The NCAA, which has overseen college athletics — including its schools and student-athletes — for more than a century, is gradually losing its power base.

Only the most zealous opponents are predicting its imminent demise, but five of its member conferences, including the Pac 12, are asserting strong influence to make some of their own rules.

We spoke to Jon Wilner, reporter for The San Jose Mercury News and the man behind the College Hotline blog.