Not too long ago, Dabo Swinney took to the spotlight, putting Ole Miss in the crosshairs over alleged tampering related to the transfer of his former linebacker, Luke Ferrelli. Swinney aired his grievances during a live press conference, detailing how events unfolded.
Opinions on this matter are bound to vary depending on whom you ask. However, one former SEC legend has made his stance clear. The Ol’ Ball Coach himself, Steve Spurrier, spoke with the media on Monday ahead of his induction into the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame. When asked about Swinney’s accusations against Ole Miss for tampering, Spurrier offered insights that might surprise many in today’s college football landscape.
Even Spurrier acknowledges that times are changing and believes Dabo risks being “left behind” if he doesn’t adapt to the realities of the NIL era. “Somebody would’ve told Dabo by now there aren’t any rules anymore,” Spurrier remarked. “There are no rules! … I don’t know if they’re going to enforce any rules now or not. I think Dabo has learned now that he’s got to start paying his players like everyone else does, or he’ll get left behind. You can complain. But I don’t know how good it’s going to do. There are no rules. Just, somebody tell Dabo there’s no rules.”
While Clemson hasn’t fully embraced the transfer portal, they have utilized it to some degree this offseason, looking to add nine new players to their roster—only one of whom will be joining the defensive side in hopes of strengthening their line and enhancing talent up front.
The reality is that these changes represent the new normal in college football because their is so much more gray area than ever; staying competitive means keeping pace with evolving trends. Luke Ferrelli will now spend 2026 in the SEC with Ole Miss, but we’ll all remember Swinney’s lessons on Tampering 101, 201, and 301—perhaps even future courses at Ole Miss since apparently we are the only ones playing the game right?
Even a traditionalist like Spurrier understands the necessity for evolution within this sport. He isn’t alone in highlighting Swinney’s need to adapt—whether through NIL strategies or navigating the transfer portal dynamics.