Every morning, Jason Brown hosts a lively streaming show on X titled ‘The Coach JB Show with Big Smitty.’ Known for his candid opinions, the former junior college coach engages a growing audience. “Yeah, it’s a free country. It’s also one that is about to change radically, football-wise, if you talk to Brown, known for his role on the Netflix documentary ‘Last Chance U.’”

The documentary highlighted junior college football’s realities from 2016 to 2020. Brown, whose team made an impact on the show, has since been absent from coaching but remains vigilant on industry trends.
The college football landscape is increasingly tumultuous following a lawsuit from Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, alleging the NCAA violated antitrust laws by counting time spent in junior college against eligibility limits. A court recently granted him an injunction, reopening discussions around eligibility rules for junior college players. This change may allow a new evolutionary path for junior colleges amidst decreasing recruitment of athletes from these institutions, as schools pivot to talented players from the transfer portal instead of focusing on high school or junior college recruits.

Heavily influenced by the NCAA’s extensive legal battles, junior colleges face pressure to adapt or risk further irrelevance in college football’s shifting dynamics. “The NCAA’s thinking always pivots around potential legal troubles; it has made its decisions with that in mind. JUCO’s very existence might be at stake.

Strohmeier believes this new era of possible ‘minor league’ structures could reshape the recruitment of talented players. Transitioning from JUCO to higher levels of play could redefine the recruitment process entirely. “It’s not just about playing, it’s about clocking in time until you reach your peak on the big stage,” said Strohmeier.

“The NCAA needs to acknowledge the reality that collegiate athletes are more than just students—they’re talent commodities in a rapidly evolving market,” added Parker.
Ultimately, the decision to redefine junior colleges could facilitate a beneficial alliance, benefiting both athletes and colleges involved. However, the path ahead remains uncertain as the NCAA grapples with its future.