Why Some College Sports Programs Struggle to Stay Competitive

2 December 2025

College sports—an arena where passion meets performance, where dreams are forged and legacies are built. But not all programs bask in the glitz and glory. Some, despite their rich histories or strong ambitions, find themselves struggling to keep up with the heavyweights. What separates the dynasties from the underdogs? Why do some college sports programs struggle to stay competitive year after year?

It’s a tale of money, recruitment battles, coaching uncertainties, and shifting NCAA landscapes. Let’s dive into the reasons behind these struggles and what it takes to rise above them.

1. The Financial Divide: Money Talks, and Some Just Can't Afford to Listen

Like it or not, money is the lifeblood of college athletics. Coaches, facilities, scholarships, staff—all of it requires funding. And while powerhouse programs like Alabama football or Duke basketball enjoy multi-million dollar budgets, smaller or less successful schools often scrape by on far less.

Unequal Revenue Streams

Big-ticket programs rake in cash from television rights, merchandise sales, and boosters. Meanwhile, smaller schools rely heavily on student fees and modest ticket sales. Without deep pockets, it's tough to compete with programs that can afford the best equipment, travel arrangements, and elite-level coaching staff.

Sponsorship and Booster Influence

Some programs have wealthy alumni or corporate sponsors ready to pour in millions. Others? Not so much. When the money isn’t flowing, recruiting top talent, upgrading facilities, and hiring the best staff become herculean tasks.

2. The Recruiting Battlefield: Fighting for the Best Talent

If college sports were a chessboard, recruiting would be the opening gambit. You need the best players to win games, but the best players are wooed by the programs with the most prestige, money, and media exposure.

Limited Recruiting Power

Top recruits dream of playing under bright lights, in front of packed stadiums, with a real shot at going pro. Schools with weaker programs struggle to convince these athletes to take a chance on them. If you're choosing between a school that consistently wins championships and one that finishes middle-of-the-pack, where would you go?

The Transfer Portal: A Double-Edged Sword

The rise of the transfer portal has given players more freedom to move around. Unfortunately, that means struggling programs often lose their best players to bigger schools that can offer more exposure, better coaching, and a higher chance of post-college success.

3. Coaching Carousel: Stability vs. Constant Change

A head coach isn’t just a strategist; they’re a recruiter, a motivator, and often the face of the program. But coaching stability is a luxury that struggling programs can rarely afford.

Frequent Turnover Hurts Growth

Coaches at smaller programs often use their positions as stepping stones, jumping ship the moment a bigger school comes calling. This constant turnover disrupts team chemistry, recruiting pipelines, and overall program development.

Budget Constraints Limit Coaching Quality

The best coaches don’t come cheap. Schools with limited budgets settle for coaches who may not have the same experience or pedigree as those leading powerhouse programs. Without a strong leader at the helm, building a winning culture is an uphill battle.

4. Facilities: The Arms Race That Some Schools Can't Win

Walk into the locker rooms of Ohio State, LSU, or Clemson, and you'll enter a world that looks more like a five-star resort than a training facility. Top-tier facilities impress recruits, keep athletes at peak performance, and enhance overall program appeal.

Outdated Training Facilities

Some schools are still operating with decades-old gyms, worn-out weight rooms, and outdated medical equipment. In contrast, elite programs offer cutting-edge recovery rooms, nutrition labs, and top-tier sports science departments.

Athlete Experience Matters

A recruit visits two schools—one with a state-of-the-art facility and another with peeling paint and rusting lockers. Where do you think they’ll commit? The facility gap is real, and it makes a difference.

5. Conference Disparities: The Power 5 vs. The Rest

Not all college conferences are created equal. The Power 5 conferences (SEC, Big Ten, ACC, Big 12, Pac-12) dominate in terms of media exposure, recruiting, and financial backing. Schools from mid-major conferences or smaller divisions often find themselves overshadowed.

Bigger Conferences, Bigger Advantages

Power 5 schools play in nationally televised games, which gives them a massive recruiting advantage. They also receive significantly higher payouts from broadcasting deals, sponsorships, and NCAA distributions.

Mid-Majors and Lesser-Known Programs Struggle to Stay Relevant

There are talented teams outside the Power 5, but they often get little recognition. Without the exposure, it’s harder to attract top recruits, making it even more difficult to consistently compete.

6. Cultural and Historical Challenges: The Weight of Tradition (Or Lack of It)

College sports thrive on tradition. Some schools have a deep-rooted sports culture, while others are still trying to establish one.

The Legacy Factor

Programs like Kentucky basketball or Notre Dame football don’t just have great teams; they have history, legendary alumni, and an unmatched passion from their fan base. Schools without a strong sports tradition often struggle to build the same level of loyalty and excitement.

Lack of Fan Engagement

A roaring crowd can be a game-changer. But if a school struggles to fill seats or generate excitement around its sports teams, it directly impacts recruiting, funding, and overall motivation.

7. NCAA Regulations and Compliance Issues: Walking the Tightrope

The NCAA rulebook is thick, complex, and constantly changing. Some struggling programs find themselves in hot water due to violations, sanctions, or just the difficulty of keeping up with ever-evolving rules.

Restrictions on Recruitment and Scholarships

Programs with fewer resources often struggle to navigate NCAA regulations effectively. Meanwhile, bigger programs have entire compliance teams dedicated to ensuring they stay within the rules while maximizing their advantages.

Scandals and Setbacks

Recruiting violations, academic scandals, and improper benefits can cripple a program for years. Schools that end up on probation or lose scholarships due to infractions often face long rebuilds before they can compete again.

8. The Rise of NIL Deals: Leveling the Playing Field or Widening the Gap?

The introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals has changed college sports forever. Players can now make money through endorsements, sponsorships, and social media—but this new era isn’t benefiting all schools equally.

Bigger Markets, Bigger Deals

Star athletes at major programs can land lucrative NIL deals thanks to their school’s exposure. Meanwhile, athletes at smaller programs struggle to attract the same kind of sponsorships, making it harder for those schools to recruit top talent.

Schools Without Big NIL Programs Fall Behind

Some schools have established strong NIL collectives, allowing them to offer attractive financial opportunities to recruits. Others, with less financial backing, are getting left behind in this new wave of college athletics.

Final Thoughts: Can Struggling Programs Turn the Tide?

So, what’s the solution? Can struggling programs ever bridge the gap?

Yes, but it takes creativity, commitment, and sometimes a bit of luck. Schools that invest wisely in facilities, find the right coaching staff, and embrace innovative recruiting strategies can pull themselves out of mediocrity. Building a winning program isn’t just about money—it’s about culture, leadership, and seizing opportunities when they arise.

For the fans of struggling programs, hope is never lost. College sports are unpredictable, and every underdog has its day. But for now, the road to competitiveness remains an uphill battle for many.