This sounds easy but comes with the assumption that universities – which, for decades, have sought to eke out every edge they can, rulebook or no – will provide accurate data.

“Over history, boosters have looked for ways to give their schools an advantage,” said Gabe Feldman, a sports law professor at Tulane. “I think that will continue even with the settlement. It’s anyone’s guess as to how that manifests, and what the new competitive landscape looks like.”

Adding some level of transparency to the process, along with the CSC’s ability to deliver sanctions if it identifies cheaters, will be key to the new venture’s success.

“There’s legal risk that prohibits you from doing that,” Alberts said. “But we want to start as transparent as we can be, because we think it engenders trust.”

Good intentions aside, Alberts concedes, “I don’t think it’s illogical to think that, at first, it’s probably going to be a little wonky.”

How much should an endorsement deal be worth?

Some of the wonkiest bookkeeping figures to come from the second category of number crunching, and that involves third-party NIL deals. The CSC hired Deloitte to run a so-called clearinghouse called “NIL Go,” which will be in charge of evaluating third-party deals worth $600 or more.

Because these deals aren’t allowed to pay players simply for playing – that’s still technically forbidden in college sports — but instead for some service they provide (an endorsement, a social media shoutout and so forth), every deal needs to be evaluated to show it is worth a fair price for what the player is doing.

In a sobering revelation, Deloitte shared with sports leaders earlier this month that around 70% of third-party deals given to players since NIL became allowable in 2021 would have been denied by the new clearinghouse.

All these valuations, of course, are subject to interpretation. It’s much easier to set the price of a stock, or a bicycle, than the value of an athlete’s endorsement deal. This is where things figure to get dicey. Though the committee has an appeals process, then an arbitration process, ultimately, some of these cases are destined to be challenged in court.

High school basketball standout Kiyan Anthony joins the show and goes deep with Deja Kelly talking about stepping out of father Carmelo Anthony’s shadow and creating a legacy of his own.

In this exclusive Nilosophy interview, the Syracuse commit opens up about his transition from high school to college basketball and balancing life as an athlete, entrepreneur, and influencer.

He also discusses the business advice he’s learned from Carmelo and La La Anthony, building generational wealth and navigating NIL (name, image, and likeness) deals, and staying mentally sharp while handling fame, family, and pressure.

In the ever-evolving landscape of college football, where the dynamics of player transfers and financial incentives intertwine, Syracuse head coach Fran Brown’s stance on Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals has ignited a fervent discussion. His unequivocal declaration, “I’m not giving no wide receiver $2 million in college,” reverberates as a bold statement of principle amidst the tumultuous saga of Trebor Pena’s unexpected transfer. This incident, set against the backdrop of Pena’s impressive 2024 season with 941 yards and 9 touchdowns from 84 receptions, raises pivotal questions about the future of athlete compensation and the integrity of college sports.

The NIL Conundrum

The introduction of NIL deals in college sports was heralded as a groundbreaking shift, promising athletes a share of the financial pie that their talents help bake. Yet, as with any seismic change, it has not come without its controversies and challenges. Fran Brown’s stark refusal to engage in what he perceives as exorbitant financial deals for players underlines a growing concern among traditionalists about the potential for these agreements to skew the competitive balance and spirit of collegiate athletics.

Trebor Pena’s Transfer Shock

The case of Trebor Pena is particularly illustrative of the complexities surrounding NIL deals. Following a standout season, his decision to transfer has been shrouded in speculation and debate. It underscores the delicate balance between athlete aspirations, financial incentives, and team loyalty. Pena’s journey, marked by significant on-field achievements, has become a flashpoint in the broader discourse on the role of money in college sports and the expectations placed on young athletes navigating this landscape.

A Principled Stand or a Losing Battle?

Fran Brown’s comments have sparked a wide array of reactions, ranging from support for his principled stance to criticism that he may be out of step with the realities of modern college football. This dichotomy reflects a larger conversation about how the sport should evolve in the face of increasing commercialization and what values it seeks to uphold. Brown’s resistance to engaging in high-dollar NIL deals is not just about one player or one team; it’s about setting a precedent for how the game is played off the field as much as on it.

The Broader Implications

The saga of Trebor Pena’s transfer and Fran Brown’s subsequent comments is more than just a sports story; it’s a reflection of the changing tides in college athletics. As NIL deals continue to shape the landscape, questions about fairness, team cohesion, and the true purpose of college sports come to the fore. The discussion sparked by Brown’s stance is indicative of the growing pains of a system in transition, grappling with how to reconcile the commercial aspects of the sport with its educational and developmental mission.

A Reflection on the Future of College Football

As the dust settles on this particular chapter, the implications of Fran Brown’s comments and the surrounding events extend far beyond Syracuse or any single athlete. They invite a reflection on the future of college football, the values it embodies, and the path it chooses to navigate the complex interplay of money, talent, and tradition. In a world where the lines between amateur and professional sports continue to blur, the decisions made today will undoubtedly shape the legacy and character of college football for generations to come.

Cary, N.C. – Florida Atlantic sophomore pitcher Trey Beard has been invited to USA Baseball’s Collegiate National Team Training Camp. The team will feature 56 of the premier non-draft eligible players for a five-game ‘Stars vs. Stripes’ intrasquad series in North Carolina from June 29-July 3. USA Baseball will name the final Collegiate National Team following training camp on July 3.
 
The first game will be held at Atrium Health Ballpark in Kannapolis, N.C., at 5:35 p.m. ET on June 29. The next three games, June 30-July 2, will be played at USA Baseball’s National Training Complex in Cary, N.C., at 6:30 p.m. ET. The series finale on July 3 will be hosted at Segra Stadium in Fayetteville, N.C., at 6:35 p.m. ET.
 
The Collegiate National Team will play in the 45th USA vs. Japan Collegiate All-Star Championship Series in various locations across Japan on July 8-13. The remaining players from the Collegiate National Team Training Camp will play in a Fourth of July game against the Appalachian League Select Team at Atrium Health Ballpark in Kannapolis at 6:35 p.m. ET.
 
Beard established himself as one of the best pitchers in the country in his sophomore campaign, finishing with a 7-1 record, a 3.14 ERA, and 118 strikeouts. His strikeout total ranked seventh in Division I prior to the start of NCAA Regionals. A First Team All-AAC selection, he became the first FAU pitcher since Austin Gomber in 2013 to eclipse 100 strikeouts in a season.
 
Head coach John McCormack
“I am so happy for Trey. This is a well-deserved invite. He earned it on the field, and I look forward to watching him pitch with USA across his chest.”
 
For more information on the Collegiate National Team, visit https://www.usabaseball.com/team/collegiate and follow @USABaseballCNT on X and @USABaseball on Instagram.  

The 2025 NCAA Baseball Tournament gets underway with 16 Regional matchups across the country this weekend. These top-16 teams have been awarded the opportunity to host their initial bracket after a stellar season prior to the tournament.

In terms of overall bids, the SEC earned the most at 13 teams making the final NCAA Tournament field. The ACC (9) followed, then the Big 12 (8), Big Ten (4), Sun Belt (2), AAC (2), Conference USA (2) and the Big West (2).

Regionals are contested under a double elimination format, before next weekend’s Super Regionals turn to a best of three series. Whoever emerges from each Super Regional will advance to Omaha, where the final eight teams will battle for the national championship at the 2025 College World Series. Below you can find the updated bracket:

Nashville Regional

May 30

2. Louisville 8, 3. East Tennessee State 3
Three Louisville players had two RBI – including Eddie King Jr., who had a two-run home run as part of a three-hit day – en route to an 8-3 victory over East Tennessee State to get the Nashville Regional off and running. The duo of Patrick Forbes and Brennyn Cutts held ETSU to just three hits in the effort and advanced into the winners’ bracket.

1. Vanderbilt vs. 4. Wright State: 6 p.m. ET, SECN

May 31

East Tennessee State vs. Loser of Vanderbilt vs. Wright State – 3 p.m. ET
Louisville vs. Winner of Vanderbilt vs. Wright State – 9 p.m. ET

Winner will face winner of Hattiesburg Regional

Hattiesburg Regional

May 30

2. Alabama vs. 3. Miami: 3 p.m. ET, ESPN2
1. Southern Miss vs. 4. Columbia: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN+

Winner will face winner of Nashville Regional

Tallahassee Regional

May 30

1. Florida State vs. 4. Bethune-Cookman: 3 p.m. ET, ACCN
2. Northeastern vs. 3. Mississippi State: 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN+

Winner will face winner of Corvallis Regional

Corvallis Regional

May 30

2. TCU vs. 3. USC: 3 p.m. ET, ESPNU
1. Oregon State vs. 4. Saint Mary’s: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN+

Winner will face winner of Tallahassee Regional

Chapel Hill Regional

May 30

1. North Carolina def. 4. Holy Cross, 4-0
The first three innings of North Carolina’s battle with Holy Cross were scoreless, but the Tar Heels made a three-run dent in the bottom of the fourth inning, due to a couple of big hits. They’d add on another run in the bottom of the fifth, and that was all starter Jake Knapp needed. He delivered 8.1 innings of shutout ball, and Walker McDuffie came on for the final two outs. North Carolina has championship aspirations, and they started their journey off with a bang.

2. Oklahoma vs. 3. Nebraska: 5 p.m. ET, ESPN+

May 31

Holy Cross vs. Loser of Oklahoma vs. Nebraska – 12 p.m. ET
North Carolina vs. Winner of Oklahoma vs. Nebraska – 6 p.m. ET

Winner will face winner of Eugene Regional

Eugene Regional

May 30

2. Arizona vs. 3. Cal Poly: 4 p.m. ET, ESPN+
1. Oregon vs. 4. Utah Valley: 9 p.m. ET, ESPN+

Winner will face winner of Chapel Hill Regional

Conway Regional

May 30

3. East Carolina def. 2. Florida, 11-6
East Carolina brought it to Florida from the get-go. Before the Gators even knew what hit them, the Pirates were out to a 9-0 lead, scoring in each of the first four innings. Florida finally got off the mat in the bottom of the fourth with two runs, but it was far from enough. They’d add on another run in the bottom of the eighth and a couple in the ninth, but East Carolina’s offensive explosion — 11 runs on 15 hits, coupled with some impressive pitching — Ethan Norby going 7.1 innings and striking out ten, put a stake through Florida’s hearts. Coastal Carolina and Fairfield are screaming, “Shiver me timbers” at the prospect of facing the Pirates right now.

1. Coastal Carolina vs. 4. Fairfield: 6 p.m. ET, ESPN+

May 31

Florida vs. Loser of Coastal Carolina vs. Fairfield – 12 p.m. ET
East Carolina vs. Winner of Coastal Carolina vs. Fairfield – 6 p.m. ET

Winner will face winner of Auburn Regional

Auburn Regional

May 30

2. NC State vs. 3. Stetson: 2 p.m. ET, ESPN+
1. Auburn vs. 4. Central Connecticut: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN+

Winner will face winner of Conway Regional

Austin Regional

May 30

1. Texas def. 4. Houston Christian, 7-1
The second-ranked Longhorns used small ball to roll over the visiting Huskies in the opening game of the Austin Regional on Friday. Texas got on the board first with a two-run third inning before exploding for a five-spot in the fifth inning to put this one away. Kimble Schuessler started the five-run fifth with a two-out, two-run single to left, sparking a string of five straight hits for the Longhorns. Schuessler scored one at-bat later on a single by Adrian Rodriguez, who’d score on another RBI-single from Casey Borba while Jalin Flores scored the game’s seventh run on a RBI-double from Will Gasparino. Houston Christian got on the board with a two-out RBI-double by Jeremy Rader in the top of the fourth inning.

2. UTSA vs. 3. Kansas State: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN+

May 31

Houston Christian vs. Loser of Kansas State vs. UTSA – 3 p.m. ET
Texas vs. Winner of Kansas State vs. UTSA – 9 p.m. ET

Winner will face winner of Los Angeles Regional

Los Angeles Regional

May 30

1. UCLA vs. 4. Fresno State: 4 p.m. ET, ESPN+
2. UC Irvine vs. 3. Arizona State: 9 p.m. ET, ESPNU

Winner will face winner of Austin Regional

Oxford Regional

May 30

2. Georgia Tech vs. 3. Western Kentucky: 4 p.m. ET, ESPN+
1. Ole Miss vs. 4. Murray State: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN+

Winner will face winner of Athens Regional

Athens Regional

May 30

1. Georgia vs. 4. Binghamton: 12 p.m. ET, SECN
2. Duke vs. 3. Oklahoma State: 6 p.m. ET, ESPNU

Winner will face winner of Oxford Regional

Baton Rouge Regional

May 30

1. LSU vs. 4. Little Rock: 3 p.m. ET, SECN
2. Dallas Baptist vs. 3. Rhode Island: 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN+

Winner will face winner of Clemson Regional

Clemson Regional

May 30

2. West Virginia 4, 3. Kentucky 3
Kentucky saw its three-run lead vanish as West Virginia rallied to tie things up in the seventh inning. The Mountaineers then got a leadoff double in the ninth inning from Brodie Kresser, and he later came around to score on a walk-off sacrifice fly – completing the comeback and sending WVU to the winners’ bracket with a 4-3 win.

1. Clemson vs. 4. USC Upstate: 6 p.m. ET, ACCN

May 31

Kentucky vs. Loser of Clemson vs. USC Upstate – 12 p.m. ET
West Virginia vs. Winner of Clemson vs. USC Upstate – 6 p.m. ET

Winner will face winner of Baton Rouge Regional

Knoxville Regional

May 30

3. Cincinnati 11, 2. Wake Forest 6
The opening game of the Knoxville Regional saw Cincinnati pull off a win over Wake Forest. The Bearcats broke out with a six-run second inning and didn’t look back, taking down the Demon Deacons 11-6 to advance in the winners’ bracket.

1. Tennessee vs. 4. Miami (OH): 6 p.m. ET, ESPN+

May 31

Wake Forest vs. Loser of Tennessee vs. Miami (OH) – 12 p.m. ET
Cincinnati vs. Winner of Tennessee vs. Miami (OH) – 6 p.m. ET

Winner will face winner of Fayetteville Regional

Fayetteville Regional

May 30

1. Arkansas 6, 4. North Dakota State 2
In the opening game of the Fayetteville Regional, Arkansas and North Dakota State traded runs. However, the Razorbacks created separation thanks in large part to a two-run home run from Cam Kozeal to go up four runs, which stood as the difference in the 6-2 victory.

2. Kansas vs. 3. Creighton: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN+

May 31

North Dakota State vs. Loser of Kansas vs. Creighton – 3 p.m. ET
Arkansas vs. Winner of Kansas vs. Creighton – 9 p.m. ET

Winner will face winner of Knoxville Regional