College football world reacts to coach tampering allegation

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(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Jeff Traylor blew up college football on Monday night.

The UTSA head coach asked about reporting Power Five programs “trying to poach our young talent” to the NCAA.

“How much evidence do we really need for this not to be part of our game?” Traylor wrote on Twitter.

Traylor’s post sparked conversations about the growing threat of tampering in the age of NIL and a vigilant transfer portal.

FOX broadcaster Joel Klatt said the NCAA should follow the professional model and threaten “massive financial penalties” for any coach who contacts players not listed on the portal.

“I hear this almost daily in programs across the country! It’s a huge problem and without an execution arm, with a spine, for BFC, it will continue,” Klatt said.

Attorney Darren Heitner said the culprits could face even greater repercussions.

“Forget the NCAA. What about a court?” Heitner asked. “There could be a tortious interference action if Traylor can prove that a Power 5 school is more than a willing participant and knowingly induces a varsity athlete to breach his obligations under a contract with UTSA.”

While some share Traylor’s frustration, others believe it’s now an inevitable part of college football. A Twitter post is also not Traylor’s best course of action for meaningful change if he does indeed have evidence.

“I don’t know if I’m supposed to love it, but I love it,” said SEC Network’s Dari Nowkhah.

“I won’t lie – I thought we were at a point where it’s just known and accepted what the game is,” commented Eric Henry of Underdog. “That being said, 1000% completely understand Jeff Traylor’s frustration. He recruited and developed a ton of talent on his roster.”

“Report it > Tweet about it,” Rivals’ Justin Rowland posted before adding that Traylor “can end it ASAP by presenting the evidence.”

Traylor could be worried about a tough transfer window after leading the Roadrunners to an 11-3 record. He knows his Conference USA school can’t compete with Power Five programs willing to play dirty to attract more talent.

While his comments caused a stir on social media, the NCAA may not act until someone makes a specific, credible accusation.

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