NIL

Brent Blum Named Director of NIL Development for Cyclone Sports Properties

Jake Lovell and MaryKate Walling set to join Learfield Impact NIL team at CSP AMES, Iowa – Learfield’s Cyclone Sports Properties, in partnership with Iowa State Athletics and Learfield Impact, Learfield’s industry-leading Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) service combining the power of expert people, award-winning content, and innovative technology, has announced the appointment of Brent […]

Published

1 week ago

June 26, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Jake Lovell and MaryKate Walling set to join Learfield Impact NIL team at CSP

AMES, Iowa – Learfield’s Cyclone Sports Properties, in partnership with Iowa State Athletics and Learfield Impact, Learfield’s industry-leading Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) service combining the power of expert people, award-winning content, and innovative technology, has announced the appointment of Brent Blum as the new Director of NIL Development, Jake Lovell as NIL Partnerships and Operations Coordinator and MaryKate Walling as NIL Content Producer.

“We are excited to launch this innovative initiative with Learfield as we navigate this new world intercollegiate athletics enters starting July 1,” ISU Director of Athletics Jamie Pollard said. “We believe that these positions are a continued evolution of our long-standing partnership and allow us to create additional opportunities through existing and new corporate partners.”

Learfield Impact integrates the addition of these three on-campus NIL leadership positions, innovative technology in the form of Learfield’s Compass NIL dealmaking platform, and the Emmy Award-winning Learfield Studios content team into an unmatched full-service NIL offering. This powerful combination seamlessly generates authentic dealmaking and creates opportunities for influential storytelling content between student-athletes and brand partners.

In this newly created role, Blum will help oversee the university’s evolving NIL strategy, working closely with student-athletes, coaches and donors, as well as the Iowa State Foundation and corporate partners to build innovative and sustainable support. His work will focus on aligning the athletic department’s NIL vision with national best practices while staying true to the culture and values of Iowa State.

Blum currently serves as Executive Director of the We Will Collective, where he has helped raise over $12 million in support of Iowa State student-athletes, backed by contributions from more than 10,000 individual donors and area businesses.

“Cyclone Nation’s involvement is as important as ever as we tackle this transition in college athletics,” Blum said. “This next chapter gives us the opportunity to build a more unified and long-term NIL infrastructure for Iowa State. In the short term, continued support of We Will is vital as we move forward.”

Lovell, who has been a member of the CSP staff for three years, will assist Blum in fulfilling NIL sponsorships and Walling, who received both her undergraduate and master’s degrees from Iowa State while working as a content producer for the Cyclone Football program, will produce NIL-related content for CSP sponsors.

With the House settlement approved by Judge Claudia Wilken earlier this month, the Iowa State Athletics Department will now provide direct financial support to Cyclone student-athletes on top of the world-class education and other benefits that they currently receive. Nearly every Cyclone student-athlete will receive a financial payment from the University for their NIL rights beginning on July 1.

Iowa State Athletics will provide the maximum revenue-sharing amount allowed, currently projected to be $20.5M for the 2025-26 fiscal year, by the House settlement to its student-athletes. The We Will Collective will begin transitioning its members to the We Will Fund that will be housed within the ISU Foundation next month. Contributions to the We Will Fund will allow donors to invest in the support of student-athletes while helping ISU ensure future success of its championship-caliber programs.

“The Iowa State fan base has long-been recognized as one of the nation’s most-loyal, and their continued generous support of the We Will Fund will be critical as we move into college athletics’ new era,” Pollard said. “We are grateful for all of our fans who have contributed to the We Will Collective over the last few years and it is our sincere hope they continue that support as we transition to the We Will Fund to ensure that our programs are positioned for greater success in this new era.”

About Learfield
Learfield is the leading media and technology company powering college athletics. Through its digital and physical platforms, Learfield owns and leverages a deep data set and relationships in the industry to drive revenue, growth, brand awareness, and fan engagement for brands, sports, and entertainment properties. With ties to over 1,200 collegiate institutions and over 12,000 local and national brand partners, Learfield’s presence in college sports and live events delivers influence and maximizes reach to target audiences. With solutions for a 365-day, 24/7 fan experience, Learfield enables schools and brands to connect with fans through licensed merchandise, game ticketing, donor identification for athletic programs, exclusive custom content, innovative marketing initiatives, NIL solutions, and advanced digital platforms. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield Directors’ Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.

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NIL

Big 12 team shockingly steals Ohio State football recruiting target

Heading into the Fourth of July, the Ohio State football team was seen as one of the top two schools for Felix Ojo. The five-star tackle had mentioned those were his top two schools as recently as a week ago. Things changed on July 3rd, when something big happened. That’s when Ojo received a crystal […]

Published

2 hours ago

July 5, 2025

Your Sports Nation

That’s when Ojo received a crystal ball prediction to end up at Texas Tech. The Red Raiders were not even in his final four schools, which is what made things so shocking. Fans of the Ohio State Buckeyes held out hope that they could still land him, though.

It was not to be. Texas Tech came off the top rope to steal Ojo from both the Buckeyes and the Longhorns. Ojo made that decision on Instagram Live just after 2 pm ET on Friday. It’s clear that Tech came in with a massive NIL bag, and that’s all Ojo is concerned with.

Ohio State football team loses Felix Ojo to Texas Tech at the 11th hour

While Ojo has an impressive set of physical skills, he has been trending in the wrong direction for a while. He got absolutely cooked at the Rivals camp last week, including by an Ohio State recruit. It was so bad that he had to issue a statement about his bad play.

Jumping ship on two teams that have been recruiting him for a while to collect a large bag is a bad look for him. Ohio State has steadily maintained that it will not go crazy for any single recruit when it comes to NIL funds, and they stuck to their principles.

If Ojo really is as good as he thinks he is, a massive NIL bag shouldn’t be what he is chasing. These five-star recruits should be going to programs that can develop them for the next level so that they can excel in the NFL. That’s where the real money is.

Tyler Bowen has been gobbling up offensive linemen, so this isn’t a massive hit. While Ojo was the highest-rated recruit he had on his board, he’s got others who can take his place in the class.

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NIL

Texas Tech’s Felix Ojo: 5-Star Tackles $5.1M NIL Deal!

Published

3 hours ago

July 5, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Texas Tech secured a monumental commitment from five-star offensive tackle Felix Ojo, marking the program’s highest-rated commitment ever. Ojo, a 6-foot-6, 275-pound prospect from Lake Ridge, Texas, chose Texas Tech over Texas and other contenders, ranking as the nation’s No. 5 overall prospect for the class of 2026. In a groundbreaking move, he signed a full-guaranteed three-year, $5.1 million NIL deal—among the largest in college football history. Ojo’s signing is seen as a transformative moment for both the player and the college football landscape.

By the Numbers

Ojo is ranked No. 5 overall and No. 1 in offensive tackles for the class of 2026.
His NIL deal totals $5.1 million, representing one of the largest guarantees in college football history.

State of Play

Ojo’s commitment sets a new standard for Texas Tech’s recruiting efforts.
The move could influence other high-profile recruits considering the program.

What’s Next

As Ojo transitions to Texas Tech, expectations will grow for his on-field performance. His immediate impact could lead to a recruiting boost for the program, potentially attracting more top talent. The success of his NIL deal may shape future negotiations for other college athletes.

Bottom Line

Felix Ojo’s commitment and NIL deal signify a potential shift in college football dynamics, highlighting the escalating influence of financial incentives in recruiting. His future performance on the field will be closely watched, as it could redefine expectations for both players and programs in the NIL landscape.

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Texas Tech recruit nets unprecedented 3-year $5.1M deal

Aaron Torres and Arnie Spanier talk to 5-Star Texas Tech recruit’s agent Derrick Shelby, who negotiated the $5.1M deal for his client Felix Ojo. Shelby goes into how this unprecedented deal came to fruition and how the College Football world continues to change with NIL. Derrick Shelby: “We’ve been working on this deal for probably […]

Published

4 hours ago

July 5, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Derrick Shelby:

“We’ve been working on this deal for probably about 30 days, maybe 40 days total. Once he did his visit things ramped up pretty quickly. I thought Texas Tech would be a major contender as long as he liked the school. Of course, everybody was after him from Texas to Ohio State, Florida, Michigan. I think he ended up with probably 70 high major offers. I told him you need to go to Lubbock and see it. Because Lubbock had been calling me, Texas Tech had been calling me like, man we’d love to have a shot at Ojo. A lot of people don’t realize I represent NiJaree Canady the All American Softball pitcher at Texas Tech. So I had a relationship there and they were calling me asking can the kid come out and at least see what we have. And we did just that. A lot of people don’t realize Texas Tech just invested about $250 Million in their football facility. It’s top three in America. Texas Tech was the second scholarship offer for Felix and they stuck with the recruiting.

Arnie Spanier:

“Was it that Texas Tech give you the most money? And did you have to say, hey, this is what it’s going to take to get it done.”

Derrick Shelby:

“The biggest offer ended up being Texas Tech, and we didn’t start at the number we finished with. But going into this thing, my number one plan for Felix was to find the best place we can get to play early. And at his position, that’s hard to get. That left tackle position, I mean that’s the crown jewel right? So he wanted to play early but also be able to maximize his most earning potential at the same time. So I knew it would be hard to get both, but that’s what we shot for”.

Aaron Torres:

“One, as much as you can share, how often are these agreements beyond one year. But then two, I would have to assume there has to be some sort of language, because you know, god forbid the coach gets fired. I mean how does this work? I would have to assume there are opt outs. God forbid something happens.”

Derrick Shelby:

“It’s very far in between to get any type of multi year deal. Except no one wants to do that in football. They want a one year deal because it protects them. And what the football people will say, it also protects the kid. So lets say you’re bringing a kid in and you give them $300,000 and he has a fantastic year. He can ask for more the following year. But in the same token, you get $300,000 and he gets hurt. Then he gets nothing the following year, so there’s risk on both sides in my opinion. And when you sign with a school, you’re not signing with the coach, you’re signing with the school. So if a coach leaves, it doesn’t really matter.”

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NIL

Texas Tech 5-star commit signs blockbuster NIL deal

The fireworks began early for the Texas Tech Red Raiders football program on the Fourth of July. On Friday morning, Lake Ridge (Texas) five-star offensive tackle Felix Ojo chose Texas Tech over fellow finalist Texas and others. Advertisement The 6-foot-6, 275-pound lineman is the highest-rated commitment in program history – by a wide margin. He […]

Published

4 hours ago

July 5, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The fireworks began early for the Texas Tech Red Raiders football program on the Fourth of July.

On Friday morning, Lake Ridge (Texas) five-star offensive tackle Felix Ojo chose Texas Tech over fellow finalist Texas and others.

The 6-foot-6, 275-pound lineman is the highest-rated commitment in program history – by a wide margin.

He is the school’s first-ever top-20 pledge, currently listed as the nation’s No. 5 overall prospect and No. 1 offensive tackle in the class of 2026.

And no one is being shy about the details of how that stunning development happened.

According to ESPN, his agent, Derrick Shelby, has reported Ojo signed a full-guaranteed three-star, $5.1-million deal – one of the largest guaranteed deals in the history of college football.

For his part, Ojo expressed excitement about his new situation.

“Let’s change (college football),” he posted to social media.

Whether Ojo dominates on the field or not in Lubbock, his NIL deal may mean he’s already accomplished that feat before arriving on campus.

Here’s what 247Sports had to say about Ojo as a prospect:

“Tall offensive tackle prospect who’s very young for his recruiting class with a July DOB. Verified at 6-foot-6, 272 pounds post-junior season with adequate length numbers in arm (33 5/8) and wingspan (81 1/2). Owns a lean, athletic look and plays with impressive functional athleticism and movement ability.”

“Live evaluation during 2025 Navy Army All-American Bowl revealed a consistent mean streak in pads. Stood out physically, athletically, and in field demeanor despite being among the youngest competitors in the event. Hand placement/technique have improved from sophomore to junior year, along with ability to stand up to POA strength. Gets good extension and uses length to his advantage. Still developing consistent pop; can be grabby, but looks to finish with authority. Plays upright at times and can show more frequent bend ability. Will continue to bulk given immense frame potential.”

“Bolsters athletic profile with discus reps. Capacities for strength and power are high given excellent physical tools and relative youth. Looks like one of the top OT prospects in the 2026 class with potential to become a multi-year high-major tackle with ample pro potential.”

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NIL

Five-star recruit signs historic $5.1M revenue sharing deal with Big 12 school

Texas Tech have beaten out the likes of Florida, Michigan, Ohio State, and in-state rivals Texas to the blockbuster signing of five-star offensive tackle Felix Ojo to add to their 2026 class Andrew Gamble Sports Trends Writer 23:40 ET, 04 Jul 2025Updated 23:41 ET, 04 Jul 2025 Felix Ojo committed to Texas Tech as part […]

Published

4 hours ago

July 5, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Texas Tech have beaten out the likes of Florida, Michigan, Ohio State, and in-state rivals Texas to the blockbuster signing of five-star offensive tackle Felix Ojo to add to their 2026 class

Andrew Gamble Sports Trends Writer

23:40 ET, 04 Jul 2025Updated 23:41 ET, 04 Jul 2025

Felix Ojo committed to Texas Tech as part of the 2026 class(Image: Instagram @felixtheol)

Five-star offensive tackle prospect Felix Ojo committed to Texas Tech on a fully guaranteed deal worth $5.1 million.

With the 2025 college football season fast approaching, recruiting for the 2026 class is heating up. On Friday, Ojo inked a historic seven-figure revenue deal with Texas Tech in a huge statement signing for the ambitious Red Raiders.

Ojo is a highly rated prospect having dominated in high school. Standing an imperious 6-7, the starlet tackle chose Texas Tech — who also had success in the transfer portal — over Florida, Michigan, Ohio State, and even Steve Sarkisian’s Texas following several official visits this spring.

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Ojo is the program’s highest-ranked addition since ESPN began ranking high school prospects in the 2006 recruiting cycle. The money seemed too good to turn down; Ojo’s deal is believed to be one of the largest fully guaranteed revenue-share agreements in college football history.

Ojo’s agent, Derrick Shelby, of Prestige Management, confirmed the contract. He said: “Football is a brutal sport, and athletes are not able to play professionally until their graduating class has been in college three years.

“It was important to be able to secure Felix Ojo’s future and give him and his family some security as he continues to develop into a first-round NFL draft pick.”

Ojo is the latest big name to sign with Texas Tech, which has been splashing the cash to recruit recently.

The Red Raiders reportedly spent more than $10 million on 17 new players in the winter transfer portal. Texas Tech has made 21 portal additions to assemble the nation’s second-ranked transfer class this offseason, per ESPN.

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Felix Ojo chose Texas Tech after visiting several major programs(Image: Instagram @felixtheol)

Ojo is a big get for Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire and the Red Raiders. He was a multi-year starter at Lake Ridge High School in Mansfield, Texas, and represents one of the top offensive line prospects in the nation.

He will join Texas Tech in 2026 as the program’s first five-star signee since wide receiver Micah Hudson in 2024. Ojo is also the headline commit in Texas Tech’s offensive line class, which also features a pair of spring pledges in three-star offensive guard Jerald Mays and offensive tackle Jacob Crow

NIL deals and revenue sharing have forever changed the face of college sports. Football undoubtedly commands the most significant outlay, but other sports are feeling the impact, too; Jack Nicklaus recently criticized the NCAA’s inability to “control” NIL.

Last month, a judge ruled that college athletes will receive money directly from schools in a momentous change to the collegiate revenue model. Starting on July 1, schools will be able to pay athletes up to $20.5 million a year starting in 2025-26, and this figure is expected to increase by a certain percentage each year.

Effectively, this means college sports will no longer be treated as amateur. Athletes will be compensated more than through the previous NIL program started in 2021; they will be paid directly by universities — and Ojo will be one of many looking to cash in.

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Current Husky Infielder Ethan Cole Enters Transfer Portal

Over the course of three seasons, Cole had a batting average of .295 with 16 home runs and 74 runs batted in. 4 hours ago DULUTH, Minn.- UMD infielder and pitcher Ethan Cole has entered the transfer portal. Over the course of three seasons, he had a batting average of .295 with 16 home runs […]

Published

6 hours ago

July 5, 2025

Your Sports Nation