Skip to main content

Posts

This Week in NIL: Tom Brady’s Role in Michigan’s Recruiting Win, Ohio State’s NIL Strategy, and the Pac-12’s High-Stakes Media Deal

This week in NIL highlights the intricate ways universities, conferences and athletes are leveraging opportunities and partnerships to stay competitive in the rapidly changing landscape of college sports. Tom Brady Helps Michigan Land Top QB Bryce Underwood The Michigan Wolverines secured a massive recruiting win this week by flipping Bryce Underwood, the nation’s No. 1 high school quarterback, from LSU. While reports suggest a substantial NIL package—potentially up to $12 million—was pivotal, Michigan also utilized a unique resource: NFL legend and Michigan alum Tom Brady. Brady’s involvement, including numerous FaceTime calls with Underwood, played a key role in persuading the Belleville, Michigan native to stay close to home. This collaboration showcases Michigan’s strategic use of alumni influence alongside NIL, making it a standout in college recruiting. Ohio State Embraces NIL with Expanded Scholarships and University Support Ohio State President Ted Carter announced major stride...
Post a Comment
Read more
Recent posts

This Week in NIL: LSU’s Historic High School Signing, Vanderbilt QB’s Legal Battle, and Top QB Recruit’s De-Commitment from USC

This week’s NIL updates spotlight huge deals, a continuing legal showdown, and high-stakes recruiting shifts, reflecting the diverse impacts of Name, Image, and Likeness on athletes and college sports. LSU Commit Bella Hines Signs Historic NIL Deal with Jordan Brand Class of 2025 recruit Bella Hines, a five-star guard and LSU commit, made history as the only current high school athlete signed to Jordan Brand. The Albuquerque native joins the prestigious Jordan roster, a deal negotiated by her agent and part of LSU’s top-ranked recruiting class. Hines’ signing highlights how NIL extends beyond college, offering opportunities for young athletes to shape their brand even before stepping on campus. Her partnership with Jordan Brand positions Hines alongside former LSU stars like Angel Reese, further enhancing LSU’s prominence in NIL. Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia Advances in Lawsuit Against NCAA Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia’s lawsuit against the NCAA took a step forward this week, with a...
Post a Comment
Read more

This Week in NIL: Michigan’s Push for a Top Recruit, Election Impacts on NCAA, and Vanderbilt QB Sues NCAA Over Eligibility

This week’s NIL landscape underscores the intersection of college sports, legal battles, and the influence of recent elections as schools, athletes, and lawmakers work to shape the future of college athletics. Michigan Offers Life-Changing NIL Deal to Flip Top QB Recruit The Michigan Wolverines are making headlines with a substantial NIL offer to lure top 2025 quarterback Bryce Underwood away from LSU. Sources report Michigan’s offer, initially at $5 million, has now doubled to a potential $10 million deal over his college career. With Michigan’s urgent need for an elite quarterback and Underwood’s proximity to Ann Arbor, the Wolverines are pulling out all the stops to secure his commitment. Underwood, already valued at $1.9 million in high school, may see his NIL worth skyrocket as his college decision nears. Election Results Set Stage for NIL Changes This week’s election results could bring significant changes to college athletics. With Republicans now controlling the Senate, Texas S...
Post a Comment
Read more

This Week in NIL: Mady Sissoko’s Generosity, Johnny Manziel’s What-Ifs, and Big Dreams for Deion and Shedeur Sanders

This week’s NIL developments highlight the diverse ways athletes engage with Name, Image, and Likeness opportunities, from charitable ventures and missed opportunities to high-profile speculation. Mady Sissoko Turns NIL Earnings into Hope for His Village in Mali In a remarkable display of generosity, Cal basketball star Mady Sissoko has directed his NIL earnings toward transforming his village of Tangafoya, Mali. Through the Mady Sissoko Foundation, he has funded a school, well, and medical clinic for his town, creating essential resources for a community that previously lacked basic services. Sissoko’s commitment to his hometown, made possible by NIL, shows how this new opportunity can be used for meaningful impact beyond personal gain, inspiring athletes and fans with his compassionate efforts to reshape lives in Mali. Johnny Manziel Reflects on NIL as a “Game-Changer” for His Career Former Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel, a household name in college football, recently refle...
Post a Comment
Read more

This Week in NIL: Cam Ward’s extensive NIL Partnerships, Service Academies’ Unique NIL standards, and Minnesota’s Million-Dollar Match Campaign

This week, the world of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) is buzzing with notable partnerships and innovative approaches demonstrating how schools and athletes adapt to the ever-evolving college sports landscape. Let’s explore the highlights! Cam Ward Teams Up with Adidas Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward has just inked a deal with Adidas, adding to his impressive NIL portfolio. As an Adidas-sponsored school, Miami offers Ward a prime opportunity to promote the brand while elevating his profile as a Heisman contender. With an impressive 2,538 passing yards and 24 touchdowns this season, Ward's On3 NIL valuation stands at $2 million, placing him among the top earners in college football. This partnership exemplifies how brand collaborations with athletes at major programs can significantly enhance visibility. Service Academies Doing Their Own Thing The Army, Navy, and Air Force football programs distinctively approach NIL. Due to military regulations, athletes at service academies...
Post a Comment
Read more

This Week in NIL: Wembanyama Fights for NIL rights, Jalen Milroe signs with Panini, and Clemson introduces Athletic Fee

This week in the NIL world brings a mix of legal battles, exciting partnerships, and financial changes, highlighting complexities in this rapidly growing space surrounding the Name, Image, and Likeness deals in the college and professional world. Victor Wembanyama Sues over Unauthorized NIL Use Although the NIL industry is new to the NCAA, the professional world has been dealing with NIL for years. Recently, NBA star and San Antonio Spurs sophomore has been pursuing legal action to protect his NIL rights. The San Antonio Spurs ’ rising talent has filed a lawsuit against James T. Goodrich, accusing the Texas man of profiting off his image by selling unauthorized merchandise, including shirts, candles, and more. Wembanyama’s legal team argues that Glodich’s actions harm the value of his NIL and create a false impression of endorsement. This lawsuit could set a significant precedent for how amateur and professional athletes can defend their NIL from unauthorized use. Alabama’s Jalen Mi...
Post a Comment
Read more

This Week in NIL: Trading Cards for Hurricane Relief, JuJu Watkins X Gatorade, Concerns over Kendrick Perkins' NIL Company

This week, significant developments in the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) world highlight the growing impact of these deals across college sports, with athletes using their platforms for both positive and controversial use. DJ Lagway and Cam Ward Release NIL Trading Cards for Hurricane Milton Relief Florida quarterback DJ Lagway and Miami quarterback Cam Ward have teamed up to launch Hurricane Milton Relief trading cards. Released in partnership with Leaf, these cards are priced at around $10, with all proceeds going to the Florida Disaster Fund to support relief efforts after Hurricane Milton left over 3 million people without power. This initiative shows how NIL deals can be leveraged for charitable purposes, benefiting those in need. USC's JuJu Watkins Adds Gatorade to Her NIL Portfolio USC basketball superstar JuJu Watkins continues to expand her NIL portfolio, adding Gatorade to a list that already includes big companies like Nike, NerdWallet, and more. As one of the top fema...
Post a Comment
Read more