In the last three decades, various issues like names, images, and likenesses (NIL), along with transfer portals, have become prominent discussions in college football, even outside of actual games.

We’re in a new phase of collegiate athletics, prompting the current presidential administration to make moves to bring some order. Recently, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to set national guidelines for NIL. Last month, the House introduced a bipartisan bill called the Student Compensation and Opportunity through the Rights and Support (Score) Act.

Related: With a new Alabama-led NIL bill gaining momentum, Congress seeks to stabilize the “wild West” of college sports

The federal government is stepping up its involvement, and former Auburn Tigers head coach and current U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) is vocal on the matter.

Tuberville appeared on Sports Talk The Ball with Lance Griffin on Dothan’s FM 100.1, discussing numerous subjects, including NIL. When asked about the legislative landscape, the senator expressed cautious optimism but acknowledged the complexity of the issue.

“We are making progress, but it’s quite challenging,” Tuberville noted. “The president has taken steps through executive actions. I’ve had quite a few conversations with him about it.”

Some lawmakers believe that college sports should revert to previous regulations, where players can transfer but must sit out an entire season.

“This could reduce movement significantly, maybe by 70 or 80 percent because not many players will want to be paid to spend a year on the sidelines,” Tuberville continued. “It’s essential we face the educational reality of this. Players need to be happy, not just in earning their degrees but also in receiving fair treatment. It’s becoming absurd how often they transfer… The NCAA lacks the backbone to establish necessary standards; responsibility lies with players, coaches, and schools.”

Related: Tuberville addresses Texas Longhorns while sharing concerns on NIL

According to Tuberville, he continues to collaborate with Trump to explore how old rules for the transfer portal might be reinstated. Whether substantial changes will occur remains uncertain, but the senator believes it could lessen the frequency of transfers that fans are currently concerned about.