Shane Beamer endorses Nick Saban as co-chair of President Donald Trump commission on college

Columbia, SC — May 11, 2025

In a significant development for college athletics, South Carolina head football coach Shane Beamer has publicly endorsed former Alabama coach Nick Saban as co-chair of the newly established Presidential Commission on College Sports. The commission, announced by President Donald Trump, aims to address pressing issues within collegiate athletics, including the regulation of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, the transfer portal, and the preservation of Olympic sports. Saban will serve alongside Texas Tech Board of Regents Chairman Cody Campbell.

Beamer’s endorsement comes after a week of public appearances and discussions between Saban and President Trump, culminating in Saban’s appointment to the commission. In a statement, Beamer expressed his support for Saban’s involvement, highlighting the former coach’s extensive experience and commitment to the development of student-athletes. “Nick Saban has always been a leader in college football, not just on the field but in advocating for the well-being and future of student-athletes,” Beamer said. “His appointment to this commission is a step in the right direction for the future of college sports.”

Beamer’s support is particularly noteworthy given his own active role in advocating for reforms in college athletics. Earlier this year, he testified before the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce, discussing the impacts of NIL and the transfer portal on college sports. Beamer emphasized the need for transparency and fairness across the NCAA landscape, advocating for federal legislation to regulate NIL deals and ensure a level playing field for all institutions.

The Presidential Commission on College Sports has been tasked with addressing several key issues facing collegiate athletics:

• Regulation of NIL Deals: Implementing guidelines to manage the growing influence of NIL deals and ensure they are used as intended—to allow student-athletes to profit from their personal brand without compromising the integrity of college sports.
• Management of the Transfer Portal: Establishing rules to govern the increasing frequency of player transfers, aiming to maintain competitive balance and team cohesion.
• Preservation of Olympic Sports: Ensuring that the expansion of high-revenue sports does not come at the expense of Olympic disciplines, maintaining the diversity and inclusivity of college athletics.

Beamer’s endorsement of Saban aligns with his own advocacy for these reforms, signaling a unified front among college football leaders in addressing the challenges facing the sport.

As co-chairs of the commission, Saban and Campbell will work collaboratively to develop recommendations for federal legislation aimed at reforming college athletics. Their leadership is expected to influence the future of college sports, balancing the interests of student-athletes, institutions, and the broader public.

Beamer’s endorsement underscores the importance of collaboration among college football leaders in shaping the future of the sport. With Saban’s extensive experience and Beamer’s active involvement in advocacy, the commission is poised to make significant strides in addressing the pressing issues facing college athletics today.