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College Athletes’ Voices are Valuable Missing Piece of House Settlement

The House v. NCAA settlement has yet to be approved, and it remains an imperfect solution to college sports in the NIL era. The harsh truth is that it didn’t need to be this way. Simply put, it should have taken input from college football and basketball players — those most affected by revenue sharing. […]

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The House v. NCAA settlement has yet to be approved, and it remains an imperfect solution to college sports in the NIL era.

The harsh truth is that it didn’t need to be this way. Simply put, it should have taken input from college football and basketball players — those most affected by revenue sharing.

The NCAA has consistently lost litigation due to athletes not agreeing to the set rules. It’s why the transfer portal rules were eradicated and why NIL is legal and without guardrails at present.

The need for collective bargaining and a negotiation process has never been clearer. Is there a pathway to that future without employment status for college athletes?

The settlement’s core is at odds with its claims amid roster limit issues and other changes.

Under the guise of publicity rights, athletes will sign these NIL deals directly with schools, which ultimately amount to pay-for-play.

The problem is that it limits the athletes’ opportunities to use their likeness for real endorsement deals outside of the school.

For example, a brand might conflict with the brand that sponsors the school, but the athletes won’t own their rights to do endorsements in the same way.

The athletes did not agree to these restrictions, including the compensation limits imposed by the cap and the NIL clearinghouse for third-party deals.

Jim Cavale, founder of the players association for college athletes, Athletes.org, has been working to implement a process for collective bargaining in college sports.

He views the cap on their earnings as the most contentious aspect of the settlement, given its lack of collective bargaining.

Next come the contracts where athletes are confused once they see they can’t do other NIL deals or are asked to do extra promotion for free. The coach may try to push them out, but they can’t because they’re not performance contracts.

These lawsuits will no longer target the NCAA; instead, they will target schools or even coaches, compounding the problem.

“The next frontier of lawsuits is coming directly to campus, and it’s a huge liability for everyone involved,” Cavale said.

Athletes don’t know what they’re signing up for and what they’re giving up in revenue sharing. It’s an issue that has been brought up with U.S. District Judge Wilken and the plaintiff’s attorneys, but it’s one they keep alleging isn’t pertinent to the settlement.

“They’re just trying to get an answer on the settlement, and that’s distracting them from all the other things they’re going to have to figure out next,” Cavale said. “Which are complex but yet could be simplified through taking an existing blueprint and copy and pasting it into college sports, and that’s collective bargaining.”

Athletes.org is the largest players association in the country, with 4,700 members, and their goal of collective bargaining is shared with coaches and even athletic directors.

Cavale has created a process they’ve begun to socialize with athletic directors to show them what it would be like for athletes to have a seat at the table.

“One thing that’s been encouraging about those meetings is a lot of the things that the ADs want is not far from what the athletes want,” Cavale said. “I think getting a deal done is realistic once we have those conversations.”

Cavale and his partner created a bill for their conversations in DC that shows a path for collective bargaining without employment status. He believes that route would have the best bipartisan support.

He also sees an information gap where schools and commissioners may believe collective bargaining would occur directly between the athletes and the school.

“The Atlanta Falcons players don’t collectively bargain with the Atlanta Falcons,” Cavale said. “The Atlanta Falcons players collectively bargain with the NFL.”

It’s clear that schools and athletes are lacking a vehicle to collectively bargain, and a league entity like a player’s association solves that.

The House settlement appears to have no positive impact on the state of college sports without the athletes’ input.



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Big Ten and Big 12 in public dispute over future of College Football Playoff

At the Big 12 media days, commissioner Brett Yormark was very upfront about what the College Football Playoff expansion should look like. He continues to beat the drum of five automatic qualifiers with eleven at-large bids chosen by the College Football Playoff committee. He fired back at Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti, who is pushing […]

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At the Big 12 media days, commissioner Brett Yormark was very upfront about what the College Football Playoff expansion should look like. He continues to beat the drum of five automatic qualifiers with eleven at-large bids chosen by the College Football Playoff committee. He fired back at Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti, who is pushing for more automatic qualifiers, with four each going to the Big Ten and the SEC, and only two each for the Big 12 and ACC, and a small amount of at-large.

Tony Petitti and Brett Yormark aren’t hiding their disagreement over the CFP’s expansion

Petitti joined CBS Sports’ Joel Klatt a few weeks ago to talk about the College Football Playoff expansion and how a decision needs to be made by December 1. He believes the Big Ten and the SEC are due more bids than other conferences, and he doubts that increasing the committee’s at-large choices will make a difference.

““If you go to 16, and you have 11 at-large, you just added even more decision-making…We’ll stipulate the committee does the best job they can. This is not to say the (committee) doesn’t do a good job…They make incredibly difficult decisions based on data…When you start comparing teams that don’t have a head to head and you have very little data to look at between leagues, that becomes really difficult.””

Tony Petitti, Big Ten Commissioner

Brett Yormark thinks that’s a terrible idea and was very clear to voice his disdain over it during the Big 12 media days. He called it a professional model like the NFL and thinks college football should act like college football. There’s a reason it’s different in his mind, and that conferences should be working for the good of all of football, not just their own conference. Which ironically is what Yormark is being accused of by advocating for the 5+11 model.

““We have the responsibility to do what’s right for college football … not what’s right for one or two or more conferences. I think 5-11 is fair. Earn it on the field, assuming we want to expand. I love the current format, but if we’re going to expand, let’s do it in a way that’s fair and equitable and gives everyone a chance.””

Brett Yormark, Big 12 Commissioner

The Big Ten and the SEC have yet to have their media days, and so there will be more expansion thoughts publicly broadcast as the dispute has come out in the open. It’s hard to know how it will all shake out, but the December 1 deadline is looming.





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Adam Hill

LAS VEGAS — There is a four-word sentence that would have been difficult to ever imagine typing even just a few days ago. Mike Gundy is right. × This page requires Javascript. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. 0

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Adam Hill

LAS VEGAS — There is a four-word sentence that would have been difficult to ever imagine typing even just a few days ago.

Mike Gundy is right.

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Stalions’ Wild Rant, Finebaum’s Texas Prediction, and SCORE Act Impact on NIL

Connor Stalions, a former Michigan football analyst, sparked controversy with a wild response to TCU coach Sonny Dykes’ comments about Michigan’s sign-stealing methods during the 2022 College Football Playoff. Stalions claimed he was never fooled by opponents and criticized the performance of Michigan players in that game. The outburst came as Michigan faces potential NCAA […]

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Connor Stalions, a former Michigan football analyst, sparked controversy with a wild response to TCU coach Sonny Dykes’ comments about Michigan’s sign-stealing methods during the 2022 College Football Playoff. Stalions claimed he was never fooled by opponents and criticized the performance of Michigan players in that game. The outburst came as Michigan faces potential NCAA repercussions, with a ruling expected in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, a new Texas vs. Ohio State matchup has the college football world buzzing, especially after analyst Paul Finebaum confidently predicts a Longhorns victory. Additionally, the SCORE Act introduced in Congress could reshape NIL regulations for college athletes.

By the Numbers

  • Stalions admitted to knowing “almost every signal” against seven high-profile opponents between 2021 and 2022.
  • Brice Sensabaugh scored 37 points in the NBA’s Salt Lake City Summer League, setting a new record.

Yes, But

While Stalions’ comments stirred controversy, they also highlight the ongoing debate over competitive integrity in college sports. Critics may view his outburst as an attempt to deflect blame from Michigan’s performance, raising questions about accountability.

State of Play

  • The NCAA investigation into Michigan’s sign-stealing practices is ongoing, with a ruling expected within 30 to 90 days.
  • Ohio State’s football season opener against Texas is set for August 30, with both teams highly anticipated in the upcoming college season.

What’s Next

The NCAA’s impending decision could significantly impact Michigan’s season and coaching staff, while the new NCAA landscape may reshape NIL deals for athletes across the country. As the college football schedule approaches, the Texas vs. Ohio State game is positioned to draw significant attention.

Bottom Line

The unfolding drama around Connor Stalions and the NCAA investigation reflects broader issues in college sports, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in athletic programs. With looming regulatory changes, the landscape of college athletics is poised for significant transformation.





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Highest-rated Class of 2026 football recruits from Iowa |

Highest-rated Class of 2026 football recruits from Iowa The recruiting race for the Class of 2026 is already heating up — not just on the field, but in the increasingly complex ecosystem of modern college football, where NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals are reshaping how programs and players navigate early recruitment. For elite underclassmen, […]

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Highest-rated Class of 2026 football recruits from Iowa

The recruiting race for the Class of 2026 is already heating up — not just on the field, but in the increasingly complex ecosystem of modern college football, where NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals are reshaping how programs and players navigate early recruitment. For elite underclassmen, talent alone is no longer the only factor drawing attention; marketability, social media presence, and brand potential are now playing pivotal roles in how offers are extended and decisions are made. The top recruits in the 2026 cycle are not only physically advanced and highly skilled — they’re entering high school with endorsement potential and media savviness.

Stacker compiled a list of the highest rated Class of 2026 football recruits from Iowa using data from 247Sports. Here’s the players from Iowa set to dominate Saturdays (and potentially Sundays) for years to come.

WoodysPhotos // Shutterstock

#9. Colin Whitters (IOL)

– National rank: #771 (3 stars)

– Position rank: #68

– College: Iowa

– Offers: Iowa, Iowa State, Kansas State

– High school: West Senior (Iowa City, IA)

David Lee // Shutterstock

#8. Draeden Punt (DL)

– National rank: #718 (3 stars)

– Position rank: #82

– College: Kansas

– Offers: Kansas, Kansas State, South Dakota

– High school: MOC-Floyd Valley (Orange City, IA)

Ron Alvey // Shutterstock

#7. Dreshaun Ross (ATH)

– National rank: #647 (3 stars)

– Position rank: #42

– College: not committed

– Offers: Iowa, Iowa State, Kansas State, Michigan, Minnesota

– High school: Fort Dodge (Fort Dodge, IA)

zoff // Shutterstock

#6. Jeffrey Roberts (WR)

– National rank: #529 (3 stars)

– Position rank: #86

– College: Iowa State

– Offers: Iowa State, Kansas State

– High school: Ames (Ames, IA)

kuzmaphoto // Shutterstock

#5. Kasen Thomas (LB)

– National rank: #484 (3 stars)

– Position rank: #34

– College: not committed

– Offers: Iowa, Iowa State, Arizona, Kansas State, Michigan State

– High school: Bishop Heelan Catholic (Sioux City, IA)

Guzel Studio // Shutterstock

#4. Jayden McGregory (ATH)

– National rank: #396 (4 stars)

– Position rank: #26

– College: not committed

– Offers: Louisville, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Georgia

– High school: Valley (Des Moines, IA)

Bobby Stevens Photo // Shutterstock

#3. Evan Jacobson (TE)

– National rank: #271 (4 stars)

– Position rank: #15

– College: not committed

– Offers: Notre Dame, Florida State, Auburn, Texas A&M, Stanford

– High school: Waukee (Waukee, IA)

Fabricio Barili // Shutterstock

#2. Carson Nielsen (OT)

– National rank: #268 (4 stars)

– Position rank: #23

– College: Iowa

– Offers: Iowa, Iowa State, Kansas State, Minnesota, Missouri

– High school: West (Waterloo, IA)

SEALANDSKYPHOTO // Shutterstock

#1. Julian Manson (ATH)

– National rank: #261 (4 stars)

– Position rank: #15

– College: not committed

– Offers: Iowa, Minnesota, Arizona, Kansas State, Kent State

– High school: West Senior (Iowa City, IA)



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Le’Veon Moss arrest: Mike Elko releases statement on Texas A&M RB

Texas A&M RB Le’Veon Moss was arrested early this morning for disorderly conduct. Mike Elko has now since addressed the incident regarding his team’s leading rusher last fall. Elko has shared a statement about Moss this afternoon. It was a straightforward one at this time as the Aggies are aware of the matter and intend […]

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Texas A&M RB Le’Veon Moss was arrested early this morning for disorderly conduct. Mike Elko has now since addressed the incident regarding his team’s leading rusher last fall.

Elko has shared a statement about Moss this afternoon. It was a straightforward one at this time as the Aggies are aware of the matter and intend to handle it within the program at A&M.

“We are aware of the situation regarding Le’Veon Moss and will handle the matter internally,” said Elko per Carter Karels at GigEm247.

KBTX in College Station reported on the arrest this morning that took place around 1 a.m. CT. Moss was apparently involved in an argument where he was threatening and “speaking aggressively” someone else. After attempts were made by law enforcement and those in his party to calm him, Moss, as well as someone else with him at the time, were placed under arrest. No other details are known at this time of what caused the incident to begin with. That all comes per KBTX’s Rusty Surett.

Moss has spent the past three seasons with the Aggies. He, in 25 appearances in his career at the school, has 244 carries for 1,363 yards, at 54.5 yards per game and 5.6 per attempt, and 16 touchdowns when rushing. That includes what was a career-best season for him in nine starts last fall as a junior where he had 121 carries for 765 yards, averaging 85 a game and 6.3 per carry, and 10 scores, making him their leading rusher and a selection to the All-SEC Second Team. However, he had a season-ending injury in a loss on November 2nd at South Carolina which kept him out of their final four games.

More could come on this matter at SEC Media Days this week with Texas A&M to be the final team on the schedule with their appearance being last on Thursday. This was pretty clear by Elko, though, with the Aggies likely to only say so much on Moss’ arrest as they handle it themselves internally.



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Kentucky’s interest in 4-star 2026 PF Cam Williams “starting to pick up”

Kentucky men’s basketball is looking to land its first 2026 commitment, but there are plenty of options out there still regularly hearing from the Wildcats. A new name to monitor is four-star power forward Cam Williams (no, not the Kam Williams already on Kentucky’s current roster). The 6-foot-11 prospect out of Arizona is considered the […]

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Kentucky men’s basketball is looking to land its first 2026 commitment, but there are plenty of options out there still regularly hearing from the Wildcats.

A new name to monitor is four-star power forward Cam Williams (no, not the Kam Williams already on Kentucky’s current roster). The 6-foot-11 prospect out of Arizona is considered the No. 16 overall rising high school senior in the country, according to On3. He spoke with KSR at the adidas 3SSB Championships in Rock Hill, SC, on Friday to talk about the Wildcats’ recent push in his recruitment.

“It’s good, it’s starting to pick up,” Williams said of his communication with UK. “Couple days ago, I talked to Coach Mark Pope over the phone, he FaceTimed me, and we just had a good talk, we got to know each other and he was telling me about Kentucky and all that stuff.”

“(Pope) wanted to see where my mindset was on recruiting and if I was still open,” Williams added. “He was just trying to get to know me and my family.”

Kentucky has not extended an offer to Williams (the only school he’s still considering yet to do so), but a connection is quickly forming. Pope, along with assistant coach Jason Hart, have been ramping up the contact since they watched Williams play in Iowa during the second 3SSB session back in May. Hart was the first one to speak with him, even talking with Williams’ coaches and parents, and their relationship has been growing ever since.

Pope has been paying extra close attention to Williams’ games in Rock Hill, SC, this week since college coaches were allowed in the gym starting Thursday. Suiting up for Compton Magic alongside top-five 2027 prospect Bruce Branch III — also a Kentucky target — Williams has noticed Pope watching from the baseline.

“It means a lot, you know?” Williams said of UK coaches coming to his games. “A lot of coaches are here for me, but the biggest thing for me is communication, and they’re starting to pick that up.”

As of right now, Williams has official visits locked in with Purdue, Texas, Duke, and Arizona for September and October. Southern California and North Carolina are also on his radar. A trip to Lexington has not been scheduled, but he says Kentucky coaches have talked about it happening down the road. Williams plans to take his recruitment into next spring with plans of making a decision after his senior season ends.

Want more Kentucky Basketball intel? Join KSR Plus for access to bonus content and KSBoard, KSR’s message board, to chat with fellow Cats fans and get exclusive scoop.





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