Tampa Bay Buccaneers GM delivers unpopular NIL take that stuns college football fans
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers just welcomed in their newest collegiate draft picks after selecting six promising young players in the 2025 NFL Draft. The NFL and the college game are more alike than perhaps they have ever been. The league has started to incorporate many of the nuances of how the college game is played, […]
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers just welcomed in their newest collegiate draft picks after selecting six promising young players in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The NFL and the college game are more alike than perhaps they have ever been. The league has started to incorporate many of the nuances of how the college game is played, specifically on the offensive side of the ball, as teams have brought in more RPOs and motions into their offense.
However, play style might not be the biggest semblence between these two leagues, as the NCAA and collegiate game has become somewhat more of a feeder or amateur league for the NFL now that players can transfer schools at will while also having the ability to earn money through their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL).
READ MORE: Bucs GM Jason Licht jokes he’d say “f— you” if a player rejected Tampa
While many have chosen sides on the impact NIL has had on the collegiate game, whether it be for or against, this is the new age of college athletics and it likely won’t be going anywhere anytime soon unless laws are put in place to help regulate the flow of money to programs and their players.
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning signs autographs for fans before the Texas Spring Game. / Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Many have scrutinized NIL due to it handing kids millions of dollars before they know how to handle money properly, and it is an obvious concern considering that people are investing in these young players to perform. If they don’t use their money wisely, it could harm not only the individual, but the program as well.
When speaking on the Pat McAfee Show this week, Buccaneers’ general manager Jason Licht gave his thoughts on the whole NIL situation, and acknowledged he had negative thoughts towards it at first but has since changed his view.
READ MORE: Baker Mayfield hosts welcome lunch for Bucs’ top draft pick
“I thought going into this NIL thing a few years ago that we were going to be seeing that, the entitlement more so than not. But from my experience so far, I think it’s just been the opposite,” Licht said. “I think these players are coming in very well educated on how to handle their money, how to handle success. They already have a team of people who are investing their money… I think they’re more mature about it now.”
“I thought going into the NIL era we were gonna see the entitlement but from my experience it has been the opposite..
These players are coming in very well educated on how to handle their money and success..
It is hard to argue Licht and McAfee’s point here. These collegiate players getting exposed to the amounts of money they are will show you a lot about said player when examining him as someone to draft. How did he handle his money? How did he deal with the pressures of living up to the expectations that come with those funds? All these and more are likely questions that front offices ask themselves in this process.
For those that handle their NIL situation well, it does show a sense of maturity and instills trust of an organization into a player. People will still be on both sides of the fence on the matter — most can likely all agree that there should be some sort of regulation when it comes to how things work, but that is a conversation for another day.
Here are some of the reactions from Licht’s comments regarding NIL:
Schools missing the boat not educating students on finance whether athletes or other. EVERY life can be affected w this education as soon as possible. Help our kids get a ROTH IRA established at the start of their first job.
— Takes guts to make putts (@CognettiRick) April 30, 2025
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COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Head softball coach Lauren Karn, entering her third season at the helm of the Terrapins, in conjunction with the Big Ten Conference, has announced Maryland’s 2026 Big Ten softball schedule. The Terps will open their conference slate at home at the Maryland Softball Complex, hosting Rutgers […]
COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Head softball coach Lauren Karn, entering her third season at the helm of the Terrapins, in conjunction with the Big Ten Conference, has announced Maryland’s 2026 Big Ten softball schedule.
The Terps will open their conference slate at home at the Maryland Softball Complex, hosting Rutgers for a three-game series from March 6–8.
Maryland will then travel to the West Coast to face Washington in a three-game series from March 13–15, before returning to College Park to host Indiana from March 20–22.
The Terps will hit the road for back-to-back weekends, heading to Madison to face Wisconsin (March 27–29), followed by a trip to University Park to take on Penn State (April 3–5).
Maryland returns home for two consecutive weekends, welcoming Oregon to the Maryland Softball Complex from April 10–12, followed by a series against Illinois from April 17–18.
The Terps will close out their Big Ten regular season schedule on the road, traveling to East Lansing to face Michigan State from April 24–26.
Maryland looks to rebound from last season’s 16th-place finish in the Big Ten and make a push for a return to the Big Ten Softball Tournament.
Rebuilding Pac-12 reaches deal with CBS for its football and men’s basketball games
Associated Press The Pac-12 struck a media-rights deal with CBS on Monday that sets up the network to broadcast a minimum of four football and men’s basketball games per season on its main network and provide a cable and streaming presence for the reconfigured league from 2026-31. Financial details of the new deal were not […]
The Pac-12 struck a media-rights deal with CBS on Monday that sets up the network to broadcast a minimum of four football and men’s basketball games per season on its main network and provide a cable and streaming presence for the reconfigured league from 2026-31.
Financial details of the new deal were not disclosed. Conference Commissioner Teresa Gould called it a “transformational partnership” that allows the Pac-12 to grow when it starts as a remodeled league in 2026-27.
An inability to secure a media deal is what nearly cratered the league in 2023, with all but Oregon State and Washington State departing for the Big 12, Atlantic Coast and Big Ten Conferences.
The Pac-12 already had deals in place to put all of the two remaining teams’ football games on the CW, ESPN and CBS for the upcoming season.
The new deal with what the league calls its “primary long-term media partner” kicks in the next season, when Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Utah State and San Diego State will join the Pac-12 in all sports, with Gonzaga joining in everything but football.
The Pac-12 needs to add another football program to reach the minimum eight teams necessary to be in the Football Bowl Subdivision and, thus, the College Football Playoff. Multiple reports say Texas State has emerged as the top candidate.
Under the new deal, CBS will broadcast at least three regular-season football and men’s basketball games per season, along with the championship games for both sports. The league also will have what it called a “consistent regular-season presence” on the cable CBS Sports Network.
Details are still being finalized as Pac-12 media negotiator, Octagon, works on finding additional media partners for the league.
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AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football
The University of Wisconsin and its NIL collective VC Connect filed a joint lawsuit on Friday against the University of Miami alleging it knowingly induced one of the Badgers’ football players to abandon a lucrative name, image and likeness contract to play for the Florida school this upcoming season. What You Need To Know The […]
The University of Wisconsin and its NIL collective VC Connect filed a joint lawsuit on Friday against the University of Miami alleging it knowingly induced one of the Badgers’ football players to abandon a lucrative name, image and likeness contract to play for the Florida school this upcoming season.
What You Need To Know
The University of Wisconsin and its NIL collective have sued the University of Miami
It said it knowingly induced one of the Badgers’ football players to abandon a lucrative name, image and likeness contract to play for the Florida school this fall
The suit could have a a wider impact on future NIL deals across college athletics
The case describes facts that line up with the situation involving cornerback Xavier Lucas, who last December announced plans to leave the Badgers
Allegations of tampering rarely get to this level and the 23-page lawsuit, which was filed in state court in Wisconsin and obtained by The Associated Press, is unusual. Depending on its resolution, it could have a a wider impact on future NIL deals across college athletics.
The player in question in the filing is referred to only as “Student-Athlete A.” But the case summary describes facts that line up with the situation involving cornerback Xavier Lucas, who last December announced his plans to enter the transfer portal.
Shortly afterward, Darren Heitner, who has been representing Lucas, indicated that Wisconsin was refusing to put Lucas’ name in the portal and that it was hindering his ability to talk with other schools. In January, Heitner announced that Lucas would be playing for Miami this fall.
The situation is fallout from the rapid changes engulfing college athletics, specifically a combination of two things: Athletes went to court and won the ability to transfer with much more freedom and the 2021 NCAA decision clearing the way for them to strike NIL endorsement deals now worth millions of dollars. That has changed the recruiting landscape and forced the issue of contracts and signed commitments to the fore.
“Indeed, student-athletes’ newfound NIL rights will be rendered meaningless if third parties are allowed to induce student-athletes to abandon their contractual commitments,” a portion of the lawsuit reads.
Wisconsin said in January that it had credible information that Miami and Lucas made impermissible contact with each other before the former Badgers cornerback decided to transfer.
Wisconsin and VC Connect allege that the inducement for Lucas to attend Miami happened within days of him entering his NIL agreement to play for the Badgers, and that they incurred substantial monetary and reputational harm. The lawsuit seeks unspecified monetary damages and “a declaration that Miami’s conduct directed towards Student-Athlete A constituted tampering.”
A message left with the University of Miami seeking comment was not immediately returned. In a text message Friday, Heitner declined to comment on the lawsuit but he said that Lucas still plans to attend Miami and play football.
Wisconsin said it had the support of its leadership and the Big Ten Conference in filing the lawsuit, noting its commitment to “ensuring integrity and fundamental fairness in the evolving landscape of college athletics.”
“While we reluctantly bring this case, we stand by our position that respecting and enforcing contractual obligations is essential to maintaining a level playing field,” the statement said. “In addition to our legal action, we will continue to be proactive to protect the interests of our student-athletes, our program and the broader collegiate athletics community.
Lucas, who is from Pompano Beach, Florida, had 12 tackles, an interception and a sack as a freshman for Wisconsin last season.
Heitner said that Lucas hasn’t received any money from Wisconsin and therefore owes no money to the school. Heitner also argued that Wisconsin had violated an NCAA bylaw by not entering Lucas into the transfer database within two business days of the player’s request.
Wisconsin issued a statement at the time saying it hadn’t put Lucas’ name in the portal because he had entered a two-year binding NIL agreement.
In April, the surprise transfers of brothers Nico and Madden Iamaleava from Tennessee to UCLA prompted fresh questions about contracts and buyouts.
Nico Iamaleava, who led Tennessee to the College Football Playoff last season, walked away from a reported $2.4 million NIL contract. Arkansas freshman quarterback Madden Iamaleava entered the portal after spring practices wrapped up.
Arkansas athletic director Hunter Yurachek released a statement indicating he would support efforts by the Razorbacks’ NIL collective to enforce buyout clauses in athlete contracts. Iamaleava reportedly had a contract valued at $500,000 upon signing with Arkansas.
Deion Sanders’ son shares video of Colorado coach to give health update
Deion Sanders’ eldest son has shared an encouraging video of the Hall of Famer as the Colorado head coach continues to recover from an undisclosed health issue Deion Sanders recently took a break from coaching at Colorado(Image: Getty Images) Deion Sanders’ eldest son, Deion Jr., has served up some reassuring news regarding the renowned Colorado […]
Deion Sanders’ eldest son has shared an encouraging video of the Hall of Famer as the Colorado head coach continues to recover from an undisclosed health issue
Deion Sanders recently took a break from coaching at Colorado(Image: Getty Images)
Deion Sanders’ eldest son, Deion Jr., has served up some reassuring news regarding the renowned Colorado head coach’s health woes, releasing a video of the Pro Football Hall of Famer enjoying some fishing.
There’s been a bit of worry circulating about Sanders’ condition these past few weeks. The 57-year-old NFL legend took a hiatus from Boulder and jetted back to his Texas property, missing out on the yearly youth camps he’s known for leading.
The details of the illness remain under wraps, as neither Sanders nor Colorado has spilled any specifics. But come Sunday, Junior dropped a clip from their angling jaunt that featured ‘Coach Prime’ at the helm of a vessel in the Lone Star State.
READ MORE: Rory McIlroy sent ‘$70M jet’ message as Phil Mickelson claim madeREAD MORE: Women’s basketball team cancels training camp after United States visas denied
The footage also includes former Colorado star and Heisman Trophy victor Travis Hunter, who the Jacksonville Jaguars snagged as the No. 2 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
“It’s a beautiful thing,” Deion Jr. says in the footage. “Coach Prime back active, moving around. God is great. Not back active moving around, but it’s progress.”
Looking ahead, Sanders Sr. plans to show his face on July 9 at a Big 12 media day. Colorado gets its season rolling by hosting Georgia Tech at Folsom Field come August 29.
Sanders’ son has posted a video of his father fishing amid concerns about his health(Image: Well Off Media)
It was June 11 when Sanders Sr. last spoke publicly about his health status. “I can assure you all that everything is OK and will continue to be so,” he wrote on social media.
“I’m excited to get back to Colorado to be at home with my staff, team and all associated to our program. When we arrive back to Boulder you will be updated on everything.”
The Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers legend, who also played in Major League Baseball, has grappled with some serious health setbacks.
Following repeated complications from blood clots, he underwent procedures that resulted in the loss of two toes back in 2021.
Taking charge of the Buffaloes, Sanders turned a struggling one-win team into contenders over two successful seasons. The Colorado squad showcased some serious style, finishing with a strong 9-4 record in 2024 and just shy of making it to the Big 12 title game and the College Football Playoff.
With the dawn of the 2025 season bringing a wave of change, Sanders will see his sons, Shedeur and Shilo, along with Hunter, taking their game to the NFL pros. Alongside them, several starting players have also exited the roster.
Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter will step into Shedeur’s quarterback role at Colorado, with five-star hotshot Julian ‘Ju Ju’ Lewis as a promising backup.
Heading into the new season, the Buffaloes boast bragging rights with the No. 24 recruiting class and the No. 19 transfer class. High-profile additions like Chauncey Gooden, Carde Smith, and London Merritt are set to wear Colorado’s colors.
The University of Wisconsin and its NIL collective VC Connect filed a joint lawsuit on Friday against the University of Miami alleging it knowingly induced one of the Badgers’ football players to abandon a lucrative name, image and likeness contract to play for the Florida school this upcoming season. What You Need To Know The […]
The University of Wisconsin and its NIL collective VC Connect filed a joint lawsuit on Friday against the University of Miami alleging it knowingly induced one of the Badgers’ football players to abandon a lucrative name, image and likeness contract to play for the Florida school this upcoming season.
What You Need To Know
The University of Wisconsin and its NIL collective have sued the University of Miami
It said it knowingly induced one of the Badgers’ football players to abandon a lucrative name, image and likeness contract to play for the Florida school this fall
The suit could have a a wider impact on future NIL deals across college athletics
The case describes facts that line up with the situation involving cornerback Xavier Lucas, who last December announced plans to leave the Badgers
Allegations of tampering rarely get to this level and the 23-page lawsuit, which was filed in state court in Wisconsin and obtained by The Associated Press, is unusual. Depending on its resolution, it could have a a wider impact on future NIL deals across college athletics.
The player in question in the filing is referred to only as “Student-Athlete A.” But the case summary describes facts that line up with the situation involving cornerback Xavier Lucas, who last December announced his plans to enter the transfer portal.
Shortly afterward, Darren Heitner, who has been representing Lucas, indicated that Wisconsin was refusing to put Lucas’ name in the portal and that it was hindering his ability to talk with other schools. In January, Heitner announced that Lucas would be playing for Miami this fall.
The situation is fallout from the rapid changes engulfing college athletics, specifically a combination of two things: Athletes went to court and won the ability to transfer with much more freedom and the 2021 NCAA decision clearing the way for them to strike NIL endorsement deals now worth millions of dollars. That has changed the recruiting landscape and forced the issue of contracts and signed commitments to the fore.
“Indeed, student-athletes’ newfound NIL rights will be rendered meaningless if third parties are allowed to induce student-athletes to abandon their contractual commitments,” a portion of the lawsuit reads.
Wisconsin said in January that it had credible information that Miami and Lucas made impermissible contact with each other before the former Badgers cornerback decided to transfer.
Wisconsin and VC Connect allege that the inducement for Lucas to attend Miami happened within days of him entering his NIL agreement to play for the Badgers, and that they incurred substantial monetary and reputational harm. The lawsuit seeks unspecified monetary damages and “a declaration that Miami’s conduct directed towards Student-Athlete A constituted tampering.”
A message left with the University of Miami seeking comment was not immediately returned. In a text message Friday, Heitner declined to comment on the lawsuit but he said that Lucas still plans to attend Miami and play football.
Wisconsin said it had the support of its leadership and the Big Ten Conference in filing the lawsuit, noting its commitment to “ensuring integrity and fundamental fairness in the evolving landscape of college athletics.”
“While we reluctantly bring this case, we stand by our position that respecting and enforcing contractual obligations is essential to maintaining a level playing field,” the statement said. “In addition to our legal action, we will continue to be proactive to protect the interests of our student-athletes, our program and the broader collegiate athletics community.
Lucas, who is from Pompano Beach, Florida, had 12 tackles, an interception and a sack as a freshman for Wisconsin last season.
Heitner said that Lucas hasn’t received any money from Wisconsin and therefore owes no money to the school. Heitner also argued that Wisconsin had violated an NCAA bylaw by not entering Lucas into the transfer database within two business days of the player’s request.
Wisconsin issued a statement at the time saying it hadn’t put Lucas’ name in the portal because he had entered a two-year binding NIL agreement.
In April, the surprise transfers of brothers Nico and Madden Iamaleava from Tennessee to UCLA prompted fresh questions about contracts and buyouts.
Nico Iamaleava, who led Tennessee to the College Football Playoff last season, walked away from a reported $2.4 million NIL contract. Arkansas freshman quarterback Madden Iamaleava entered the portal after spring practices wrapped up.
Arkansas athletic director Hunter Yurachek released a statement indicating he would support efforts by the Razorbacks’ NIL collective to enforce buyout clauses in athlete contracts. Iamaleava reportedly had a contract valued at $500,000 upon signing with Arkansas.
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