OhioStunter, back in the day I had discussions with an "academic advisor" who tried to steer me toward some easier classes during the season. I told them I was my own advisor and I needed to take certain classes to pursue my business degree. I had a goal of graduating in 4 years. I struggled and got decent grades, nothing to brag about, but accomplished my goal. I'm far better off for navigating the system and not allowing myself to be led down a path that was not for me. They have the responsibility to themselves to try and succeed.
Couldn't agree more. But I would take a wild guess that you are a pretty smart guy who is (was) ambitious about a pro business career. That's important because many who come into major college programs are not. Yes, it is their responsibility to own their own educational direction, but let's all agree that many of them are there to "play football" and that's their priority (right or wrong). Their choice, their consequence.
But those who really are NOT good students and realistically have no business going to some of these universities academically rely on academic counseling are steered toward classes and majors that are easy. They've never had a support system like that so they trust what the program tells them to do.
Big college football* knows exactly who they are bringing into their programs -- guys who will help them win and make the coaches and school millions. Not guys who want good degrees. They can claim they will give them an opportunity for an education and then when the players don't complete the education, the school seems surprised, throws their hands up and says, well, we put them in a position to get a degree (then goes back to counting their money).
*Note: I really am only talking about the major schools here. I understand that many other schools, Ohio included, do care more about the academic development of football and basketball players. And yes, the Stanfords, Notre Dames, Northwesterns and military academies of the world are also different in how they approach student-athletes.