The old model where only a few teams could afford a robust enough recruiting engine to scour high schools and some jucos, where kids couldn’t leave but schools could leave them, and where only those lacking scruples could pay players directly favored a few “elite” programs. Add to that an expanded playoff that allows a team to get in despite a loss (or two). Although it’s not perfect, opening up NIL and transfers has widened the pool of schools that can compete, and compete quickly. And the playoff makes it so more than just 7 or 8 schools can legitimately compete for a championship.

I actually think the opposite of what you said is proving true right now.