Wed Sep 18 07:07:53 UTC 2024: ## Guarantee Games in College Football Face Uncertain Future
**COLUMBUS, OH -** The future of guarantee games in college football is uncertain as powerhouses like Ohio State and smaller programs like Kent State grapple with the changing landscape of the sport.
While guarantee games, where a larger school pays a smaller school for a one-off matchup, have been a staple of the sport, they are facing increased scrutiny amid the evolving model for athlete compensation and the focus on revenue generation.
Ohio State, with its $127 million football program, faces a dilemma. While they currently pay around $4 million for games against Akron, Western Michigan, and Marshall, these games generate significantly less revenue than contests against Big Ten opponents. This puts pressure on the Buckeyes to re-evaluate the value of guarantee games, particularly as they prepare to allocate a significant portion of their revenue towards player compensation.
Kent State, on the other hand, relies on guarantee games for their financial stability. While they receive a sizable payment for games against Pitt, Tennessee, and Penn State, these matchups often result in lopsided losses, impacting team morale and momentum. Kent State is also facing increasing costs and would ideally see a shift away from the heavy reliance on these games.
The issue of guarantee games is further complicated by the changing landscape of college football. Conference realignment, the possibility of a nine-game SEC schedule, and the influx of new FBS programs are all contributing to a buyer’s market for guarantee games.
Experts predict that the wealthiest programs will ultimately determine the future of guarantee games. While the model may not disappear entirely, the frequency of these matchups could significantly decrease.
The issue of guarantee games highlights the complex financial realities of college football and the ongoing debate over athlete compensation. As the sport continues to evolve, the balance between revenue, competition, and player well-being will remain a central focus.
First Piper 