Bomani Jones Delivers Stark College Football Warning That Puts Trump in the Hot Seat

So here we are again—college football caught in the crosshairs of politics and money, with President Trump poised to stir the pot by possibly signing an executive order targeting name, image, and likeness (NIL) payments. After a powwow with Nick Saban—someone who’s seen more championship rings than most have had hot dinners—Trump’s reportedly aiming to press pause on what some folks call an “explosion” of athlete compensation since 2021. But here’s the kicker: Former ESPN voice Bomani Jones doesn’t just disagree; he’s throwing down a challenge on the very idea that stepping back from NIL progress is the answer. What if, instead of pulling money away from players, the game actually needs more order—not less? In a landscape where college football is often romanticized as America’s heartbeat, this debate is anything but simple. So, who’s got it right—and what happens if the powers that be mess with the newfound financial freedoms of college athletes? Let’s unpack why this isn’t just about the money, but about control, progress, and the soul of the game itself. LEARN MORE.

Bomani Jones didn’t hold back his true thoughts on President Trump potentially signing an executive order that could impact the future of college football. 

Last week, Trump met with former Alabama coach Nick Saban to discuss name, image and likeness. According to The Wall Street Journal, the seven-time national champion told the president that NIL is “damaging” college sports. 

Trump reportedly told his White House staff to start drafting a plan that could “increase scrutiny of the explosion in payments to college athletes since 2021.”  

While a timeline for Trump’s plan is unavailable at this time, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville has already made it clear that he’d support a move that limits NIL payments.  

“Had a great conversation with President Trump last night about the importance of establishing national standards for NIL,” Tuberville said. “College football is the heart and soul of America — but it’s in danger if we don’t level the playing field.”

Former ESPN host Bomani Jones doesn’t share that same sentiment. 

During an appearance on CNN this week, Jones was asked how he feels about Trump taking an interest in NIL regulation. 

“These last 100 days have not told me that Donald Trump is good at bringing order to chaotic situations,” Jones said. “What it would mean to me is stepping back from the progress that’s been made, which is having NIL payments. … What is needed in the game is order, it is not pulling back the money. I don’t know who told Donald Trump that that was the problem, but that is not it.” 

Jones has never been afraid to criticize Trump, that’s for sure. Just a few months ago, he questioned the president’s motives during Black History Month. 

“I think Trump becomes interesting because he reminds me of a lot of people that I’ve met at various points, where I am not sure how much he likes Black people, but he does like the idea or thought that Black people like him. He really gets off on that notion and that idea,” Jones said, via Awful Announcing.

We’ll see if Trump fires back at Jones in the coming days.

Related: Donald Trump’s Granddaughter Receives Massive NIL Valuation