QB Madden Iamaleava is the second of two college quarterbacks in his family that has, this spring, went through a dispute regarding NIL. He too, if it were up to Joel Klatt, would be losing out on some of that revenue with how it went with his transfer from Arkansas.

Klatt gave his opinion on the Razorbacks’ demand for buyout money, originally paid out as his name, image, and likeness by their collective, from Iamaleava during his show on Monday. He said he’s for it for the ‘Hogs as what they paid for wasn’t fulfilled by the four-star freshman arrival past spring practice.

“First, on Madden. So, Madden is now going to be in a dispute with Arkansas and Arkansas is actually hiring – I believe, what is it, Tom (Mars), I believe that’s his name – to go after basically, like, a buyout or, or a payback from some of the NIL money that he received after going to Arkansas just for a few months and then transferring and coming back home, really, to Southern California to go to UCLA,” Klatt explained.

“People have asked my reaction on that. I say, absolutely. Absolutely. Go after that money. At that point? If the players want the benefits of being able to be paid and getting NIL dollars then the teams should be able to claw them back. There’s not a doubt in my mind.”

Once QB Nico Iamaleava transferred from Tennessee to UCLA, Madden Iamaleava, who had just gotten done with spring practice in Fayetteville, entered the portal too with all intentions of transferring to Los Angeles to join his brother after originally being committed to the Bruins in high school. The next day, though, AD Hunter Yurachek and Arkansas EDGE, per On3’s Pete Nakos, began working for a buyout from a couple of those who transferred out in the spring window, namely Iamaleava. According to Nakos, the Razorbacks are looking for about $200,000 back from their former quarterback.

However, Klatt does think there could be a catch for Arkansas in trying to do this in the legal system. It’d be simpler if we were already in the revenue-sharing model but, since the sport isn’t yet, he thinks the Razorbacks will have to make an argument that essentially says that money Iamaleava received was technically pay-for-play, especially since they paid for no actual play at all from him.

“This will be way easier once we get into the rev share. You see, if it’s actually NIL, the legality of getting this back is tough because you’re basically going to have to say it was pay-for-play, which it is and I know that we all are, are aware of that. And you’re going to have to say like, well, he didn’t play so we need his pay back. Fair. And, again, I’m, I’m on Arkansas’ side on this point but you see the sticking point because it’s technically NIL,” Klatt said. “And, yes, did you just give it to him without really requiring him to do much from his name, image, and likeness from your collective? Yes. So, it wasn’t pure revenue share just yet. But, once it is revenue share, now we can have a contract with buyouts and a little bit more rigidity to? Maybe some of this movement that is so free-wheeling that we see with, with some of these players.”

It’ll be worth keeping up with how this all plays out, or is paid out, for Arkansas as the second school in the Southeastern Conference dealing with the aftermath of an Iamaleava. Klatt is in favor of them doing it, though, as “common sense” considering how short a time he spent in the program.

“Do I think Arkansas should do this? Yes. Do I think that they should get some of this money back? Absolutely,” said Klatt. “This is common sense. Let’s play in the common sense game.”

In a time where college football players opt out of spring practice due to NIL negotiations, the frontiers that college athletes’ step into become newer by the day.

Auburn basketball is no different. No, there was not a situation like Tennessee football, but they did see a notable player hit the portal and make a splash-landing.

Former Auburn basketball wing Chad Baker-Mazara recently committed to the university of Soutern California after entering his name into the transfer portal.

After the NCAA’s decision to grant all former JUCO prospects another year of eligibility last December, Auburn coach Bruce Pearl was adamant about Chad Baker-Mazara returning for his final year with the Tigers.

“Without any kind of appeal, Chad Baker has another year of eligibility,” Pearl said back in March. “He does because he fits all the criteria. Some of the other guys that have been talked about, I’m not going to specifically reference, but Chad is the one that right now qualifies.”

So, what changed?

Coming off the Tigers Final Four run, Baker-Mazara was one of Auburn’s top players in 2025, finishing second on the team in scoring at 12.3 points per game.

Getting his first start after serving as the sixth man the year prior, a senior sendoff with the Tigers was expected from the fiery forward. However, the Tigers signed UCF transfer Keyshawn Hall during the NCAA tournament who plays the same role Mazara does.

According to multiple reports, Baker-Mazara and Auburn were in discussions of working on a new deal for him to return to Auburn. Jeff Goodman of the Field of 68 reported that Hall’s addition fueled his decision to test the portal.

Looking at how Auburn transitioned from Mazara bringing in JUCO wing Abdul Bashir, former Texas Tech guard Kevin Overton, and former Division II wing Elyjah Freeman.

It raises the question does the term loyalty falls on the players or the university when it comes to NIL?

Baker-Mazara came up from the juco ranks and played for two Division I programs before coming to Auburn. Despite embracing the community and becoming a part of the Auburn family for two years, he was not obligated to stay.

On the Auburn side, we’ve seen the basketball program spend six figures to Tigers standout Johni Broome. Now, is Baker-Mazara worth the same as the two-time All-American? No. However, bringing in more depth and giving Mazara the option to walk away creates room to debate both sides.

Since its arrival in 2022, NIL has changed the college landscape for better and worse.

Only 106 players entered the 2025 NBA Draft, the lowest number of early entrants since 2015. In the recent NCAA men’s basketball transfer portal period, over 2,000 players entered their names.

Fresh off a national championship victory, Florida guard Denzel Aberdeen transferred to conference rival Kentucky for a chance at a bigger role.

Florida coach Todd Golden gave his thoughts on losing Aberdeen but quickly shifted his focus on what’s next for the Gators.

“Losing Denzel Aberdeen was tough, but we wish him nothing but the best,” Golden said to the Field of 68. “I’m pretty confident we can find somebody to take that spot. The Gators are going to have a really good group again next year.”

So, whether Mazara tested the portal for financial reasons or Auburn not seeing the value of a player who can sometimes bring controversy to the court. The world of NIL is ultimately a business.

And in certain business deals no loyalty is required.

Jerry Humphrey III covers Auburn sports for AL.com. You can follow him on X at @Jerryhump3 or email him at JHumphreyIII@al.com.

Mankilling Mastodons

Nebraska QB Dylan Raiola turns heads with new NIL deal – Athlon Sports
Dylan Raiola inks major NIL Deal with Adidas, signaling new era for Nebraska Football

Report: Four Nebraska football players enter transfer portal
Four Husker football players have entered the transfer portal, On3’s Pete Nakos reported Tuesday.

Nebraska’s Gabe Swansen Delivers a Clutch Double to Walk-Off Kansas State
The Huskers needed a late rally and got just enough to push past the Wildcats Tuesday at Haymarket Park.

Other News From the Sporting World

John Elway’s longtime agent on life support after golf cart accident involving quarterback – Yahoo Sports
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Capitals to meet Canadiens in Game 5, look to advance in NHL playoffs – The Washington Post
Washington can advance to the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs with a win over Montreal on Wednesday night.

This Version of Jamal Murray Could Swing the NBA Playoffs – The Ringer
With the best performance of this postseason so far, Murray reminded us of how just how dangerous he—and the Denver Nuggets—can be when he’s firing on all cylinders

PWHL selects Seattle for 2nd expansion franchise. Plans to add another 2 by 2026-27, AP source says | AP News
The PWHL will expand to eight teams next season by adding Seattle as its second expansion franchise alongside Vancouver.

Boise State coach Spencer Danielson gets huge contract raise | Idaho Statesman
Boise State coach Spencer Danielson signed a contract extension through 2029 with a salary increase, seemingly solidifying his future with the football program.

Pac-12 announces 2025 TV deal, including new Apple Cup home
The Pac-12 announced a deal for the 2025 football season that will put all WSU Cougars and Oregon State Beavers home games on national TV.

Marshall University, Athletics Director part ways
Marshall University will not renew Athletic Director Christian Spears’ contract, officials announced on Tuesday afternoon.

Mandel’s Mailbag: The NFL rejected the Sanders firestorm. Is that the difference between CFB and NFL? – The Athletic
Plus: What does the 2023 quarterback class’s mass transfers say about the sport?

An Attack on Bee One Gee is an Attack on All: A Call for Collective Defense Across the Big Ten Map – Off Tackle Empire
Less than five weeks ago, the Rutgers University Senate passed a resolution calling for all of their Big Ten brethren to defend as a collective against the potential incursion or retaliation from…

Yellow Journalism

Australia’s dingoes are becoming a distinct species
Many will still be culled under false pretences | Science & technology

Your ‘Righteous Gemstones’ Final-Season Divine-Power Rankings, Week 8: Baby Billy is Jokic, a Smoking Monkey, and Dudes Rock Type Deaths | GQ
Who’s up, who’s down, who’s closest to God? As ‘The Righteous Gemstones’ winds up its run, we’ve got a full scouting report on TV’s top Christ-following family.

Podcast Schmodcast

Auditory Enlightenment

Todd Bowles speaks.

So electric returner/receiver Tez Johnson, the Bucs’ seventh-round draft pick, isn’t getting much of a pay raise this season to play for Tampa Bay.

He’ll pull in about $865,000. That’s in the ballpark of earnings for a stud receiver at the University of Oregon, which Johnson was.

Yes, times have changed. That’s why fans aren’t treated to as many wildly emotional draft-night scenes. So many players already hit the lottery in college and have more of a professional mindset.

Asked about how life-changing earnings for college athletes, NIL money, has affected evaluation of college prospects this week on SiriusXM NFL Radio, Todd Bowles had a thoughtful answer.

“I don’t think it hurts when you’re evaluating a player. I think it hurts when you’re evaluating the person,” Bowles said.

“When you’re evaluating why they’re taking the money or how they’re taking the money or if they keep transferring from schools, you try to find out the ‘why’ in that category. The player is gonna be the player.

“I think we’re all still trying to figure how the NIL is working and how that affects everybody in the league. And everybody’s still scrambling in college as well as in the NFL. But the player itself, the tape and the practice habits will tell you a lot about the person.

“The character tells you a lot about the person. We try to pick high character guys and understand that some people need the money and may use it as a motivation. Some people play for the love of the game; some people play to take care of their families. It’s up to us, it’s up to the scouts. It’s up for everybody to decipher what kind of person we’re bringing in the building and we try to make sure we bring in the right person. Obviously, money talks in a lot of cases and these guys aren’t desperate to get the league money now that they can get the college money. I mean, they’re handing out like hotcakes over there.

“But there’s still a lot of guys where the NFL is the pinnacle and they work at it and they find their craft, and they want to be the best in the league. And those are the guys you try to take.”

The Bucs certainly seem to have found the right formula.

Ira Kaufman Recaps Day 3 Of The Draft, Grades The Bucs’ Haul, Talks Shilo Sanders, Deeper Meaning And Debates The Top-3 Most Critical Bucs, And More

This is the fourth time in program history that Tech has reached 40 wins, and the first time since 2012. Tech will also finish with an 18-2 (.900) record at Rocky Johnson Field making it the winningest home season in program history.

How it happened:

Chloe Riassetto improved to 7-2 on the season after throwing 3.0 innings and allowing just two hits. Samantha Lincoln came in relief for the final 2.0 innings, allowing just one hit.

Tech’s offense got going in the second inning with RBI singles from Alana Johnson and Bailey Lindemuth to give the Red Raiders an early 2-0 lead.

The Red Raiders added five more runs in the third inning highlighted by NiJaree Canady’s seventh home run of the season. Johnson and Victoria Valdez also added RBI with a single and double, respectively, while Mihyia Davis scored after tagging up to go to third and then crossing home thanks to an errant throw.

Davis scored again in the fourth inning with her base running after Demi Elder stole second, Davis then sprinted home on the throw to score the eighth run of the game. Lauren Allred capped of a 3-for-3 day with an RBI double to complete the scoring for Tech.

UP NEXT: Tech will close out the regular season on the road in Provo for a three-game series with BYU.

 

For too long, the Southeastern Conference has played an eight-game conference schedule.

That was even before the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma’s additions brought the league’s total members up to 16 total. And yet, the eight-game conference schedule—at times, with decent arguments to remain so—has stayed.

However, it seems as though change could be on the horizon.

… thanks to the College Football Playoff.

From CBS Sports:

“Following the historic meeting between the two conferences in Nashville back in October, Big Ten and SEC athletic directors and conference leadership met in New Orleans Wednesday to discuss a variety of topics, including changes to the College Football Playoff — and, in the SEC’s case, whether to expand its own conference schedule.

While Wednesday’s outcome didn’t lead to any direct changes, it’s clear the Big Ten and SEC are continuing to make their case for a CFP takeover. …”

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT THE LONGHORNS

Austin American-Statesman: Texas had the most players drafted over the past two years. Here’s how.

Dallas Morning News: Is Texas QB Arch Manning the next No. 1 pick in NFL draft? Experts make their predictions

247Sports: Four Downs: Quinn Ewers made the right decision, Texas football’s NFL approach, Ryan Watts and more

Inside Texas: Video Reheat: Texas strengthens RBU legacy and CFB’s wildest offseason storylines

Inside Texas: Steve Sarkisian urges fans to be patiently supportive of Arch Manning as he lives out a lifelong dream

ICYMI IN BURNT ORANGE NATION

Steve Sarkisian: Texas football’s class of 2023 has ‘winning in their DNA’

Don’t underestimate former Texas QB Quinn Ewers’ future role with Miami Dolphins

Former Texas WR Johntay Cook seems likely to land at Syracuse

Former Texas RB Savion Red hits the transfer portal once again, lands at Sacramento State

RECRUITING ROUNDUP

247Sports: Texas makes top six for EDGE target Dre Quinn

247Sports: Top-10 overall 2027 prospect Joshua Dobson feels like Texas could be his home

Inside Texas: K’Adrian Redmond talks Texas visit, Kenny Baker connection, and top schools in 2027 recruitment

Inside Texas: The point guard recruit that could define Sean Miller’s first season at Texas

SEC SHOWDOWN

Austin American-Statesman: How high is Texas softball ranked after losing to Oklahoma?

Rock M Nation: Mizzou baseball falls to KU in Lawrence

Rocky Top Talk: Transfer Portal: Former Louisiana Tech guard Amaree Abram commits to Tennessee

A Sea Of Blue: Kentucky to visit 5-star guard Jordan Smith

WHAT WE’RE READING

SB Nation: Full results, updates for the road to the Stanley Cup

SB Nation: The Browns’ reaction to the Shedeur Sanders pick was subdued, like their other selections

SB Nation: Could Travis Hunter win both Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year honors?

NEWS ACROSS LONGHORN NATION AND BEYOND

• Apparently Quinn Ewers never took a dime from Texas Athletics.