Technically, we're observably not.
I don't know. I feel in a lot of ways UT was on the leading edge of commercializing college sports in the 80s and 90s. I watched as the gameday experience became more and more about what sponsor we could graft on for a few more bucks, so the athletic department could show they were raising revenue year after year - their source for job security in ways success on the football field never mattered. We sold our soul in half a dozen ways.
We named the field after Joe Jamail for a huge donation. At least it was from a legendary alum, but it still bothered me some. I realize we've walked that back. I'm glad we don't have a corporate sponsor for the stadium, but I feel like it's just a matter of time.
I saw an article today from The Athletic on how much college expenses and revenue have risen from 2005 to 2023 based on FOIA records. They did a survey of schools, with 3 from the SEC, 3 from the Big 10, 3 from the ACC, 3 from the Big 12, and a few others. It basically said what I've been saying for years, which is we're nowhere near the top of the scales, and that it's not sustainable. But the only thing that's really going to bring it under control - either the rabid search for new revenue sources, or the escalation of expenses - is some kind of federal legislation, or the collapse of the industry. Maybe both. I feel good about UT's ability to weather wherever all this goes, but I'm concerned about what the future of college football is going to entail.