The United States has entered its Decade of Sport, marked by global mega-events and growing international attention. While many organizations are focused on moments, the NFL is building systems, most recently through its partnership with the U.S. Department of State. This moment raises a critical question for the NCAA and college athletics: are we ready to lead globally with structure, shared language, and outcomes?

What began as a historic announcement now reveals a long-term strategy. After interviewing the Chairman and CEO of the Union Jack Classic, I revisited my October analysis with new insight into how college sport is intentionally going global and what that means for institutions, athletes, and responsibility on international stages.

While serving as a consultant supporting the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, I examined how Fulbright intersects with college athletics and why that intersection remains underdeveloped. What I learned is clear: college sport is already a powerful site of global exchange, but it has not fully leveraged Fulbright as a pathway for athlete development. This piece reflects lessons from that work and outlines why Fulbright may be the missing link between college sport and global ed