<p>President Donald Trump supported the Protect College Sports Act while attending the University of Texas versus University of Tennessee college football game on September 26, 2026. He expressed confidence that House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) can help advance the legislation in the House.</p>
<p>“Mike Johnson’s fantastic. And we actually had 78 votes, if you can believe it. That’s really bipartisanship for the first time in a while,” Trump stated in an interview with commentator Clay Travis.</p>
<p>The bipartisan bill, introduced by Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), aims to establish federal regulations for college sports, addressing issues such as name, image, and likeness deals, eligibility windows, transfer policies, and revenue sharing.</p>
<p>“I mean the alternative just is no good,” Trump said, referring to the consequences of not passing the legislation.</p>
<p>He added, “You had people leaving the [National Football League] to play and, yeah, the colleges could never have afforded it, and nobody could afford it. It was going to be a terrible thing. I think we’ve done a great job in putting it together. We have to get it voted on. We’re counting on the House, and I think the House will come through.”</p>
<p>The legislation proposes a standardized set of federal rules governing collegiate athletics, including a revenue-sharing cap of $48.8 million per school, up from $21.3 million; a one-time transfer standard; a five-year eligibility window for athletes; and mandatory health coverage for student athletes.</p>
<p>Several major industry organizations, including the Southeastern Conference (SEC), have expressed support for the bill, with the SEC actively promoting it during college game day.</p>
<p>Trump arrived at the game in Air Force One, which conducted a flyover over Neyland Stadium. The Texas Longhorns won the game against the Tennessee Volunteers, with a final score of 20-17.</p>