NIL

Comparing NIL payouts at Texas universities is a futile exercise

Published

5 months ago

August 7, 2025

BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) – Texas A&M athletes can step onto the tallest podium as champions of name, image, and likeness compensation this year, having earned $17.5 million more than athletes at the University of Texas. KBTX obtained that data via an open records request for the period from July 2, 2024, to July 1, 2025.

However, before the band strikes up the “Aggie War Hymn” as champagne bottles pop, the title comes with a huge caveat: comparing NIL numbers across programs statewide is mostly impossible.

Every program across the state has a different interpretation of what data is subject to open records laws and how that data is presented in what is released.

Over the past two years, KBTX has penned open records requests to all of the public Football Bowl Subdivision universities in the state, requesting the total number of dollars earned by athletes in name, image, and likeness compensation for a year-long period beginning in July. We also requested those totals broken out by gender and by individual team. This year, the same request was sent to the four public power conference programs in the state: Texas A&M, the University of Texas, Texas Tech, and the University of Houston. All requests were made using identical wording.

Texas A&M provided totals divided only by gender, totaling $50.5 million. For the same time period, Texas athletes earned a total of $33 million, a number compiled by adding the totals of every sport provided to KBTX via the open records request, the exact data requested.

Here is where the first asterisk is inserted: Numbers provided by A&M also included the total value of multi-year NIL deals signed within the requested year. So, if A&M quarterback Marcel Reed, hypothetically, signed a two-year, $50,000 NIL deal on Dec. 2, 2024, the full value of that contract is included in the aggregate data provided. Neither Texas nor Texas Tech’s data came with the same footnote.

The complicated data makes further analysis difficult, such as the fact that Texas Tech athletes earned $24.5 million over the last school year, which appears less than half as much as A&M athletes. Or that female Longhorn athletes earned $4.3 million in NIL deals during the requested timeframe for last season, making up 13% of the athletic department’s total NIL compensation. A&M’s female athletes earned $2.2 million, or 4% of the total earnings, during the same timeframe.

What laws govern NIL data in Texas?

When it comes to withholding information, legal counsel within the universities have differing interpretations of two key laws: the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, a federal statute protecting the privacy of student records, and the state’s NIL legislation. Texas A&M, Texas Tech, and Houston cited both as reasons to withhold certain requested data. No NIL data was provided by Houston in two requests made over the last two years, with the university claiming exemption due to the state’s NIL law.

The state’s first NIL legislation in 2021, Senate Bill 1385, stated that universities must collect copies of all NIL contracts signed by student athletes to ensure compliance with the law. That language has carried over three iterations of state law regarding college athletes’ NIL deals, including the one in place today.

Since 2021, universities have typically provided the aggregate total of NIL contracts via open records requests, with some providing totals by gender and sport.

In 2023, the state of Texas updated its NIL laws with House Bill 2804, which included a clause on the confidentiality of NIL contracts obtained by the university. According to the bill, “Information written, produced, collected, assembled or maintained by an institution to which this section applies that includes or reveals any term of a contract or proposed contract for the use of the student athlete’s name, image or likeness is confidential and excepted from required public disclosure.” That language was maintained in the newest iteration of state NIL law, House Bill 126, which went into effect on June 5 of this year.

During a Senate Committee on Education hearing for House Bill 2804 in 2023, when asked about the new NIL confidentiality language in the bill, University of Texas associate vice president for legal affairs Lisa Bennett testified that aggregate NIL data could still be considered an open record.

“What this provision is aimed at is information that would reveal the terms of contracts, and that’s because those terms can often be traced back to individual students in violation of their privacy,” Bennett said during the meeting. “But there is certain aggregate data that can and has been already released, and nothing in this bill stands in the way of that.”

“If there were a request asking how many NIL deals or how many total dollars had come into athletes at the school, perhaps even subdivided into men’s or women’s teams or certain teams, I think that data could typically be provided in the aggregate,” she continued, while Texas A&M University System deputy general counsel R. Brooks Moore nodded in agreement to her left.

What data was released?

Over the last two years, A&M has only provided totals by gender, which can be added for a grand total. A&M cited the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act as well as state NIL law for withholding totals by sport.

Last year, Texas Tech provided totals for every sport. This year, Tech redacted the totals from some of the smaller sports, claiming FERPA exemption. For last year’s request, Tech was the only university that asked for payment for the work required to compile the request, which is legal under Texas open records law.

Texas has provided totals for every sport since NIL compensation became legal in the state in 2021.

Baylor, TCU, and SMU are all private power conference programs that are not bound by open record laws. Officials from Baylor and TCU declined to share NIL numbers when asked by KBTX last year.

Every public FBS university released NIL data when requested last season, except for the University of North Texas, which cited FERPA as a reason to withhold. UTEP asked for a ruling from the Office of the Attorney General, which ultimately ruled that most of the NIL data should be released, though some could be withheld due to FERPA protections. UTEP’s released data gave totals for men’s and women’s basketball, football, soccer, softball, men’s track and field, beach volleyball, and volleyball for the July to July date range from 2023 to 2024. The grand total equaled $13,868.56.

How does revenue sharing impact NIL data?

NIL compensation is different than revenue-sharing agreements that have begun between athletes and universities, thanks to the approval of the House v. NCAA antitrust settlement in June. FERPA protects revenue-sharing contracts with individual athletes. A&M cited FERPA when withholding an individual athlete’s contract requested by KBTX last month.

In this new era of revenue sharing in college athletics, A&M athletic director Trev Alberts said continuing to connect athletes with NIL deals can be the key to recruiting the top talent in the country.

“The better Texas A&M is at driving the collective strategy around our brand, the better it’s going to be for fair-market value NIL for student athletes,” Alberts said while speaking to media about the approval of the House settlement in late June.

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NIL

University of Alabama football player uses NIL money to spread Christmas cheer

Published

41 minutes ago

December 23, 2025

Your Sports Nation

TUSCALOOSA, Ala (WIAT) – University of Alabama offensive lineman Parker Brailsford’s childhood experiences inspire him to help Tuscaloosa’s underserved youth.

Brailsford is an Arizona native, who has made a name for himself in the world of college football. But when he takes off the helmet and pads, his focus shifts to something else.

“Being able to give back to kids that don’t have – that’s something that fulfills me,” Brailsford said. “It’s my purpose.”

Brailsford took 10 children and their families from the Boys and Girls Club Christmas shopping on Monday.

Each child received a $100 Target gift card. All together it was $1,000 of NIL money.

Alabama moves up to No. 14, Auburn falls out of AP men’s college basketball rankings

“He just gave her a turkey for Thanksgiving, and now he’s taking her Christmas shopping,” Toniko Bryant said. “I’m very thankful because he doesn’t have to do that.”

Brailsford understands he doesn’t have to – but he wants to.

“As a kid, we didn’t have a lot but we had enough,” Brailsford said.

During Brailsford’s infancy years he was adopted.

“I never was in the foster care system, but one of my friends was,” Brailsford said.

Brailsford’s formative years were a stark contrast to what he saw other children experience. His parents gave him support and stability, while other children moved from home to home.

At the same time, his mother took him to homeless shelters and food pantries to volunteer. There he saw how poverty affects anyone of all ages, races, and gender.

“Sometimes you get caught in the what you’re living in right now – you think there’s not a place for you,” Brailsford said.

Brailsford found his place on the field, but his purpose is to help children find theirs.

“This is something God put on his heart,” John Nero said. “I appreciate every bit of it, not just for Oshae but for all the other kids.”

Brailsford relates to many of the children he serves. Whether it’s adoption, financial hardships, or empathizing with experiences his friend encountered years ago.

While Brailsford’s success in football gives him the financial resources and name recognition to coordinate outreach events, this is just the beginning even if his football career comes to an end.

“I’m working on my social work degree right now because I really want to be able to help kids, anyway I can,” Brailsford said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.

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NIL

Major college football team reportedly does not have ‘any interest’ in $2.4 million QB

Published

2 hours ago

December 23, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Indiana’s meteoric ascent to the top of college football has transformed the Hoosiers into a prime destination for transfer quarterbacks, and for a brief moment, that attention turned toward a familiar face.

Cincinnati signal-caller Brendan Sorsby, who spent his first two seasons at Indiana before moving on, formally entered the transfer portal on December 15 after a productive 2025 campaign with the Bearcats.

In 2025, Sorsby produced 2,800 passing yards, 27 touchdown passes, and five interceptions, plus 580 rushing yards and nine rushing scores.

Across his collegiate career, he has totaled 7,208 passing yards, 60 passing touchdowns, 1,305 rushing yards, and 22 rushing touchdowns, positioning him as one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks currently available in the transfer portal.

He is also one of the market’s most valuable quarterback assets, with an estimated NIL valuation of approximately $2.4 million and reports indicating that suitors have discussed packages exceeding $4 million.

Recent reports have tied Sorsby to several Power-5 suitors, notably Texas Tech and, in initial rumor threads, a potential reunion with the Hoosiers.

However, “Hoosier Tailgate” host Shannon “Coach Griff” Griffith pushed back on the speculation during a December 20 episode, suggesting that Indiana would not view Sorsby as a realistic target.

“I do not think Sorsby is anybody that Indiana would have any interest in,” Griff said. “I don’t necessarily think Sorsby is better than, other than playing, Alberto (Mendoza). I just don’t think that’s something that I can see them getting back in. He’s kind of linked to Texas Tech.”

Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Brendan Sorsby. — Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Brendan Sorsby (2) throws the ball during the game between the Horned Frogs and the Bearcats | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Hoosiers finished the 2025 campaign undefeated, captured the Big Ten title, and entered the College Football Playoff as the No. 1 seed.

Their offense was driven by Fernando Mendoza (2,980 yards, 33 TDs, six INTs), who swept national awards (Davey O’Brien, Maxwell, and the Heisman) and is widely discussed as a top prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft.

Head coach Curt Cignetti’s program has proven adept at integrating transfer quarterbacks, with both Fernando Mendoza (Cal) and Kurtis Rourke (Ohio) finding success after joining the Hoosiers.

For Sorsby, the portal still offers multiple paths, including a high-value college package or an NFL evaluation, but commentary from influential IU voices, such as Griff, has effectively taken a straightforward reunion scenario off the table.

NIL

University of Alabama football player uses NIL money to spread Christmas cheer

Published

2 hours ago

December 23, 2025

Your Sports Nation

TUSCALOOSA, Ala (WIAT) – University of Alabama offensive lineman Parker Brailsford’s childhood experiences inspire him to help Tuscaloosa’s underserved youth.

Brailsford is an Arizona native, who has made a name for himself in the world of college football. But when he takes off the helmet and pads, his focus shifts to something else.

“Being able to give back to kids that don’t have – that’s something that fulfills me,” Brailsford said. “It’s my purpose.”

Brailsford took 10 children and their families from the Boys and Girls Club Christmas shopping on Monday.

Each child received a $100 Target gift card. All together it was $1,000 of NIL money.

“He just gave her a turkey for Thanksgiving, and now he’s taking her Christmas shopping,” Toniko Bryant said. “I’m very thankful because he doesn’t have to do that.”

Brailsford understands he doesn’t have to – but he wants to.

“As a kid, we didn’t have a lot but we had enough,” Brailsford said.

During Brailsford’s infancy years he was adopted.

“I never was in the foster care system, but one of my friends was,” Brailsford said.

Brailsford’s formative years were a stark contrast to what he saw other children experience. His parents gave him support and stability, while other children moved from home to home.

At the same time, his mother took him to homeless shelters and food pantries to volunteer. There he saw how poverty affects anyone of all ages, races, and gender.

“Sometimes you get caught in the what you’re living in right now – you think there’s not a place for you,” Brailsford said.

Brailsford found his place on the field, but his purpose is to help children find theirs.

“This is something God put on his heart,” John Nero said. “I appreciate every bit of it, not just for Oshae but for all the other kids.”

Brailsford relates to many of the children he serves. Whether it’s adoption, financial hardships, or empathizing with experiences his friend encountered years ago.

While Brailsford’s success in football gives him the financial resources and name recognition to coordinate outreach events, this is just the beginning even if his football career comes to an end.

“I’m working on my social work degree right now because I really want to be able to help kids, anyway I can,” Brailsford said.

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$1.4 million QB predicted to follow departing coach to college football powerhouse

Published

3 hours ago

December 23, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The college football offseason landscape shifted dramatically this week as one of the nation’s most productive quarterbacks officially signaled his intent to explore new options. This decision comes immediately after a major coaching carousel change in which his longtime mentor left their shared Big 12 Conference program for a prestigious opening in the Big Ten Conference.

The move immediately sparked speculation regarding a potential reunion that could reshape the competitive balance of the upcoming season.

Analysts are already connecting the dots between the veteran signal-caller and his former head coach’s new destination. The quarterback boasts a reputation for delivering in high-pressure fourth-quarter moments and possesses the type of high-floor reliability that championship contenders covet. His entry into the transfer database essentially resets the market for teams in desperate need of a veteran presence under center to stabilize a transition.

Media personalities have wasted little time identifying a frontrunner for his services. The prevailing sentiment suggests that the existing bond between the player and the coaching staff makes one specific landing spot nearly inevitable unless a drastic shift occurs.

This specific transfer recruitment is expected to be swift given the deep ties and the immediate need for a starter to lead the coach’s new program.

Connection between Rocco Becht and Penn State is undeniable

During a recent episode of Josh Pate’s College Football Show, the host addressed the developing situation regarding Iowa State Cyclones quarterback Rocco Becht. The redshirt junior holds a $1.4 million NIL valuation according to On3 and has entered the transfer portal following the departure of his head coach. Pate views the link to the Penn State Nittany Lions as logical, given the recent hiring of Iowa State Cyclones head coach Matt Campbell in Happy Valley.

“Rocco Becht is in the portal. This is not a shock,” Pate said. “He is a Matt Campbell guy. Campbell goes to Penn State, quarterback goes in the portal. You’ve got to think Penn State’s going to play a major factor here.”

Iowa State Cyclones quarterback Rocco Becht (3) concludes his career with the Cyclones with more than 9,000 passing yards and 64 touchdowns. | William Purnell-Imagn Images

Becht leaves Ames as one of the most decorated passers in school history. He accumulated over 9,200 career passing yards and 64 touchdowns while winning 26 games as a starter. His 2025 campaign was hampered by a shoulder injury that required offseason surgery. He still managed to throw for 2,584 yards despite the physical setback. Pate emphasized the mental attributes that make Becht an attractive target for the Nittany Lions.

“He is an excellent player in fourth-quarter moments,” Pate stated. “If you add Rocco Becht there, there is no crash-and-burn season unless he gets hurt. So you get a high floor, but a very next-level mentality too. He kind of thinks more like an NFL guy.”

Forever A Cyclone❤️🌪️🌪️❤️ pic.twitter.com/chHf7fjh0j

— Rocco Becht (@RoccoBecht) December 20, 2025

The transition would be seamless for Becht. He would reunite with Campbell as well as offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser and quarterbacks coach Jake Waters. This familiarity is crucial as Becht rehabilitates his shoulder ahead of the 2026 season.

“He’s a coach’s kid and a friend of the program, Anthony Becht, by the way,” Pate added. “I would say Penn State (is the leader) until otherwise noted there.”

The NCAA Transfer Portal officially opens for all players to enter on Jan. 2.

Only one college football coaching hire earned an A+ grade

Published

4 hours ago

December 23, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The 2025 college football coaching carousel is one for the history books — and it’s not even over yet! As of late December, 30 FBS college football teams have hired new head coaches for the 2026 season, including six from the SEC and several more from the other power conferences.

Now that almost all of the jobs have been filled, ESPN writer Bill Connelly took the time to grade each and every hire made by an FBS program, assigning anywhere from an A+ to a C — a fairly friendly scale, even to the No. 30 hire on the list, which we won’t spoil. You can view the whole thing right here.

In Mr. Connelly’s seminar on How To Properly Conduct A Coaching Search, A’s were aplenty as eight students (meaning: FBS schools) earned an A or better in his book for the hire of their new head football coach. Those are the following…

Eight coaches earn an A grade

*Alphabatized by school

That list represents several of the biggest hires of the 2025 college football coaching cycles but also has a couple of underrated names as well. Plus, Kentucky’s Will Stein and UCLA’s Bob Chesney were mentioned as hires on the A-/B+ cusp. The one that earned an A+ grade, though? Perhaps you guessed, but it was Lane Kiffin picked as the prized sea bass.

New LSU head coach Lane Kiffin | Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

“We won’t overthink this one,” Connelly wrote on the LSU hire of Lane Kiffin away from Ole Miss, noting that the process was certainly over-dramatic. “But in his past nine years as a head coach, he has won double-digit games six times and he engineered the Rebels’ best three-year run in 60-plus years. He checks almost every box for a school that can afford to hire a guy who checks lots of boxes.”

The LSU coaching transition featured a dispute and eventual promised payout of a $50+ million buyout to Brian Kelly, then included the public interference of the Louisiana Governor, the firing of the LSU athletic director and the offer of a massive contract to Lane Kiffin to poach him from an SEC rival. Yet, with the dust still settling, the Tigers appear set up to go for glory in the latter half of the 2020s.

Per ESPN and Bill Connelly, Lane Kiffin is the No. 1 hire of the college football season.

USC-Notre Dame Rivalry The Latest Casualty Of Modern College Football

Published

5 hours ago

December 23, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The Battle For The Jeweled Shillelagh is no more.

PublishedDecember 22, 2025 7:08 PM EST•UpdatedDecember 22, 2025 7:08 PM EST

The slow death of beloved traditions in college football continues, as another all-time rivalry has gone the way of the dinosaurs.

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish and USC Trojans have played each other every year since 1946 (except for the COVID year in 2020), but it appears that meeting will no longer be an annual or even a semiregular one.

A lot of blame has been thrown back and forth on social media regarding who is at fault here, with USC fans saying Notre Dame is scared to play them, while Irish fans think the Trojans are trying to punish the Irish for not being in a conference and trying to “skate by” on making their own schedule.

Regardless of who is actually at fault, this one still stings all the same.

USC and Notre Dame have given us some of the most memorable games of all-time, with the “Bush Push” of 2005 being one of the most iconic games of this century. The two programs are also some of the most tradition-rich in college sports, so the fact that they haven’t renewed their rivalry is a tough pill to swallow.

This has been rumored for some time, but now that it’s finally happened, it just represents another death knell in our once beautiful sport.

NIL, an unregulated transfer portal, an ever-expanding playoff system, and even the death of bowl season. They’re all crushing the traditions that make college football so unique.

The Trojans and the Irish ending their storied matchup isn’t the only casualty of the new era of college football, it’s just the latest.

The Big Ten sacrificed great regional rivalries for a budding superconference — giving us their disgraceful “Rivalry Series” in the process — and it looks like the Battle For The Jeweled Shillelagh is their next victim.

The more this sport succumbs to its lust for a paycheck, the more I’m considering taking up hiking on Saturdays in the fall, or, at the very least watching the FCS.

At least that league hasn’t been perverted by the almighty dollar yet.

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