College football lacks a dominant villain in 2026 season

College football's excitement is reportedly waning due to a lack of a dominant villain. As of November 1, 2026, the sport has seen increased parity driven by factors like athlete transfers and the influence of name, image, and likeness deals. This shift has left many fans longing for a team or figure to root against, similar to past eras focused on rivalries with Alabama's Nick Saban or Ohio State. The current system, including the expanded playoff format, has contributed to diminished stakes in regular season games, leading to discussions on what this means for the future of college football fan engagement.

• 2:36 PMYahoo Sports — College Football fans are missing their villains