During a recent interview with Josh Pate on the Josh Pate’s College Football Show, Donald Trump offered a direct assessment of the current state of athletics. He expressed disappointment in the recent structural shifts within college sports.
“It’s too bad. I hate to see it,” Trumptold Pate when discussing the state of the game. He quickly shifted his critique to the NFL and specifically targeted the recent changes to kickoff rules.
President Donald Trump speaks to a crowd of soldiers on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, at Fort Bragg. © Andrew Craft / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
President Donald Trump speaks to a crowd of soldiers on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, at Fort Bragg. © Andrew Craft / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
He argued that the rule takes “the glamour, the glory… everything out of the game,” noting that the kickoff should be a “big event” at the start of the game.
Trump complained about the lack of movement in the new format, stating, “The ball is moving, and the players are not, the exact opposite of what football is all about”.
He described the changes as “absolutely ridiculous” and “demeaning,” expressing hope that college football does not adopt similar rules.
The conversation moved to how he selects which college games to attend in person. Trump explained that his choices are based on personal interest in specific programs. He mentioned South Carolina as a team he considers quality, regardless of their recent 4-8 record.
“I’ll look around and say, well, South Carolina is good,” Trump noted while explaining his selection process. He also highlighted the Georgia Bulldogs as a program he follows closely.
The primary focus of his praise was Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton. Trump spoke to Stockton directly during the interview and predicted a significant future for the athlete.
“I like this Georgia team, I like your quarterback, by the way, I like Gunner. He’s going to be a great quarterback,” Trump stated.
The US president emphasized that he likes the current Georgia roster and believes Stockton will become a major star in the sport. “I’m telling you, he’s already a great quarterback, but he’s only going to get better,” he added during the exchange.
Trump also discussed the broader cultural impact of football and his preference for traditional play styles. He reiterated his dislike for any rules that prioritize safety over the traditional physicality that fans expect from professional leagues.
The interview concluded with a look at the upcoming season and potential matchups that might draw his attention. While he did not commit to a specific schedule, he indicated that programs in the Southeast remain his priority.
He suggested that the energy surrounding teams like Georgia and South Carolina makes them the most appealing options for high profile visits.
Donald Trump claims NFL kickoff rule distances fans
President Donald Trump argues that the NFL’s new kickoff rule is creating a distance between the league and its core audience. During a February 2026 podcast, he criticized the format for making the game feel less authentic and exciting.
Trump criticized the league’s rule changes, writing, “I hated seeing what the NFL did with the kickoff return.” He cautioned against unnecessary adjustments,stating, “Saw it tonight at the Steelers/Jets game. When you have something that works, don’t ‘tinker’ with it, you may end up with nothing!”
Trump believes the stationary start for players removes the game’s essential pageantry. Hedescribed the changes as a move toward ‘sissy’ football that ignores what long-time fans actually want to see.
According to Trump, these modifications are bad for America because they strip away the traditional intensity of the sport. While the league claims the rule improves safety, Trump suggests that such over-regulation only serves to push loyal supporters away from the brand.