National Champions is a sports drama film directed by Ric Roman Waugh, written by Waugh and Chris Dowling, and produced by Basil Iwanyk and Greg Economou. The film stars Stephan James as quarterback and team leader, Troy Gaines, who leads a walkout by his team, the Western University Rams, just hours before the national championship game.
Gaines, along with his fellow players, is frustrated with the lack of compensation and autonomy student-athletes receive for the risks they take on the field. The players demand a seat at the table and ask for a share of the lucrative revenue generated by college sports. However, their request falls on deaf ears as the university and NCAA refuse to budge.
As tensions rise between the players and the university, Gaines becomes the face of the players' movement and faces pushback from not only the higher-ups, but also from his own teammates and family members who disagree with his methods. Gaines must navigate the murky waters of politics and power as he fights for what he believes is right.
The film explores issues surrounding the NCAA's treatment of student-athletes and the conversation around paying college athletes. It also delves into the personal relationships and sacrifices made by both the players and university officials in pursuit of a national championship.
National Champions features an ensemble cast including J.K. Simmons as the university's head coach, Tim Blake Nelson as the university's athletic director, and Uzo Aduba as a sports network anchor. The film also features real-life college football stars such as Miles Sanders and DeAngelo Williams.
The film is set to be released in theaters on December 10, 2021.