm, employing the plan's architects: Evan Richter, Kevin Mayer, and Tom Staggs. The model proposes to keep the four conferences intact while overhauling scheduling, expanding the postseason, and introducing revenue distribution tiers. Notably, the plan includes a massive infusion of $9 billion in private capital.

Despite its ambitious scope, representatives from Smash Capital have declined to comment publicly on Project Rudy. However, anonymous sources from the power conferences express optimism about the initiative. "His [Richter's] claim is that everybody will be saved," noted one power conference athletic director.

The plan's timing is critical, as SEC and Big Ten officials are set to discuss various significant topics, such as a new enforcement body separate from the NCAA, the College Football Playoff format, and a new scheduling arrangement. Over the last four months, Project Rudy has been presented to more than 25 athletic directors from the power conferences, as well as to commissioners from the SEC, Big 12, and ACC. Former Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick has also recently joined the team.

Miami athletic director Dan Radakovich expressed strong support for the initiative after viewing the presentation. "Of all the ideas I've seen, this one makes the most sense. Conferences are kept intact, commissioners still have an important and valuable role, and there is the ability for schools to make increased money from bigger matchups and more playoff games," said Radakovich.

The proposed model aims to eliminate games between power conference programs and Group of Five and FCS opponents, while consolidating media rights agreements between the power conferences. This could result in 1.5 additional "marquee" games per season, leading to significant financial benefits for individual schools.

However, the model is not without its challenges. One high-ranking Big Ten school administrator pointed out, "The Smash proposal appeals to people because it helps with an immediate issue, but private equity usually wants a high rate of return and a high level of control."

These transformative proposals come at a moment described as "transformational" for college athletics, coinciding with economic uncertainties as the House Settlement advances through the court system. Preliminary approval of the settlement includes $21-22 million in annual revenue sharing with athletes.

Convincing SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey and Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti of the merits of Project Rudy remains crucial for its success. "The Smash Capital idea is brilliant," said a high-level SEC school administrator, "but you've got to convince those two guys."

As the future of college athletics hangs in the balance, the emergence of Project Rudy has added a new layer of significance to the upcoming SEC and Big Ten discussions.