Mike Elko of Texas A&M Warns of Long-Term Harm from the Portal Era and NIL

Texas A&M’s Mike Elko Warns of Long-Term Damage from NIL and Transfer Portal Era

In the evolving landscape of college football, Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko has emerged as a vocal critic of the current state of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and the NCAA Transfer Portal. While Elko supports the empowerment of student-athletes through these mechanisms, he has expressed deep concerns about their unregulated nature and the potential long-term consequences for the sport, its players, and the integrity of college athletics.

The Unregulated Wild West of College Football

Elko has described the current state of college football as resembling the “Wild West,” characterized by a lack of centralized leadership and inconsistent regulations. He emphasized the need for a governing body to establish clear rules to prevent chaos and ensure the well-being of young athletes. Elko stated, “Now, more than ever, this sport needs somebody to step in and create some type of rules and regulations. I am all for the portal. I am all for NIL. I have zero problems managing those things. But there is an awful lot of unregulated, bad stuff going on right now. And it will impact young people and their futures” citeturn0search4.

The Impact on Team Culture and Locker Room Dynamics

One of Elko’s primary concerns is the effect of NIL deals on team cohesion and locker room dynamics. He highlighted the disparity between incoming freshmen receiving substantial NIL deals and returning upperclassmen, which can lead to feelings of insecurity and disrupt team harmony. Elko noted, “You see some insane freshmen deals. I would like to know how the upperclassmen in their program feel when these freshmen come in making five times more than the returning starter” citeturn0search1.

The Transfer Portal as a Double-Edged Sword

While Elko acknowledges the benefits of the Transfer Portal in providing athletes with opportunities to find better fits, he also recognizes its potential to destabilize programs. The timing of the portal’s opening, particularly during the postseason, can lead to significant roster turnover, leaving teams vulnerable. Elko likened the portal to “NFL free agency,” where the focus is on immediate needs rather than long-term development citeturn0search7.

The Need for National Legislation

Elko has called for national legislation to standardize NIL and transfer portal regulations across all college football programs. He believes that without uniform rules, programs with more resources can exploit the system, leading to an uneven playing field. Elko emphasized the importance of collective action, stating, “It has to be across the board. It has to be national legislation, and just right now, there’s just none of it” citeturn0search8.

Navigating the Challenges at Texas A&M

At Texas A&M, Elko has faced the challenges of roster turnover firsthand. The Aggies experienced significant departures to the Transfer Portal and NFL Draft, particularly on the defensive line and quarterback positions. Despite these setbacks, Elko has focused on maintaining a strong team culture through clear standards and expectations. He has emphasized the importance of developing a program that can sustain volatility and adapt to the changing landscape of college football citeturn0news12.

Recruiting Amidst the Chaos

In the face of these challenges, Elko has continued to prioritize recruiting players who align with the program’s culture and values. The Aggies secured a top 10-ranked recruiting class for 2025, focusing on versatility and fit rather than solely on star power. Elko’s approach underscores the importance of building a cohesive team that can navigate the complexities of the modern college football environment citeturn0search5.

Mike Elko’s candid assessments of the NIL and Transfer Portal era reflect a broader concern within college football about the long-term implications of these changes. While the empowerment of student-athletes is a positive development, the lack of regulation poses significant challenges to the integrity of the sport. Elko’s call for national legislation and standardized rules highlights the need for a balanced approach that protects the interests of athletes, maintains competitive fairness, and preserves the foundational values of college football. As the sport continues to evolve, the dialogue initiated by coaches like Elko will be crucial in shaping its future trajectory.