Between July 2024 and June 2025, Missouri spent $31.7 million on NIL, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s Eli Hoff reported. That figure includes a hefty sum last month, per financial documents and invoices from the Mizzou-focused NIL collective, Every True Tiger.

In 2024, Missouri spent nearly two-thirds of those dollars on football and 25% on men’s basketball, according to the Post-Dispatch, while the rest was split among the rest of the athletics programs. All told, the Tigers spent $12.4 million in 2024, and that number increased to $25 million so far this year.

Of that $25 million, nearly $10.3 million came this month, just before the House v. NCAA settlement takes effect. The idea of “front-loading” NIL deals became a topic of conversation as the agreement awaited final approval, ushering in the revenue-sharing era and creating a clearinghouse to vet deals.

Under the House settlement, schools will be able to share up to $20.5 million directly with athletes. Additionally, the NIL Go clearinghouse is in place, vetting deals worth more than $600. Run by Deloitte, it is meant to help determine fair market value, per settlement terms.

Deals struck prior to June 6 – the date Judge Claudia Wilken approved the settlement – and paid out before July 1 will be vetted by the clearinghouse. According to Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger, more than 130 deals were submitted as of Wednesday night.

Every True Tiger was named one of On3’s Top 15 NIL collectives in the country last year, and the state’s law plays a big part in the relationship with the school. Missouri’s law allows an NIL collective to receive institutional funds for distribution to athletes, meaning every True Tiger shifted from operating as a donor-driven collective to a marketing agency. According to the Post-Dispatch, funds listed on the invoices are dubbed “talent fees.”

“Because of the leniency with the state law, the school and NIL collective have been aggressive,” a fellow SEC NIL collective leader told On3’s Pete Nakos of Mizzou and Every True Tiger.

Missouri football received the bulk of the NIL funds last year, securing slightly less than $8 million in 2024, according to the Post-Dispatch. The Tigers put together an impressive season, finishing 10-3 overall and winning the Music City Bowl against Iowa. It marked the second straight 10-win season for Eli Drinkwitz and Mizzou after going 11-2 in 2023, capped by a Cotton Bowl victory over Ohio State.

The rising junior collected 19 wins in the circle and holds a 3.38 career ERA with 193 strikeouts while also slashing .398/.921/.540 with 38 home runs and 90 RBI for her career. Last season, Spearman hit 20 home runs and walked 55 times, which was fourth best in the country.

The season before, Spearman was named the CUSA Freshman and Player of the Year and is a two-time All-CUSA First Teamer. The El Paso native was the 21^st ranked player in the transfer portal according to Softball America. Her .430 batting average this past season set a program record and her .606 on-base percentage and .977 slugging percentage were both ranked fifth in the country.

She led the team in starts (21), ERA (3.54) and opponent batting average (.221) to go along with her team-leading offensive performance.

Tech’s offseason has been busy, signing the No. 3, No. 7 and No. 29 players in the portal before the addition of Spearman.

 

Carter Bahns of CBS Sports named Miami cornerback Xavier Lucas as one of his “College Football Playoff X-factors: Players poised to make or break contenders’ 2025 postseason chances.” Lucas transferred to Miami in the winter portal window and could become the top CB for the Hurricanes in 2025.

Mario Cristobal made the secondary a point of emphasis during the transfer portal. In addition to Lucas, Miami added Charles Brantley and Ethan O’Connor during the winter transfer portal and Kalonte Scott this spring at CB. Zechariah Poyser transferred to Miami in the winter portal and Jakobe Thomas in the spring at safety.

Cornerback O.J. Frederique is the only returning defensive back for Miami projected to start in the secondary in 2025. Frederique and Lucas are projected to start for Miami at CB, Brantley as the nickel and Poyser and Thomas at safety for Miami in 2025.

In addition to the two pass breakups and one interception in 2024 with Wisconsin, Lucas had 18 tackles, two tackles for loss and one sack. playing 203 defensive snaps. Per David Lake of Inside the U, Pro Football Focus gave Lucas “an 80.5 coverage grade, a 76.8 tackling grade, and a 71.0 run defense grade for his efforts in 2024.”

“Xavier Lucas, CB

Xavier Lucas was the top-ranked corner in the portal and serves as the face of this new-look (secondary) unit, which looks deeper and more talented than the one that struggled last fall. Much of the excitement around Lucas is still rooted in projection considering he has just one year of experience under his belt and posted one interception and two pass breakups at Wisconsin, so a lot hinges on him taking the expected sophomore leap.”

Carter Bahns, CBS Sports

Lake also stated, “According to PFF, Lucas missed just one tackle in 2024. Lucas was targeted 19 times in coverage and allowed nine receptions for 127 yards and one touchdown.” At 6’2 and 198 pounds, Lucas provides Miami with excellent length at CB in 2025.

Miami was wildly inconsistent defending the pass in 2024. The Hurricanes allowed a combined 313 passing yards versus Florida State, Georgia tech and Wake Forest. Four opponents threw for over 300 yards versus Miami in 2024. Led by Lucas, Miami should have a significantly better secondary in 2025.

The Miami secondary will be tested throughout the 2025 season. Florida with D.J. Lagway and SMU with Kevin Jennings return two of the best QBs nationally in 2024. Louisville added Miller Moss from USC, who should elevate his performance under Jeff Brohm. Miami needs consistency from its secondary in 2025.

In an era of player movement, NIL dollars have flown once the transfer portal opens. That led to accusations of tampering, and John Calipari spoke candidly about the landscape.

Calipari specifically pointed out players’ ability to transfer each year. While he said he understands one or two transfers, he sees players leaving schools more than that – which has an impact both on the court and in the classroom.

If players were only able to transfer one or two times, Calipari argued, the NIL market could settle down as a result. While he noted legal concerns with implementing such rules, the Arkansas coach thinks those cases would be winnable.

“They should be able to go once, maybe twice, without penalty because the coach lied,” Calipari said Thursday on The Pat McAfee Show. “Told them you’re shooting every ball, I’m gonna play you this way, and he didn’t tell them the truth. Then, they should be able to leave. But four times, that means the first sign of trouble, I’m out. … If you’re a parent, wouldn’t you tell your son, you’re fighting this out? No, you’re staying, you’re going to do it.

“Now, I understand once or twice without penalty. But after that, don’t tell me, ‘Well, we’d get sued.’ A kid transferring four times – one, it’s not good for him. Two, he has no chance academically to do anything. And I think we’re still academic institutions. Take it to court. You can win that.”

Calipari also pointed out recent comments made by Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia. He told Bussin’ with the Boys he could’ve had an NIL offer of more than $4 million if he opted to enter the portal for his final year of eligibility, which came after a judge’s order paved the way.

Because Pavia never entered the portal, John Calipari noted the tampering that took place. That, he said, is more of an issue than the influx of NIL money.

“But if we get that in order, I think the NIL stuff would be fine because right now, you’ve got the quarterback from Vanderbilt … that’s tampering,” Calipari said. “Put your name in the portal, $4.5 million. We have to get away from that more than the NIL.”

The NIL landscape is preparing for a big shift, though. Earlier this month, the landmark House v. NCAA settlement received final approval, meaning the NIL Go clearinghouse is going into effect. Deals worth more than $600 will be vetted by the service, managed by Deloitte, and the goal is to help determine fair market value.

Inside Rice University’s Revolutionary NIL Strategy originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

From the Podium to the Boardroom: Rice’s Olympic-Level NIL Playbook

When Rice University tapped an Olympic medalist and powerhouse attorney to lead its Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) efforts, it didn’t just make a hire, it made a statement.

Advertisement

As the House v. NCAA settlement redefines college athletics, Rice is stepping confidently into uncharted territory. The American Athletic Conference school, though outside the Power 4, has opted into the NCAA’s new revenue-sharing model. This means Rice will invest a minimum of $10 million over three years into its athletes, ushering in a new era of compensation, competition, and credibility.

At the heart of it all? Tasha Moser.

Moser, Rice’s new Associate Athletic Director of NIL and General Manager, isn’t your typical administrator. She’s a former U.S. Olympic gymnast and NCAA champion. She’s also a seasoned attorney who has built a legal practice around NIL strategy and athlete advocacy. Moser helped launch “WeAreNIL” at Munck, Wilson Mandala LLP, offering education and guidance to student-athletes, collectives, and brands. And now, she’s bringing that same expertise, and empathy to Rice.

“It was essential that we find a leader with both experience and passion to guide our NIL efforts,” said Rice Athletic Director Tommy McClelland. “Tasha’s journey, from excelling as a world-class gymnast to becoming a highly successful attorney, perfectly positions her for this moment.”

Advertisement

Innovation Meets Integrity

Rice isn’t throwing money at the problem. It’s crafting an NIL system built on education, transparency, and long-term support. Moser’s role isn’t just to sign deals. She’ll help manage revenue-sharing logistics, guide athletes through contract language, assist coaches with roster strategy, and serve as the bridge between student-athletes and third-party partners.

Her background offers another layer of credibility. As a survivor advocate who testified before Congress on athlete safety and a current board member for USA Gymnastics, Moser brings moral clarity to a space often criticized for blurred lines and missed opportunities.

“Rice has long been a national leader in academic excellence, and now it is leading the way in NIL innovation,” Moser said.

Economic Impact with Athletic Intent

Rice might not be in a Power 4 conference, but its economic and cultural influence is nothing short of elite. According to a recent Collegiate Consulting report, Rice Athletics generated a total impact of over $115 million in game day and event activity over the past three years. Now, with an NIL plan in place, it’s aiming to convert that impact into athlete value.

Advertisement

What’s happening in Houston is a blueprint for other non-Power 4 schools. While the spotlight often stays on blueblood programs, Rice is showing that smart, student-centered NIL execution can level the playing field.

What’s Next?

With the NCAA settlement set to take effect July 1, schools must adapt or fall behind. At Rice, NIL isn’t just a compliance checkbox, it’s a competitive advantage.

For fans, donors, and student-athletes watching from the sidelines, the message is clear: Rice is ready to win, on and off the field.

Related: NIL Struggles Far From Over After NCAA’s House Settlement

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 19, 2025, where it first appeared.

The Big Ten boasts a boatload of talent at quarterback entering the 2025 campaign. However, ESPN’s Greg McElroy isn’t convinced the conference will have the best QBs in the country next season. Last week, McElroy explained his hesitation to name the Big Ten the conference of the QB in the upcoming season.

“I like the potential at a few places for sure,” McElroy said. “We’re kind of hinging our expectations on the potential of a handful of guys like Dante Moore at Oregon. Obviously, really highly-regarded, highly-touted player, but you don’t know for sure until they run out there and take the first snap.

“You don’t really know what you have until the guy goes out there and passes that test. The same can be said with Julian Sayin, assuming he gets the job at Ohio State. I think he’s probably the guy to beat, really highly-touted guy, clearly incredible skill set, great potential, but we don’t know just yet.”

Moore and Sayin are far from the only pieces in the Big Ten that McElroy isn’t all in on yet. While Michigan‘s Bryce Underwood was the No. 1 player in the 2025 recruiting cycle, there’s no way to know for sure how he will perform against collegiate competition until the season begins.

McElroy really likes pre-existing standouts like Penn State‘s Drew Allar and Illinois‘ Luke Altmyer, but he also needs to see them to continue to progress next season. McElroy is more than willing to admit the Big Ten could ultimately have the best quarterbacks, but he wouldn’t bet on it going into the season.

“I can’t, at this point, tell you that without a shadow of a doubt it’s the best group collectively,” McElroy said. “Are we going based on what they’ve done at the college level so far? Are we going based on upside? Because I gave you the three big names that could really alter the perception of the quarterback position in the Big Ten.

“That’s Dante Moore, Julian Sayin and Bryce Underwood. Those three guys all knock it out of the park, completely different conversation. But at this point, there’s a few more known commodities in other places.”

McElroy believes the Big 12 might have the best claim for quarterback talent ahead of the 2025 campaign. With Arizona State‘s Sam Leavitt, Baylor‘s Sawyer Robertson, TCU‘s Josh Hoover and other returning starters taking the stage, the Big 12 will have a loaded slate of talent behind center next season.

McElroy also mentioned the ACC and the SEC as potentially having better QB rosters than the Big Ten. Fans won’t have to wait long to see which quarterbacks step up this fall. College football kickoff is officially just over a month away, and McElroy can’t wait to see how the season pans out.