I think this is the first I’ve heard of someone arguing the current generation of kids being more prepared academically than in the past. What about all that time they spend on their phones!! I would say for academic reasons, or more specifically, adjusting to college while at the same time the rigor or D1 athletics, is the main reason for redshirting IMO.
I would agree that athletically, more guys are ready to compete right away. And more have been! But that isn’t the case for everyone