Media figure Rich Eisen has voiced support for Colorado HC Deion Sanders’ push for the NCAA to adopt NFL-style rules. Speaking at Big 12 media day, Sanders, a former NFL star, urged college football to “embrace professional rules,” igniting widespread conversation around the idea.
Eisen’s endorsement has pushed the discussion further on aligning NCAA regulations with professional football standards. With Sanders and Eisen now leading the charge, momentum is growing behind efforts to narrow the gap between college and NFL rulebooks, marking a significant shift in the ongoing evolution of college football governance.
Rich Eisen Joins Deion Sanders in Advocating NFL Rules for College Football
The call for change in college football is gaining traction, as Eisen has thrown his support behind Sanders’ push for the NCAA to implement NFL-style rules at the collegiate level.
The debate reignited following Sanders’ pointed comments at Big 12 Media Day, where he challenged the current structure of the college game and argued for greater alignment with the professional ranks.
“I’d like the professional rules to be implemented into college,” Sanders said. “They are getting ready to be pros, so let’s go two feet in on the catches. Let’s mark the foul for pass interference. Let’s do the same thing the pro game is and let’s introduce it to college.”
His argument stems from the view that collegiate athletes, especially in the NIL era, already operate in a semi-professional environment and should be held to the same game standards as the pros.
Eisen echoed those views on his show, agreeing that Sanders’ ideas were spot on.
“He’s right. The NCAA should adopt these,” Eisen said. “Two feet in for a catch. Spot foul for pass interference. Yeah. Let’s go. Let’s go. Let’s go.”
He noted that some adjustments have already begun, such as the removal of the clock stoppage after first downs, but emphasized more sweeping changes are needed.
“They already got rid of the nonsense of stopping the clock for first downs to move the chains,” Eisen said. “He’s right….Spot on.”
Eisen pointed out that with NIL deals compensating players like professionals, they should be expected to play under professional rules and conduct themselves accordingly.
“They’re professionals already. You might as well,” he said. “If your job includes getting these kids ready for the next level, you might as well get them ready for the next level.”
Sanders has gone further, advocating for the introduction of fines in college football for uniform and equipment violations and skipping class.
“They’re getting paid,” Eisen agreed, supporting Sanders’ belief that the professionalization of players should come with accountability. “You can’t give them a whole set of different rules,” Eisen added. “I’m absolutely with you.”
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As the college football landscape continues to shift, voices like Sanders and Eisen are forcing the NCAA to reckon with a new reality. In their view, if the athletes are being prepared for professional careers, the rulebook should reflect that goal.
