There are plenty of examples of a star in pro sports taking less money in order to help the overall roster. But it isn’t something that’s hit college football yet … until now, thanks to Arch Manning. Manning has asked to take a reduced portion of the Longhorns’ direct payout pool.

Manning’s aim at taking less NIL funds is to help improve the roster around him. Just like Patrick Mahomes, who regularly gives up millions to help the Kansas City Chief’s roster. Tom Brady did it with New England. Dirk Nowitzki, Tim Duncan, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Jalen Brunson, Aaron Rodgers and Ben Roethlisberger have all helped the rosters around them by taking less.

Much like the NBA in the 2010s, once the actual season ends for college football, the real drama begins off the field. Since the conclusion of the regular season, many players have already announced whether they’ll enter the transfer portal or re-sign NIL and rev-share deals with their current teams.

There is no real contract system set up for college athletics the way there is in professional sports, where deals can be signed for four or five years, binding both sides. In college football, every player is basically a free agent every offseason and has the power to re-negotiate their deal or enter the transfer portal if they can’t agree to terms with their school. However, perhaps the most famous athlete in all of college sports is now deciding to reduce his salary, not increase it, as he plans to return for 2026.

That would be Texas quarterback Arch Manning. According to Sporting News and On3, Manning entered the 2025 college football season as, reportedly, the highest-paid player in the entire sport. On3’s NIL valuation database had Manning as the highest-valued player in the country heading into the year, and despite some dips in play, Manning still remains No. 1 in On3’s NIL100 rating the top 100 highest-valued college athletes. His current value is listed at $5.3 million.

But according to a report that came out Friday morning, Manning actually will accept less money from Texas’ direct revenue share next season in an attempt to help the team better equip themselves for a 2026 national championship run after disappointing their CFP expectations in 2025. It’s important to note that Manning’s endorsement deals, nor money from any NIL collective, are impacted by this.

“Sources tell Inside Texas that star quarterback has agreed to a reduced compensation amount from Texas’ House settlement revenue sharing pool in 2026,” On3 ‘s Justin Wells published on Friday. “This ostensibly doesn’t affect his compensation from fair market NIL, commonly referred to by Texas administrators as ‘real NIL.’ Manning has partnerships with Warby Parker, Waymo, Vuori, and Red Bull and is one of the most high-profile college athletes regardless of sport.”

This move here is noble by Manning but also makes most sense for the team. As Wells mentioned above, Manning is heavily partnered with national brands and is the unique college athlete who brings his own marketability to the table, outside of his performance. This is a guy that can generate millions of dollars from endorsements and public partnerships — what Texas admins consider “real NIL.”

Essentially, Texas can guarantee Manning less raw money via the rev-share route but still assure him that he’ll get his money through other NIL means. Then, the Longhorns can take that guaranteed rev-share money and use it on high-level players who may not have the same name recognition or personal brand as Manning.

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OXFORD, Miss. — The Rebel Walk’s Kam Wicker and Zach Moreth sat down this week with Ole Miss Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics Keith Carter for an episode of The Rebel Talk, covering a wide range of topics relevant to Rebel fans.

Carter discussed the evolving landscape of college athletics, including NIL, revenue sharing, and the College Football Playoff, offering insight into where Ole Miss fits in a rapidly changing environment.

The Rebels’ athletics director also provided additional details on Ole Miss’ recent Request for Proposals (RFP), which seeks a development team to lead a transformative, multi-asset public-private partnership aimed at reshaping the areas surrounding Vaught-Hemingway Stadium and the campus edge.

In addition to the business of college athletics, Carter shared a more personal side, giving the hosts a glimpse into how he spends what little free time he has away from the office.

WATCH the full episode below:

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Brendan Sorsby, a redshirt junior who split his first two years at Indiana before transferring to Cincinnati in 2024, posted an efficient, productive 2025 season. 

In 12 games, he threw for 2,800 passing yards with 27 passing touchdowns and five interceptions, plus 580 rushing yards and nine rushing scores, making him among the more complete dual-threat QBs in the country. 

Unfortunately for the Bearcats, he informed Cincinnati of his intent to enter the NCAA transfer portal on Monday and is also awaiting an NFL draft grade while he gauges options. 

Brendan Sorsby’s public NIL profile ranks him among the higher-valued transfer assets nationally, with a reported valuation of around $2.4 million, ranking 12th among all NCAA athletes in 2025.

As college football’s winter transfer market quickens, Tennessee has now been connected to Sorsby, according to reporting by On3’s Pete Nakos.

The link arrives as the Vols’ quarterback picture for 2026 grows murky, creating a plausible landing spot for a veteran signal-caller. 

Tennessee starter Joey Aguilar closed the 2025 regular slate with 3,444 passing yards, 24 TDs, and 11 INTs, but the depth chart behind him has thinned. 

Backup Jake Merklinger has reportedly told staff he plans to enter the portal, and the only experienced alternatives are true freshmen and early enrollees such as George MacIntyre and incoming five-star signee Faizon Brandon.

That combination leaves Tennessee weighing whether to chase an established transfer or roll with youth.

Several other programs, including Big Ten and Big 12 teams, have also been linked to Sorsby, notably Indiana, Oregon, Penn State, and Texas Tech.

Sorsby’s decision will likely hinge on three factors: NFL feedback on his draft prospects, immediate playing opportunity, and a clear path to a starting role.

Tennessee checks two of those boxes: potential playing time if depth erodes and a high-usage offense, though competition from programs willing to offer larger NIL guarantees remains a factor.

Expect conversations and movement to heat up with the portal opening on January 2, 2025.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio — Receiver Jeremiah Smith, safety Caleb Downs and defensive tackle Kayden McDonald have earned first-team All-American honors from all five major publications this postseason, officially making them unanimous selections.

In doing so, the collection of stars helped Ohio State football set a record.

The Buckeyes now have a college-football best 42 unanimous All-Americans in program history.

Alabama, which entered the season with a record 41 unanimous selections, had none. Notre Dame, which was tied with OSU at 39 coming into the season, had two (Jeremiyah Love, Leonard Moore).

This is the first time Ohio State has ever had three unanimous selections in the same year.

Downs is the first defensive player in program history to earn multiple unanimous All-American honors.

He’s in his second campaign at OSU after transferring from Alabama. Along with his All-American honors, Downs won the Lott IMPACT Trophy and Jim Thorpe Award this year.

Smith is also in his second season with the Buckeyes after arriving as one of the most highly-touted recruits in program history. He’s lived up to the hype, highlighted by his 80 receptions for 1,086 yards and 11 touchdowns this season.

McDonald has been a fixture in the middle of Ohio State’s defensive line, collecting 57 tackles, three sacks and two forced fumbles. He’s anchored a unit allowing only 84.46 rushing yards per game.