NIL

Arkansas NIL collective calls on prominent lawyer to enforce Madden Iamaleava …

Published

9 months ago

April 27, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Arkansas NIL collective calls on prominent lawyer to enforce Madden Iamaleava ...

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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas’ name, image and likeness collective has hired an attorney to pursue and enforce a buyout clause in former quarterback Madden Iamaleava’s agreement, CBS Sports has learned.

In an unprecedented move in the NIL era of college sports, the parent company overseeing the Arkansas Edge collective has hired noted sports attorney Tom Mars to enforce buyout provisions in NIL contracts at Arkansas, Blueprint Sports CEO Rob Sine confirmed Saturday to CBS Sports. The collective is following the orders of Arkansas athletics director Hunter Yurachek, who directed the collective to pursue buyout money in contracts broken by players in an insistent statement released Tuesday, just two hours after Iamaleava entered the transfer portal.

The two former Arkansas players targeted in the initial legal efforts are Iamaleava and former receiver Dazmin James, sources told CBS Sports. A meeting between Iamaleava’s representatives and Blueprint Sports’ legal team is expected early this week.

Darren Heitner, the attorney representing James, told CBS Sports on Sunday, however, that the buyout clause is unenforceable.

“My position is that the buyout clause in the agreement is unenforceable, as written and applied, under Arkansas state law,” Heitner said. “For liquidated damages to be valid, they must reasonably estimate potential damages and apply when actual damages are hard to determine. Here, since Dazmin James received no payment and the agreement was terminated just a few days after execution, BPSE suffered no harm. Thus, the clause appears to be a penalty rather than a fair estimation of damages, making it unenforceable.”

Iamaleava signed a one-year contract with Arkansas worth roughly $500,000 in January, according to people familiar with the deal. The contract included a provision requiring Iamaleava to pay the collective 50% of the money remaining on the agreement should he leave the school. He was due $400,000 in remaining payments, which amounts to a buyout of $200,000, a source told CBS Sports.

James didn’t record a catch at Arkansas until a breakout performance in the Liberty Bowl, where he caught three passes for 137 yards and a touchdown — a 94-yard reception and school record — in the Hogs’ 39-26 victory against Texas Tech. James entered the portal four days later and transferred to Cal in January.

Mars, who is based in Arkansas, has been at the center of several notable NCAA legal affairs over the last decade. He recently represented Tennessee‘s NIL collective in its fight against the NCAA, when it investigated potential NIL violations tied to Nico Iamaleava in early 2024.

It’s not uncommon for players to enroll in schools in January only to enter the transfer portal before ever playing in a game. However, for the first time, schools have taken an interest in enforcing new buyout clauses in NIL contracts. Now, legal battles between collectives and former players may become part of the ever-changing world of college athletics as it continues to shift toward a professional model.

Hundreds of players — and their former schools — have ignored buyout language in NIL contracts as all parties await revenue sharing tied to the House v. NCAA settlement — to take effect on July 1. The question of whether these NIL contracts are legal has sparked debate in legal circles, contributing to schools’ hesitancy to sue players.

On the heels of the saga involving Nico and Madden Iamaleava, multiple schools have become more inclined and are re-evaluating legal action against former players who do not honor their contracts, sources told CBS Sports.

The saga of the Brothers Iamaleava has muddied the canvas. Earlier this month, Nico became the first high-profile player to hold out of team activities amid a contract dispute. Hours later, Tennessee moved on from its starting quarterback who led the Vols to the College Football Playoff.

Arkansas puts departed QB Madden Iamaleava in its crosshairs by encouraging NIL collective to recoup buyout

Brandon Marcello

Arkansas puts departed QB Madden Iamaleava in its crosshairs by encouraging NIL collective to recoup buyout

One day after Nico signed with UCLA on Easter Sunday, Madden informed the Arkansas coaches that he was homesick and wanted to enter the transfer portal, a person familiar with the decision told CBS Sports. The Iamaleava family, including Nico, visited Madden in Fayetteville to watch the Razorbacks’ spring game, which was canceled due to severe weather, 48 hours before Madden alerted coaches he was leaving the program.

“The portal, and I know Nico was high-profile, but I don’t want to blame the players, I don’t, for leaving,” Arkansas coach Sam Pittman told reporters Thursday. “I mean, you could say, ‘Well, he was here three months and blah, blah, blah,’ but the opportunity to leave is there twice a year. The (opportunity) to leave for more money is there twice a year. I’m not positive what we all would do in that situation.”

Madden’s recruiting story might not be as dramatic as his older brother’s NIL negotiations and subsequent departure from Tennessee, but it did spark national interest as he left Arkansas — intending to follow his sibling to UCLA — before ever playing for the Razorbacks.

Madden initially committed to UCLA in May 2024 but flipped to Arkansas in a surprise announcement on National Signing Day in December. NIL contracts at Arkansas commonly include language requiring players to reimburse 50% of the remaining money on their deal if they leave for another school, according to documents reviewed by CBS Sports. Madden Iamaleava had roughly eight months remaining on his contract.

Arkansas snagged the industry’s attention Tuesday when Yurachek became the first athletics director to direct an NIL collective to enforce buyout clauses in players’ contracts.

“I have spoken with the leadership team at Arkansas Edge and expressed my support in their pursuit to enforce their rights under any agreement violated by our student-athletes moving forward,” Yurachek said in the statement. “We appreciate Edge’s investment in our student-athletes and acknowledge the enforcement of these agreements is vital in our new world of college athletics.

“We look forward to continued dialogue with all parties resolving these matters.”

One NIL contract dispute will not bankrupt a multi-million-dollar NIL collective, but multiple players departing without paying buyouts could erode the school’s negotiating power with future players. Arkansas leads the SEC with 34 players transferring out of the program since December.

Meanwhile, tampering continues to be a problem across college football. Players not in the portal are contacted daily to gauge their interest.

The state of Arkansas’ NIL laws have been relatively aggressive in recent years as the state tries to help its flagship university evolve with the landscape. In a 2023 amendment, the Arkansas Publicity Rights Act gave the University of Arkansas the power to attack tampering and sue agents, coaches and other third parties who “give or promise compensation” for the use of a player’s NIL if that player has already signed an enrollment contract at a university in Arkansas.

On Friday, the state signed into law a bill exempting players’ NIL contracts from state taxes.

NIL

No. 1 transfer portal defender set to visit fourth college football program

Published

36 minutes ago

January 11, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Nearly 5,000 Division I college football players have officially entered the NCAA transfer portal since it opened for business on January 2. The numbers are vast, but the cream of the crop always rises to the top.

There are a few positions that aren’t as deep on the open market this year, including offensive tackle and linebacker. The top players at those spots are becoming increasingly coveted by teams looking to flip their rosters ahead of the 2026 season.

MORE: 3,500-yard college football transfer QB announces commitment after All-American season

In a recruitment that has provided plenty of twists and turns, one of the most desired defenders in the portal continues to explore his options.

According to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz, Pittsburgh junior linebacker transfer Rasheem Biles is expected to visit Miami on Sunday, the final day before a dead period. Biles previously took trips to Texas, Michigan, and Colorado. He also cancelled a visit to Florida State.

The Hurricanes are gearing up for a national championship appearance against the Indiana Hoosiers next week, but are pulling double duty in the portal. Miami is a known spender in the NIL era, while the Longhorns and Wolverines have plenty of funds as well.

A big payday appears to be exactly what Biles is searching for, going into his final season of eligibility. There’s a good chance he’ll be able to cash in, considering his production at Pittsburgh over the last three years. Biles is ranked No. 1 among linebackers in the transfer portal, per On3.

MORE: Big 10 starter eyeing three major programs in college football transfer portal

In just ten games this past season, Biles totaled a career-high 101 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 4 pass deflections, 2 interceptions, and three defensive touchdowns. He tied for the most pick-sixes in the country, earning a second-team All-ACC selection. Biles ranked in the top five in the conference in total tackles and tackles for loss.

Biles broke onto the scene in 2024, recording 82 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, 9 pass deflections, and 1 interception that he returned for a touchdown.

The Ohio native tied the Pittsburgh record for blocked kicks in a single season during his true freshman campaign. He blocked three punts, getting his hands on a kick against West Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida State.

Biles stands at 6-foot-1, 215-pounds. He will have one season of eligibility remaining.

Mark Cuban reveals message to Indiana after donating to football program

Published

2 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Your Sports Nation

As Curt Cignetti and Indiana put together a storybook run to the national championship game, Mark Cuban watched closely. He has made multiple donations to his alma mater’s football program, including one ahead of this year’s transfer portal cycle.

Cuban graduated from Indiana in 1981 before becoming an entrepreneur and owner of the Dallas Mavericks. Over the last two years, since Cignetti arrived in Bloomington, he has contributed to the school amid the Hoosiers’ historic turnaround.

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But when Cuban cuts checks for IU, he told SiriusXM College Sports Radio he doesn’t ask for much in return. Simply, he just wants one thing: to win.

“I just say the same thing all the time. … I just say, ‘Win, motherf—ers,’” Cuban said ahead of Friday’s Peach Bowl. “That’s it.”

Indiana has certainly done that this year. The Hoosiers improved to 15-0 with the Peach Bowl win over Oregon, which they dominated from the start. IU forced three turnovers from Dante Moore, including a pick-six on the first play of the game, en route to the 56-22 victory at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. That sent Indiana to the national title game, where Miami will await Jan. 19.

Mark Cuban: ‘I’m the luckiest dude in the world’

Prior to Curt Cignetti’s arrival, Indiana was the losingest program in college football history and had never won 10 or more games in a season. But over the last two years, the Hoosiers are 26-2 with two College Football Playoff appearances – and they still have one more game to go.

For Mark Cuban and other alumni, it’s an opportunity to show out and support. The IU faithful seemingly took over Mercedes-Benz Stadium for Friday’s game, proving the power of having the largest alumni base in the country.

“Look, I’m the luckiest dude in the world,” Cuban said. “To be able to be in this situation – and I know they’ll be good to me and all that kind of stuff. I get the nice suite. I have to pay for it, but at least I get first crack at it. The reward is, when we win, every Hoosier fan everywhere – my buddies, my boys. I played rugby at IU, so all my teammates, a bunch of them are here. They flew in from all over.

“All my buddies that I grew up with, went to IU with, lived with in Dallas. They’re all here. They all flew down. Come on, now. You don’t live forever. These are the moments.”

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NIL

Former 5-star prospect linked to four major college football programs

Published

2 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Your Sports Nation

The NCAA transfer portal is now in its final week for college football players to enter their names in search of a new school for the 2026 season. The portal officially opened on Jan. 2 and will close on Jan. 16.

More than 4,000 players from all different areas of the college football world have decided to transfer to new programs next season in the weeks after the 2025 season’s end. Much of the shuffling on the Power Four level involves the search for better NIL compensation or quicker paths to playing time.

One significant Power Four name on the move is former Missouri defensive end Damon Wilson II. He will have two seasons of eligibility remaining at his third school.

Damon Wilson tackles John Mateer in Missouri's game against Oklahoma. — Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) is tackled by Missouri Tigers defensive end Damon Wilson II (8) | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

The 6-foot-4, 250-pounder began his college football journey with Kirby Smart at Georgia in 2023. Wilson used his redshirt that season, making two tackles to go with half a sack in the Bulldogs’ games against Florida and Ole Miss.

The Bulldogs featured Wilson in 12 of their 14 games in the 2024 season. He made 22 total tackles along with three sacks and a pair of forced fumbles, assisting Georgia in a run that featured an SEC Championship victory and College Football Playoff appearance.

Wilson transferred to Missouri in the 2025 offseason. In 12 games with the Tigers, he made 23 tackles and compiled a team-high nine sacks, a fumble recovery, two pass breakups and an interception.

247Sports and On3 consider Wilson a top 10 prospect and the consensus No. 2 defensive end in the 2026 portal cycle. Pete Nakos of On3 reported four different linkages between Wilson and Power Four schools on Saturday.

LSU

Lane Kiffin has established a reputation as one of the biggest users of the transfer portal in college football. So far, LSU has 18 commitments in Kiffin’s first portal class.

LSU has already made two acquisitions at defensive end from the SEC ranks in the portal cycle. Wilson would be the most proven addition to that position group should he commit to the Tigers out of the portal.

Miami

Mario Cristobal during the Fiesta Bowl. — Miami (FL) Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal during the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl and CFP semifinal game at State Farm Stadium on Jan. 8, 2026, in Glendale. | Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

One of the most important tasks for the Hurricanes this offseason will be replacing a pair of dominant defensive ends, Reuben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor. The run to the 2025 College Football Playoff national championship has reduced much of Miami’s portal activity to visits in the first week of the portal’s window.

If proximity to the hometown is important, Miami is the closest of the four schools to Wilson’s hometown of Venice, Florida. Though Venice and Miami are on different coasts of Florida, the drive takes a little more than 3 hours.

Ohio State

The Buckeyes are another College Football Playoff team seeking defensive end talent for its 2026 roster. With Caden Curry running out of eligibility and Beau Atkinson likely to head to the NFL draft, Ohio State is working the portal to find new options.

CJ Hicks is heading for USF, and Kenyatta Jackson Jr. will likely remain at Ohio State another season. The Buckeyes have yet to add a defensive end from the portal, despite adding players at other positions.

Texas Tech

Joey McGuire during the Orange Bowl. — Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire on the sidelines against Oregon during the first half of the 2025 Orange Bowl | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The Red Raiders began scouring the NCAA transfer portal for talent the moment it opened. Some notable acquisitions include quarterback Brendan Sorsby (Cincinnati), defensive lineman Mateen Ibirogba (Wake Forest) and linebacker Austin Romaine (Kansas State).

If NIL compensation is a driving factor in Wilson’s decision, Texas Tech is a strong fit. However, the Red Raiders have already acquired defensive ends Adam Trick (Miami, OH), Amarie Fleming (Allen) and Trey White (San Diego State), so playing time could be more sparse for Wilson there.

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NIL

No. 3 transfer portal player delivers bad news to major college football programs

Published

3 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Two of the biggest programs are college football got some transfer portal bad news as one of the top players in the portal reportedly made his commitment on Saturday. Neither Ohio State nor LSU will lack for talented football players in 2026, but one player each school had reportedly coveted is moving on.

Penn State transfer Chaz Coleman has reportedly made his commitment to Tennessee on Saturday morning. Coleman, who had been ranked as the No. 3 player in the portal by On3sports and the No. 5 player by 247sports, had long been linked to Ohio State as a recruiting favorite. On the other hand, LSU had received a recent visit from Coleman. But neither school was able to land him away from the Volunteers.

Coleman was a four-star recruit out of Ohio in the class of 2025. He took official visits to Kentucky, Penn State, and then Ohio State in the final days before the early signing period, but chose to sign with Penn State. The 6’4″ EDGE has bulked up to near 250 pounds, but saw little action in his season at Penn State, making eight tackles in nine games. He’ll have three years of remaining eligibility.

Favorites Come up Empty on Coleman

Ohio State had long been considered the favorite to sign Coleman. Pete Nakos of On3 tied Coleman to Ohio State early in the portal process. Coleman visited Ohio State last week and the vast majority of On3 prediction were for the Buckeyes.

LSU, on the other hand, was thought to be more of a last-minute option for Coleman. He visited Lane Kiffin and the Tigers first, before heading to Tennessee and OSU, and many thought LSU had positioned itself as a switch-over option from the Buckeyes.

Tennessee, on the other hand, has several former Penn State defensive coaching now on staff, with former coordinator Jim Knowles and co-coordinator Anthony Poindexter joining the Vol staff. Tennessee is clearly making good use of this connection, as Coleman is the third Penn State transfer that the Vols have snagged, with linebacker Amare Campbell and lineman Xavier Gilliam also on board.

The remaining EDGE market

The EDGE market is narrowing with the early commitment of John Henry Daley to Michigan and Coleman heading to Tennessee. LSU and Ohio State might move on to Missouri transfer Damon Wilson II. Oklahoma State’s Wendell Gregory could be another option there, although many are linking Gregory to Missouri at this time. The market on top EDGE talent is thinning out and two surprising teams came up empty on Chaz Coleman.

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NIL

UCF, Houston Post ‘No State Income Tax’ NIL Photo Promos amid CFB Transfer Portal

Published

4 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Your Sports Nation

The transfer portal is really bringing out some of the wildest recruiting tools from college football programs.

For example, on Saturday, both UCF and Houston posted photos on social media aimed at players in the transfer portal to advertise there is “no state income tax” in either Florida or Texas.

It’s certainly a big, bold strategy for both programs to take with the portal deadline approaching on Jan. 16. They could use any advantage at their disposal right now as they try to keep pace with the rest of the Big 12.

BYU is the only program in the conference behind Houston and UCF in 247Sports’ transfer portal rankings.

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NIL

What is Fernando Mendoza ‘s NIL Deals in 2026 – Salary with the Indiana Hoosiers and Career Earnings

Published

5 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Your Sports Nation

With just minutes to go before the Peach Bowl showdown between the No. 1 undefeated and undisputed Indiana Hoosiers and the Oregon Ducks, all eyes are on Heisman QB Fernando Mendoza to see if he can pull off one last miracle. While he’s locked in for the biggest test of his career, some folks are wondering just how much the QB1 is actually bringing home for taking the Indiana Hoosiers to their best ever season before he heads to the NFL.

Fernando Mendoza’s Contract Breakdown

Fernando Mendoza is right in the middle of the new age of college football where players actually get paid by their schools. He doesn’t have an old-school professional contract yet, but he does have a binding agreement with Indiana University through a new revenue-sharing plan. This is separate from the money he makes from his various endorsement deals with big names like Adidas and Dr Pepper. It’s how the top guys get their cash flow now – a mix of school money and brand deals.

Actually looking back on the last five years, Fernando has been busy just being a world-class student and certified player. He played for the UC Berkeley Golden Bears from 2022 through 2024, becoming a full-time starter in 2023 and graduating from the Haas School of Business last summer with a degree in business administration. Explains why his post-game pressers are gems.

December 06, 2025: Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza 15 holds up MVP trophy after NCAA, College League, USA football game action between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Ohio State Buckeyes at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. /CSM Indianapolis United States of America – ZUMAc04_ 20251206_zma_c04_714 Copyright: xJohnxMersitsx

However, the big leap of faith came with his transfer to Indiana for the 2025 season. It came with around $2 million worth of greens.

The real money jump is still in the future. Fernando is expected to enter the 2026 NFL Draft after this season wraps up. Right now, all the experts think he’ll be the number one pick overall. If that happens, he will finally sign a true professional contract with an NFL team that could be worth well over $55 million. That’s when his current college earnings will look like small pennies compared to his pro salary!

What is Fernando Mendoza’s salary?

Because of NCAA rules, Fernando doesn’t get a “salary” from his school, so his bank account grows through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals instead. Think of it as a collection of high-paying side hustles rather than one steady paycheck from the university. Since NIL only became a thing in 2021, he went from earning nothing early in his career to a millionaire this season.

Right now, analysts estimate Fernando Mendoza’s total net worth to be somewhere between $800k and $1.5 million. It’s a bit of a moving target because of things like taxes and how some of that money might be structured in trusts. His NIL earnings jumped from $1.6 million to the current $2.6 million after taking his Hoosiers to 14-0, including first outright Big 10 title since 1955.

Fernando Mendoza’s NIL Deal Net Worth/ Sponsors

Fernando has some pretty big-name sponsors backing him. He’s signed deals with major brands like Dr Pepper, T-Mobile, and even Epic Games (you know, the Fortnite folks). Can’t forget his biggest one. Adidas contract. Last month, Mendoza took it to his Linkedin to flex his Three stripes deal,“Excited to share that I’ve accepted an opportunity to join adidas!

I’m very grateful for everyone who has supported me along the way and excited to bring my passion for sport, leadership, and work ethic to the Three Stripes. Let’s get to work.”

He also has partnerships with Keurig, Rent-A-Center, and Royal Canin. The exact length of these individual contracts isn’t made public, but they’re all part of what makes up his impressive total earning potential. But here’s a rough estimation:

(Mind, this is just a rough estimation to give you an idea.)

Fernando Mendoza’s NIL welfare

What’s really cool is that Fernando is using his fame for good. He’s pledged to donate all of his NIL earnings to the Mendoza Hope Fund, which supports after-school programs and scholarships. Plus, he launched a “Mendoza Mania” merchandise line, and all the money from that goes to the National MS Society, a cause close to his heart because his mother has MS (Multiple Sclerosis).

The truth is, he turned his college years into a multimillion-dollar platform. All that while staying humble enough to give back to charity. Whether he beats Oregon today or not, he has already won the financial game and the hearts of the state of Indiana by putting a basketball-first program on the CFP semifinals map. It’s only a matter of time before his NFL career takes off.

The post What is Fernando Mendoza ‘s NIL Deals in 2026 – Salary with the Indiana Hoosiers and Career Earnings appeared first on EssentiallySports.

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