Amidst ongoing discussions about the future of college football and its relationship with the NCAA, Penn State head coach James Franklin has offered a compelling suggestion: appoint Nick Saban as the commissioner of college football.

Franklin, speaking ahead of the Fiesta Bowl, expressed his belief that a dedicated commissioner focused solely on the betterment of college football is crucial. He identified Saban as the "obvious choice" for the role, acknowledging the Alabama coach's likely disapproval of the suggestion.

Franklin emphasized the need to address the challenges facing college football, many of which coaches and athletic directors have been discussing for years. He proposed potential solutions like eliminating conference championship games and aligning the season more closely with the academic calendar, highlighting his concern for the academic impact on student-athletes.

Franklin's comments come at a time when the transfer portal and its timing are causing significant concern among coaches. SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee recently criticized the December transfer window, comparing it to "free agency in the season" and highlighting the difficult decisions players face between transferring and participating in bowl games or playoffs. Lashlee advocated for moving the transfer window to the spring to avoid these conflicts.

While the future governance of college football remains uncertain, Franklin's proposal and Lashlee's concerns underscore the pressing issues facing the sport.