In July 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered a groundbreaking decision that allowed student-athletes to profit from their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. Fast forward four years, and the NIL market is booming, with projections suggesting it will surge to $1.7 billion. Change has been a constant in college sports, but Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl isn’t entirely convinced it’s been for the better.

The Tigers’ HC voiced his concerns during an appearance on Fox News Channel’s Special Report alongside U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville. He didn’t hold back when discussing how the rise of NIL and the transfer portal has significantly altered college athletics—especially in terms of academics.

“Graduation rates have been destroyed because the combination of NIL and transfer portal working together,” Pearl stated, expressing disappointment over how these trends prioritize short-term financial incentives at the expense of long-term educational goals. He didn’t sugarcoat his criticism.

“We’re teaching kids to flee, not fight,” he said, pointing to a culture where players often switch schools for better NIL deals.

The transfer portal has been dubbed the NBA free agency with the increase in number each passing year. On3 reports that about 1900 basketball players entered the portal this spring, with deals reaching $2 million for 2 players and a million being a common number. The report even states a conference player of the year bags $500,000 while a guard settled for $450,000.

Despite his critiques, Pearl acknowledged the value of NIL, describing it as a long-overdue step toward fairly compensating athletes for their worth. However, he also emphasized how it has transformed recruiting into a more transactional process. “What is my market value? How much will I get if I go to that school?” Pearl explained.

The numbers seem to support Pearl’s concerns. Men’s basketball alone accounts for an estimated $389 million of the $1.7 billion NIL market, while football players command the majority share at $1 billion. Moreover, collectives—groups comprising boosters, donors, and businesses—control nearly 80% of NIL funding. This shift makes recruitment more about securing the biggest deals than fostering team culture or academic achievements. Interestingly, Pearl’s frustrations aren’t rooted in Auburn’s struggles.

It’s quite the opposite

His team has thrived in this NIL and transfer portal era. The Tigers have started the season strong with an 11-1 record, effectively using the transfer portal to their advantage. Key players like Johni Broome, who joined from Morehead State in 2022, have bolstered the team’s performance, helping Auburn notch three consecutive 20-win seasons.

Still, Pearl’s concerns run deeper than on-court success. He’s troubled by the lack of a national NIL standard, which he believes has created an uneven playing field. Some states and schools, he argues, are bending rules to gain a competitive edge. “Every coach needs to know that when the ball gets tipped off, we’re all playing by the same rules,” he asserted.

Athletes can transfer multiple times during their college careers, which poses challenges for both coaches and teams. Pearl highlighted how some teams have crumbled due to coaching changes or unmet NIL promises. “It’s tough for schools and even tougher for the kids themselves,” he noted, pointing out the instability this creates.

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His concerns aren’t isolated. Miami’s Jim Larrañaga has also voiced frustrations with the transfer portal, even citing it as a factor in considering retirement.