Who Killed College Athletics? The Leaders Nobody Talks About

College athletics is at a crossroads — and in 2026, the system is showing real cracks.In this Bold North State Commentary, former Division I Athletic Director and longtime college sports executive Mike Waddell explains why today’s college athletics landscape is broken, who is responsible for the chaos, and why real reform won’t happen until athletes are recognized as employees.Drawing on more than 30 years of experience working in the SEC, Big Ten, Big East, and CAA — and direct conversations with current Division I athletic directors — Waddell delivers an unfiltered look at how college sports arrived at this moment and what must happen next.This is not media speculation.This is insight from inside the room.📍 Topics covered:– The Power Four leadership problem– Why NIL and enforcement aren’t working– The role of presidents and chancellors– Athlete employment and future governance– Why universities may eventually license athletics operations🎙️ Bold North State Commentary📺 North Carolina Sports Network#BoldNorthState #CollegeAthletics #NIL #CollegeFootball #Leadership