Joel Klatt offers fans an insight into a simple fix for CFB amid Nico Iamaleava fiasco 

Joel Klatt offered his take on the evolving college football NIL landscape in light of recent controversy involving Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava. The quarterback was reportedly seeking to renegotiate his name, image and likeness (NIL) contract with the university, leading to a split between both parties at a delicate time.

The drama has reignited criticism of NIL and the transfer portal in college football. However, Klatt rejected the idea that either is inherently damaging to the sport. However, Klatt refused to agree with the line of thought that the two relatively new concepts are creating problems.

Speaking on a recent episode of "The Joel Klatt Show," the analyst argued that NIL and the transfer portal are not the root of the issues plaguing college football — rather, it's the system’s lack of structure and accountability.

“NIL is not ruining college football,” Klatt said. “The transfer portal is not ruining college football. That's absurd. And it's a lazy argument if you're using that. It's the fact that the NCAA has not upheld their end of the bargain.”

“There's really a simple answer toward this. A mutually agreed upon set of rules between all the parties at play, that is then enforced. I know that sounds wild. ‘Wait a second, Joel. You mean to tell me it's that simple?’ Yes, it's that simple.”

Klatt also pointed to the dysfunction caused by the disorganized power structure in intercollegiate athletics.

"You've got chancellors with a say, presidents with a say, commissioners with a say and so many different people … And so a change was incredibly difficult."

Joel Klatt believes the college football leadership system needs to change

To ensure the sport’s growth under the new NIL and transfer realities, Joel Klatt believes there's a need for a change in the leadership structure and system. The spread of power across the landscape, he argued, hinders progress.

“Power, in particular in college football, needs to be wielded by fewer individuals so that it can be more nimble and that we can actually change and create systems that will govern us into the future,” Klatt said.

“And this is why I've argued that, sorry, the SEC and the Big Ten actually garnering more power is actually better for the health of college football moving forward, because the old system was not working.”

In February 2024, the Big Ten and SEC formed a joint advisory group composed of university presidents, chancellors and athletic directors. The group is tasked with addressing key challenges in college athletics and exploring ways to improve the student-athlete experience.