WSJ's most valuable college football rankings - Insight needed

I was just reading an article by the Wall Street Journal ranking the most valuable college football. Does anyone want to chime in on how a prominent football program could affect a university's overall reputation and student life?

A prominent football program can have a significant impact on a university's reputation and the overall atmosphere of student life. First of all, from a reputation standpoint, a successful football program can bring a lot of recognition and prestige to a university. This can enhance the university's national profile and increase its brand value. It can also have an impact on the number of applications a university receives. Many students are drawn to schools with strong athletic programs and great school spirit.

In terms of student life, a major football program can provide a hub for social activities. Big game days can act as a form of bonding for students, faculty, and alumni alike, fostering a sense of unity and school spirit. This sense of community can extend beyond game days as well, impacting the overall campus atmosphere in a positive way throughout the year.

Moreover, these programs can yield significant financial benefits for the university, which can potentially trickle down into other facets of university operations, including academics. Successful athletic programs often generate revenue from ticket sales, merchandise, TV contracts, and endowments which may improve facilities, fund scholarships, and even contribute to academic programs.

However, it's also important to bear in mind that there can be negative aspects, too. High-profile sports programs can sometimes overshadow academic achievements and shift focus away from other university accomplishments. Additionally, if not regulated strictly, there may be risks to academic integrity or misuse of funds. Hence, the impacts are multi-faceted and worth considering cautiously.