On top of the scholarship, room, board, travel, exposure, and the other freebies they were getting (which totalled well over a quarter of a million dollars, all told, in many cases, if the players stayed for four years). For all we bemoan the expense and value of a college education, it apparently was worth $0 when it came to college athletes.
Any fool could have seen this coming. The coaches can't compete with the sponsors and rich alumni and donors. Kids are going to continue to play four games and go into the transfer portal. Athletes and positions will be for sale.
The billionaires and shoe companies wanted college sports and they got it. Hoo-ray for them, I guess, if those are the people you root for. I think it sucks.
If a $60,000 a year paid-for college education that comes with tutors, housing, a generous stipend, free bonding trips ahead of the season, a training table, dietitians, sports psychologists, gyms, saunas, hot tubs, and a players' lounge isn't worth anything, I am not sure what kind of a world we live in.
Yes, in some cases the school and league make money off the players (much of which goes to fund other sports, BTW), but what's quickly happened is ridiculous.