It’s been one of those weeks in college sports where everything feels like it’s moving fast and, honestly, maybe a little out of control. From new governing bodies to potential March Madness expansion, to dominant pitching performances in the Women’s College World Series, yeah, it’s a lot. So let’s take a breath and break it down.
First up, there’s this newly created College Sports Commission. What is it exactly? Think of it as a group designed to keep the rapidly changing college athletics world from spiraling completely into chaos. Their job? Count the cash, figure out what athletes are worth, and hopefully help steer everyone clear of the courtroom every time someone doesn’t like a decision. It sounds ambitious, because it is. With NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals becoming a full-blown industry, and more athletes asserting their rights, college sports have officially crossed into uncharted territory. Schools are throwing around money like never before. But the thing is, without proper rules, or maybe better put, enforceable rules it’s basically a free-for-all. And enforcing anything without getting sued? That’s the real kicker. Nobody wants to touch that third rail. So yeah, the Commission has its work cut out.
Meanwhile, in Orlando, NCAA President Charlie Baker is also trying to keep things steady amid the storm. He popped into the Big 12 spring meetings and made headlines by hinting that the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament might just expand. You read that right. More March Madness.
Now, don’t panic, he’s not talking about ballooning the field to 96 teams or anything wild. But a “handful” more teams? Say four or eight? That’s something Baker seems to be seriously considering. And frankly, a lot of coaches and conferences wouldn’t mind it either.
There are already grumblings that the current selection formula leaves out too many good mid-majors or bubble teams from powerhouse leagues. More spots could mean more chances. More dreams kept alive. More brackets busted. And let’s not pretend it wouldn’t mean more revenue.
Baker said he wants a decision in the next few months, which in NCAA time feels almost lightning fast. Stay tuned.
And while all these high-level talks about governance and expansion were happening, Texas Tech just went out and made some history. In their first-ever appearance in the Women’s College World Series, the Red Raiders, led by NiJaree Canady, did something kind of incredible: they shut out Mississippi 1-0 in a gritty, old-school kind of softball game. The junior (who just so happens to be last year’s USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year) tossed a two-hitter and struck out 10. She didn’t give up a hit until the sixth inning and struck out the side in both the first and seventh innings. That’s how you show up on the big stage.
Oh, and did we mention there was a 75-minute lightning delay? Because there was. And it didn’t matter. Texas Tech’s lone run came in the fourth inning when Lauren Allred singled, then came all the way around on a double by Alana Johnson, plus a throwing error. It wasn’t flashy, but it was enough. And honestly, sometimes that’s all you need.
It was one of those “remember this moment” kind of wins for a program that’s been quietly building.
If there’s one common thread tying all of this together, money, rules, growth, and unforgettable performance,s it’s that college sports are evolving faster than ever. The athletes are leveling up. The business side is exploding. And now, the people at the top are scrambling to keep it all from flying off the rails.
Whether it’s the new College Sports Commission trying to set boundaries, Charlie Baker weighing how big the Big Dance should get, or Ni’Jaree Canady rewriting the record books in real time, it’s clear we’re watching something shift.
Maybe the only question now is whether college sports can grow without losing what made them magical in the first place.
And honestly, that’s a question worth asking. Because if we get it right, this could be the start of something amazing. If we get it wrong, well, we’ve seen how fast the ground can shift.
