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DJ Lagway Latest Addition to Jordan Brand’s High-Profile NIL Roster

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Last Updated on August 29, 2025

Florida quarterback DJ Lagway announced today his new NIL partnership with Jordan Brand on the eve of the Gators’ 2025 season opener. It’s more than just a big moment for the sophomore QB, it’s the latest sign that Jordan Brand is strategically planting its Jumpman logo at the center of college athletics’ most valuable real estate: high-profile athletes in football and basketball.

Jordan Brand’s NIL Game Plan

Jordan Brand isn’t new to college sports. The Jumpman has long been stitched across the uniforms of schools like Florida, Michigan, North Carolina, and Oklahoma. But the NIL era has given the company a new playbook as it moves from outfitting entire programs to signing individual athletes whose personal brands can amplify Jordan’s reach.

Lagway, who is entering his second year in Gainesville, fits that model perfectly. He went 6-1 as a starter last season with nearly 2,000 passing yards and 12 touchdowns. His rising profile at a Jordan school makes him an ideal face for the brand heading into a season where he’s expected to lead the Gators on the field.

Jordan Brand’s Strategy

Jordan Brand’s growing NIL roster show’s the company’s strategy:

  • Individual NIL deals allow Jordan to connect with fans in a more personal way than traditional team sponsorships.
  • Star power across high-profile sports helps reinforce Jumpman’s relevance with Gen Z athletes and consumers, who increasingly follow individual stars over teams.
  • Athletes like Lagway are already competing in Jordan uniforms, giving the brand consistent exposure across multiple touchpoints.

Jordan Brand’s NIL Roster

Jordan Brand has been carefully building its high school and college athlete portfolio since NIL began:

  • Kiki Rice (UCLA Basketball) – Jordan Brand’s first NIL athlete, the five-star recruit made history in 2022 when she became the brand’s trailblazer in the NIL era.
  • Bronny James (formerly USC Basketball) – One of the most high-profile NIL signing in the country, the son of LeBron brought enormous attention to Jumpman when he inked his deal.
  • Mikey Williams (formerly Memphis Basketball) – One of the earliest high school athletes to sign with Jordan, giving the brand a foothold with younger fans.
  • Dajuan Harris Jr. (formerly Kansas Basketball) – A national champion point guard who represents the steady, winning pedigree Jordan wants associated with its logo.
  • DJ Lagway (UF Football) – With Lagway, Jordan now has a quarterback at a partner school to anchor its football presence, further diversifying its roster.

With NIL only getting bigger, expect the Jordan Brand to continue to pick its partners carefully, choosing athletes who combine on-field performance with strong personal brands. Lagway is just the latest example of how the Jumpman is staying competitive in the evolving college sports marketplace.

  • Kristi Dosh

    Kristi A. Dosh is the founder of BusinessofCollegeSports.com and has served as a sports business analyst and contributor for outlets such as Forbes, ESPN, SportsBusiness Journal, Bleacher Report, SB Nation and more. She is the author of of two books related to the business of college sports, The Athlete’s NIL Playbook and Saturday Millionaires. Kristi is a sought-after consultant and speaker on topics related to the business of college sports and a former practicing attorney. Click to learn more

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College Basketball Rankings: Coaches Poll Top 25 updated after Week 8

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The USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll Top 25 has been refreshed following the eighth week of the season. It was a bit of a light week due to Christmas, but some showdowns still took place amid the holiday celebrations, resulting in some movement throughout the Top 25.

With conference play picking up this coming weekend, we’re getting into the nitty-gritty of the season, where the rankings will fluctuate week-in and week-out. While this past week was packed with tune-up games and not a ton of riveting action, that won’t be the case from now until April.

Regardless, the Coaches Poll Top 25 is certain to see plenty of movement. For now, here’s how things stack up after Week 8. This week’s updated rankings are below.

Michigan enjoyed a full week off and enters the week undefeated at 11–0. The Wolverines return to action with home games against McNeese State on Monday and USC on Friday.

Senior forward Yaxel Lendeborg has been the engine, stuffing the stat sheet with 15.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. Michigan will look to stay perfect as conference play looms.

Arizona
Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

Arizona rolled past Bethune 107–71 last Monday to improve to 12–0 on the season. The Wildcats host South Dakota State before traveling to Utah for a road test on Saturday.

Freshman guard Brayden Burries has emerged as a steady scorer, averaging 14.0 points per game. Arizona’s depth and tempo continue to overwhelm opponents early in the season.

Iowa State remained perfect at 12–0 after an off week. The Cyclones host Houston Christian on Monday and West Virginia on Friday.

Junior forward Milan Momcilovic leads the team at 18.3 points per game. Iowa State’s balance continues to separate it from most of the field.

UConn had the week off and remains one of the nation’s most complete teams at 12–1. The Huskies head to Xavier on Wednesday before hosting Marquette on Sunday.

Junior guard Solo Ball leads the backcourt with 15.4 points per game. This week offers a strong measuring stick against Big East competition.

Purdue
Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

Purdue stayed idle last week but remains firmly entrenched near the top of the Coaches Poll with an 11–1 record. The Boilermakers face a tricky week with a home matchup against Kent State on Monday before heading to Wisconsin on Saturday.

Senior forward Trey Kaufman-Renn continues to anchor the frontcourt, averaging a double-double at 13.9 points and 10.0 rebounds per game. Purdue’s ability to maintain consistency through a two-game week will be closely watched.

Duke remained idle last week and sits at 11–1 entering a two-game stretch. The Blue Devils host Georgia Tech on Wednesday before traveling to Florida State on Saturday.

Freshman phenom Cameron Boozer has been dominant, averaging 23.2 points and 10.0 rebounds per game. Duke will be tested defensively as ACC play intensifies.

Gonzaga extended its winning streak with a victory over Pepperdine on Sunday and sits at 13–1. The Bulldogs play three times this week, traveling to San Diego before hosting Seattle U and LMU.

Junior forward Braden Huff leads the way with 19.1 points per game. Gonzaga’s depth will be tested during the busy stretch.

Houston
John Jones-Imagn Images

Houston enters the week at 11–1 after a quiet stretch. The Cougars host Middle Tennessee State on Monday before heading to Cincinnati on Saturday.

Senior guard Emanuel Sharp continues to pace the offense with 17.9 points per game. Houston’s defensive pressure remains its calling card heading into conference play.

Michigan State enjoyed a week off and sits at 11–1 on the season. The Spartans host Cornell on Monday before traveling to Nebraska on Friday.

Senior forward Jaxon Kohler has been a force inside, averaging 13.9 points and 10.3 rebounds. Michigan State will look to sharpen its execution away from home.

BYU cruised past Eastern Washington 109–81 last Monday to improve to 12–1. The Cougars face a lone test this week with a road trip to Kansas State on Saturday.

Freshman star AJ Dybantsa has lived up to the hype, averaging 23.1 points per game. BYU’s offense remains one of the most explosive in the country.

11. Vanderbilt
12. North Carolina
13-T. Nebraska
13-T.
Louisville (+1)
15. Alabama
16. Texas Tech
17. Kansas
18. Arkansas
19. Illinois
20. Tennessee
21. Virginia
22. Florida
23. Iowa
24. Georgia
25. St. John’s

Dropped Out: No. 25 USC

Others Receiving Votes: Kentucky 35; USC 25; Utah State 14; Auburn 7; Saint Louis 6; Clemson 6; Seton Hall 5; Oklahoma State 5; Yale 4; UCLA 4; Saint Mary’s 4; LSU 3; California 2; Villanova 1; Miami (OH) 1; Indiana 1



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Petrino’s Friend Found a Workaround to Pay Taylen Green That’s Now Prohibited by NCAA

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Petrino’s Friend Found a Workaround to Pay Taylen Green That’s Now Prohibited by NCAA
photo credit: Craven Whitlow

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When Bobby Petrino returned to Arkansas after the 2023 season, his first task was finding a new quarterback.

In this era of college football, that also meant funding a new quarterback. For that, the former head coach leaned on his old friend Frank Fletcher.

The Little Rock-based businessman stepped up and footed a large chunk of the bill for Taylen Green, the talented signal caller Petrino identified to run his offense for the Razorbacks.

It hasn’t only been a transactional relationship, though. Over the last two years, Fletcher has been mindful of Green’s life after sports. Rather than simply handing the star quarterback a boatload of cash, he offered something few college athletes receive: personal relationship and mentorship.

“I had a wonderful two years with Taylen Green,” Fletcher said during Monday’s edition of Morning Mayhem on 103.7 The Buzz. “I was lucky that I happened to back a player that was that nice a kid and [had] great parents. I’ve learned a lot from him. I’m teaching him everything I know, and he wants to learn.”

Fletcher helped Green navigate the financial market by giving the QB1 homework, making him chart a series of stocks over a few months – something that could prove even more important after his subpar finish to the 2025 season likely impacted his pro prospects.