The timing is perfect for it. Most of the public and the national media are against the NCAA model because they can't figure out how to pay players. The NFL won't start its own development league, and adheres to their age restriction model. The two organizations are freezing out the 18 - 21 group who want to play professional football and profit from their likeness. Whereas years ago, the media would have surely slammed a top prospect who picked money and playing in a league like the XFL over college, that player would probably be applauded now as a trailblazer.
We'll see what happens, the XFL has to establish itself as a viable league. But there exists an interesting possibility that they could serve as a better stop-gap for some players between high school and the NFL. The competition would be better (yes, every AAF game was played at a higher level than pretty much every college game, just as every NBA G league and multiple European professional leagues are better than college basketball), they can dedicate themselves full time to their profession, and, of course, make money.
Let's say, for instance, Trevor Lawrence has another great year, wins the Heisman... but he has to stay another year at Clemson because he's not draft eligible. Or, he could he could jump to the XFL on a one year $300,000 contract, sign endorsement deals immediately for millions of dollars, and then become draft eligible for next season. Let's say Zach Evans, one of the best high school running back prospects in years, suddenly has some eligibility concerns.... XFL offers him $250,000 a year, guaranteed for 3 years, and draftkings pays him $500,000 to be the face of a marketing campaign. It's not for everyone, but you can start to see a pathway for the league to pick off some notable, marketable talent that people will tune in to watch.
