After nearly seven months dominated by NCAA lawsuits, NIL disputes and congressional wrangling, college football is finally returning, with teams beginning fall practice camps this week ahead of the season starting in 25 days. The offseason drama has overshadowed on-field preparations, but attention is now shifting back to the game itself even as legal and legislative battles continue in the background.

Among the unresolved issues is a Colorado judge's ruling on 2022 class eligibility that has rocked the NCAA, while the "Protect College Sports Act" is due for a Senate floor vote this week. Despite this ongoing uncertainty over the future of college athletics, teams are pressing ahead with preparations, offering fans the prospect of actual football after months of headlines focused on courtrooms and Capitol Hill rather than the field.