College Sports
Inside NIL contracts, House Settlement, and Clemson: You have questions, we have answers
NIL. NCAA House Settlement. Player contracts. You have questions? We have answers. College football has entered a strange and volatile new world, where lucrative contracts for the top players in the sport are now the name of the game. With the passing of the NCAA House Settlement, the landscape alters even more. The House v. […]
College football has entered a strange and volatile new world, where lucrative contracts for the top players in the sport are now the name of the game. With the passing of the NCAA House Settlement, the landscape alters even more.
The House v. NCAA settlement, finalized on June 6, 2025, allows colleges to directly pay student-athletes for the use of their name, image, and likeness (NIL). The settlement, which resolves multiple antitrust lawsuits, also includes $2.8 billion in back payments to athletes who competed between 2016 and 2024. This landmark decision marks a significant shift in the landscape of college sports, moving away from the traditional amateurism model.
The benefits cap for 2025-26 is set for $20.5 million and is expected to rise. A 4% bump is expected every year for the first three years, with a full recalculation after year four.
But how does it all work? How do the contracts work? We had questions, and now we hope to provide you with some of the answers we found.
WHERE DOES THE MONEY COME FROM?
This money doesn’t come from the NCAA or the courts, but must be raised by the schools. At Clemson, which is adding 150 new scholarships, the number actually rises to around $26 million that needs to be raised. Clemson was proactive in this regard and implemented a student activities fee, went to court with the ACC to earn anywhere from $10-15 million more dollars per year as part of the league’s media rights agreement, and added alcohol sales. There are also opportunities for logo placements and other sponsorship ventures throughout the program. IPTAY is still responsible for the scholarships.
HOW DOES THIS ALL AFFECT TITLE IX?
As of right now, Title IX isn’t expected to change how this progresses. Three College of Charleston female athletes have challenged the lawsuit and are appealing the decision, saying that the decision unfairly affects Title IX. This probably won’t be the last time we see a lawsuit, and until that is all worked out in the courts, I don’t see much in the way of change. The expectation is that this could take 8-10 years to be adjudicated in the legal system. However, as we mentioned, Clemson is adding scholarships, and that includes women’s sports. For instance, the women’s lacrosse program will now have a fully funded scholarship roster.
HOW DO THE CONTRACTS WORK WITH CURRENT PLAYERS?
Most schools have front-loaded contracts for the 2025 season, meaning that current players will get their share before July 1. That means the money from July 1-on will roll into retention of the players that will return from this year’s roster. Let’s use a fictional wide receiver – Rod Tidwell – and he has a $500,000 contract. The purpose of frontloading is that you do as many deals as you can through the collective and get them paid out before the beginning of the year. And that way once you get to December, you still have all of your revenue share money available from the limited amount, which is the $20.5 million. A lot of schools have said they are going to pay those deals in front to their football players and men’s and women’s basketball players. The schools have until Dec. 31st to fulfill the deals, but most will be paid out beforehand. Anything after July 1st would count against the $20.5M, which is why most schools have been trying to front-load and pay all that beforehand.
Now what happens if a player quits during the season or during the playoffs or whenever, that money is non recoupable. In other words, Tidwell was shown the money and ran.
HOW IS MONEY HANDLED WITH RECRUITS?
Obviously, schools are offering monetary incentives to the best recruits, but when and how does that happen? A school can work out a deal with a recruit’s representatives, but no money will change hands until that recruit is on campus. It’s my understanding that most freshmen are on monthly payments (or for some there was a signing bonus, and I think a lot of schools are moving in that direction), but those payments would not start until the player is on campus and enrolled in school. In the case of a December signee who enrolls for bowl practice or is on campus for January, they would more than likely get a monthly allotment until the season begins.
Now, let’s take a look at a fictional freshman linebacker named Bobby Boucher out of Louisiana. Boucher enrolls in January and begins receiving his monthly checks, but during spring practice becomes enraged at the quality of hydration on the sidelines and throws a Gatorade bucket at the head coach. Boucher is summarily dismissed from the team, and his monthly checks are stopped. But once again, the money spent over the first three months will not be recovered.
(This is one good thing about the way Dabo Swinney recruits. There are bad actors everywhere, and players will endeavor to game the system, but Clemson mostly recruits the type of players that won’t have these types of issues. It will happen, and we’ve seen it, but it doesn’t happen often.)
IS THERE A REVENUE CAP ON DEALS OUTSIDE OF THE SCHOOL?
There is no cap for commercial revenue. For instance, quarterback Cade Klubnik made a deal with EA Sports to appear on the new College Football 26 football game cover and he went and spent a day as an ambassador and went for the creation day, and EA paid him independently of what Clemson plays. And, Cade can earn whatever those entities think he’s worth, within the framework of the NIL Go approval on deals of $600 and over.
WHO AT CLEMSON IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MANAGING THE ROSTER UNDER THIS SYSTEM?
There are obviously a number of people who will be a part of the process, including head coaches such as Swinney, Athletic Director Graham Neff, and support personnel. With football, it all begins and ends with General Manager Jordan Sorrells.
CLEMSON IS ADDING HOW MANY SCHOLARSHIPS?
Around 150. Neff and the powers that be have made a conscious decision to make Clemson as good as it can be in all sports. That means baseball will now have 34 scholarships instead of the 11.7 scholarships that was the rule in the past. Texas is adding 200 scholarships but is raising ticket prices. South Carolina will add 50 scholarships, while UCLA has announced it won’t be adding any new scholarships and will keep its current roster limits (85 in football and 13 in men’s basketball).
ONE FINAL NOTE
I am trying to gain some clarity on the recoupability and recruit piece of this, but as I understand it, so are a lot of schools. As I learn more or learn different, I will let you know.
College Sports
July 26, 2025 – Bulldawg Illustrated
Jump To Top of Page In Kirby Smart’s world, championships are built in January, shaped in July, and now financed throughout the year. The introduction of NIL has redefined how Georgia recruits, retains, and rallies its roster, but make no mistake: the Bulldogs aren’t playing by the same chaotic rules as everyone else. While other […]
Jump To Top of Page
In Kirby Smart’s world, championships are built in January, shaped in July, and now financed throughout the year. The introduction of NIL has redefined how Georgia recruits, retains, and rallies its roster, but make no mistake: the Bulldogs aren’t playing by the same chaotic rules as everyone else.
While other programs boast massive NIL headlines, UGA operates a more disciplined and sustainable model quietly. Think of it as the Belichickian approach to college football’s new economy—except Kirby actually smiles sometimes.
The NIL Hierarchy: Not All Checks Are Equal
Inside Georgia’s 2025 locker room, a silent tier system exists—undocumented but well understood. Let’s break it down:
Tier 1: Stars & Proven Playmakers
These are the individuals who capitalize on their performance and profile. They’re the ones showing up in car dealership ads, NIL apparel drops, and hometown billboards.
Raylen Wilson (LB, Jr.): A fast, physical linebacker who’s become a cornerstone of the defense. After a breakout 2024, Wilson entered 2025 with increased buzz and value. His local NIL presence is growing fast.
Monroe Freeling (OL, RSo.): Big, marketable, and articulate—Freeling represents the new breed of offensive linemen who double as influencers. Anchoring the line gives him both credibility and camera time.
Tier 2: Freshman with Buzz
These aren’t just any newcomers—they’re five-star arrivals who brought NIL interest with them to Athens.
Justus Terry (DL, Fr.): The 6-5, 275-pound menace from Manchester, GA, committed early and stayed true. Georgia is building him as the next Jordan Davis. Expect NIL support to match that trajectory.
Kirby’s NIL Philosophy: Keep It Earned, Keep It Quiet
Kirby Smart doesn’t babysit NIL deals, but he also doesn’t let them disrupt the culture. Behind the scenes, the message is crystal clear: “We don’t pay for promises—we reward production.”
NIL has its place, but inside the Butts-Mehre building, you still earn your respect with sweat. Team-first players like CJ Allen (LB, So.) and Demello Jones (DB, So.) set the tone—grinders who get more shine through performance than promo codes.
Collective Power: Classic City Collective’s Role
The Classic City Collective is Georgia’s not-so-secret NIL engine. Unlike schools throwing cash at the latest portal diva, CCC’s model is about:
- Sustainable Teamwide Deals
- Event-Based Endorsements
- Education + Branding Workshops
- Partnership Vetting
That structure keeps the money flowing without flooding egos. Even walk-ons have earned NIL compensation for community events and social media tie-ins.
Potential Flashpoints
Despite UGA’s strong internal structure, the NIL world brings risks:
The Transfer Lure: Backups like Ryan Puglisi (QB, RFr.) may be tempted by starting spots—and bigger checks—elsewhere.
Position Imbalance: What happens when your third-string WR is making more than your starting guard?
External Noise: Agents and third-party handlers continue to try to get their hands in. Georgia’s staff fights hard to filter that influence.
So far, the staff’s proactive education, access to vetted financial guidance, and strict internal messaging have held off any major blow-ups.
The Pitch That Wins: “Get Paid Now, Get Rich Later”
Georgia’s recruiting pitch in the NIL era isn’t about topping the highest bidder. It’s about building a brand while winning games and developing into a first-round pick. In Athens, the NIL path looks like this:
Freshman Year: Learn the system, earn your reps, do some low-key NIL.
Sophomore Year: Playmaker status + rising visibility = NIL bump.
Junior Year: National exposure + draft buzz = high-end NIL and long-term brand deals.
Smart often reminds recruits: the best players in his program don’t need NIL leverage—they’re on a path to generational wealth.
Georgia’s NIL Game Is Built for the Long Haul
In 2025, Georgia doesn’t just survive NIL—they’re leveraging it with the precision of a championship program. While others flail for five-star flash or short-term splash, Kirby and crew are building a locker room that knows what it is, what it wants, and what it’s worth.
The checks are clearing in Athens, but the culture still cashes first.
Jump To Today’s Discussion Thread
College Sports
Sommerville returns to Wichita | Pro Hockey News
WICHITA, Kan. – The Wichita Thunder, ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s San Jose Sharks and American Hockey League’s San Jose Barracuda, announced the re-signing of defenseman Nico Somerville for the 2025-26 season. Somerville, 26, returns to Wichita for a second year. The Port Alberni, British Columbia native appeared in 49 games as a […]
WICHITA, Kan. – The Wichita Thunder, ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s San Jose Sharks and American Hockey League’s San Jose Barracuda, announced the re-signing of defenseman Nico Somerville for the 2025-26 season. 
Somerville, 26, returns to Wichita for a second year. The Port Alberni, British Columbia native appeared in 49 games as a rookie, collecting 11 points (3g-8a).
He turned pro last year after playing four years at American International College. In 110 career games, he tallied 22 points (7g-15a). Somerville was named to the AHA All-Tournament Team during his senior campaign. Somerville scored the overtime winner against Air Force in March 2024 to help AIC advance to the semifinals of the Atlantic Hockey Tournament. Somerville was captain during the 2022-23 season and an alternate captain this past year.
Prior to his time in college, he spent five years in the British Columbia Hockey League. Somerville played four seasons with the Victoria Grizzlies before being traded midway through the 2019-20 season to the Penticton Vees. He recorded 84 points (17g-67a) in 210 career games.
College Sports
Cam Davidson – Penn State
Cam Davidson will enter his fourth year as the Penn State men’s hockey team’s strength and conditioning coach in 2016-17. As an assistant strength and conditioning coach for the University, Davidson also works with Penn State’s women’s volleyball and track & field programs. During his time in State College, he also assisted in the design […]
College Sports
Singer: A look at one key transfer pickup for each CCHA team in 2025-26 – Sioux Falls Live
With the college hockey transfer portal winding down, it’s time to assess the impact across the CCHA. A total of 50 players from NCAA and U Sports programs have been added across the league’s nine teams. Ferris State leads the way with more than a dozen pickups, while reigning conference champion Minnesota State isn’t far […]
With the college hockey transfer portal winding down, it’s time to assess the impact across the CCHA.
A total of 50 players from NCAA and U Sports programs have been added across the league’s nine teams. Ferris State leads the way with more than a dozen pickups, while reigning conference champion Minnesota State isn’t far behind with 10 additions.
Some programs saw minimal turnover, while others used the portal to remake their rosters. It’s the latest example of a familiar trend — the portal gives and takes — but this offseason, its influence may be tapering off as activity regresses to the mean.
With the 2025-26 season just over two months away, here’s one transfer portal addition to watch from each CCHA program.
Cole Burtch, R-Jr., Forward
After losing zero players to the transfer portal during the offseason, the Vikings got exactly what they needed in Burtch, who has two years of college eligibility remaining. The native of Markham, Ontario, had a career year in 2024-25 at Ferris State, where he led the Bulldogs in both points (26) and assists (19). He figures to slot into the top six this season and can contribute primarily at center, where Augustana has its biggest holes to fill.
Courtesy / Merrimack College Athletics
Vann Yuhas, So., Forward
This was a rather easy choice — Yuhas is the Beavers’ only newcomer in the portal to date — but there’s plenty to like about this addition. For starters, Yuhas’ 6-foot, 174-pound frame provides imposing size for BSU on the attack. In his introduction to college hockey last season, Yuhas notched a pair of goals in 16 total appearances at Merrimack. He should receive plenty of opportunities to prove himself, too, after Bemidji State lost eight players to graduation.
Tyler Hotson, Jr., Forward
The Falcons picked up a proven contributor at the college level in Hotson, who was both efficient and productive last season at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. In each of his first two college seasons, Hotson recorded 22 points. In 2024-25, he was second among the Engineers’ forwards in ice time, averaging 17:33 minutes per game. This offseason, BGSU brought in a load of young talent from the Canadian Hockey League, but Hotson’s collegiate experience should open the door for plenty of opportunities in the Falcons’ top six.
Trent Singer / Sioux Falls Live
Carter Rapalje, R-Jr., Forward
No team in the CCHA hit the portal harder than the Bulldogs, who are one of two squads in the league with new coaches this season. Brett Riley, who takes over the program following the retirement of legendary coach Bob Daniels, added 13 players via the portal, including five from his former Long Island team. Among them was Rapalje, who paced the Sharks with 30 points (17 goals, 13 assists) in 2024-25. The 5-11 attacker has two years of eligibility remaining at the college level and is one of FSU’s six portal additions who had double-digit points last season.
Adam Manji, So., Goalie
Rorke Applebee more than held his own for the Lakers as a rookie last season, but LSSU was far from perfect defensively, finishing third-to-last in the conference in goals allowed per game (3.19). Obviously, those numbers don’t fall entirely on Applebee, who was 10-19-1 between the pipes with a 3.00 goals-against average, but the need to improve defensively is apparent. Manji offers another goalie option after going 2-1-0 with a 2.70 GAA and .921 save percentage in 2024-25 at American International College. At 6-5, Manji has ideal size at the position, too.
Trent Singer / Sioux Falls Live
Jack Anderson, Sr., Defenseman
After losing both Matthew Campbell and Nick Williams to the portal, the Huskies had looming areas of need on the left side of their defense. Anderson figures to be an answer. The 6-6 native of St. Louis follows new MTU coach Bill Muckalt to Houghton after putting together a 2024-25 campaign in which he tallied 12 points on six goals and six assists to go along with a plus-7 rating on the ice. Anderson is one of three transfers from Muckalt’s previous stop at Lindenwood, where he amassed 25 points in his first three college seasons.
Tristan Lemyre, Sr., Forward
More than anything, Lemyre brings a winning pedigree to the Mavericks’ lineup. Two years ago, he produced six points in 24 appearances in helping guide Denver to a national title. Then, last season, he transferred to Western Michigan, where he racked up 14 points (six goals, eight assists) in 42 appearances for the national champion Broncos. Lemyre should have plenty of chances to earn playing time with the Mavs, who lost 13 forwards from their CCHA championship team in 2024-25.
Abe Kraus / Ferris State Athletics
Caiden Gault, Sr., Forward
There’s nowhere for the Wildcats to go but upward, and adding Gault is a great start. The 6-1 attacker from Oakbank, Manitoba, had the second-most points last season for FSU with 25. He led the Bulldogs with 15 goals and a 16.1% shot conversion rate. In total, NMU added seven players via the portal, and there’s plenty of room for growth. The Wildcats were the league’s lowest-scoring team in 2024-25, during which they generated just 1.62 goals per contest. In fact, that scoring average ranked dead last in all of college hockey.
Carsen Musser, So., Goalie
The Tommies have plenty of returning contributors on the ice, but the departure of Jake Sibell could leave a mark at goaltender. Adding Musser to the mix certainly helps to alleviate that. Musser turned in a 3-3-0 record, 3.94 GAA and .879 save percentage as a freshman last season at Colorado College. His NHL rights are currently held by the Utah Mammoth after the Arizona Coyotes drafted him in the sixth round of the 2023 NHL Draft. For now, Aaron Trotter appears to be UST’s starter between the pipes, but don’t be shocked if Musser makes a push for playing time.
College Sports
Love Island USA's Liv Walker Dating Mystery Athlete: 'Living Our Best Life' – Yahoo
Love Island USA alum Olivia Walker has found love outside the villa! The returning bombshell opened up on Love Island: Beyond the Villa and spoke about her new beau and how she’s really happy. Olivia first appeared on Love Island Season 6. And she’s among the cast members starring in the brand new spinoff. The […]
Love Island USA alum Olivia Walker has found love outside the villa! The returning bombshell opened up on Love Island: Beyond the Villa and spoke about her new beau and how she’s really happy.
Olivia first appeared on Love Island Season 6. And she’s among the cast members starring in the brand new spinoff. The docuseries follows former islanders as they navigate their real lives. The show gives viewers the drama they want to see and a peek at what happens outside the fun and games of the villa.
Liv Walker is “happy” in her new relationship after Love Island USA
Fans were especially excited to see Kaylor Martin reunite with ex Aaron Evans. She’s admitted to still loving him but that doesn’t mean reconciliation. And it shouldn’t considering their toxic past.
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But Kaylor and Aaron aren’t the only ones fans are watching. Australian bombshell Liv admitted on the first episode that she was “seeing someone new.” And while the series was filmed in the spring, Liv confirmed that they are still together now.
She appeared on SiriusXM’s Reality Checked and Dorinda Medley asked her, “Now we hear there might be a budding romance between you and an unnamed athlete. Can you give us any update on that?”
Liv smiled and confirmed, “I’m happy, in a relationship. We’re both living our best life.” She also clarified that she wasn’t purposefully trying to be cagey on the show.
“I feel like during the show it’s kind of early days so you see like different, I don’t get into detail with it just because I signed up for this life, but also because we’re still navigating it and working it out,” she explained.
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She added, “I’m never hiding anything from the audience of wanting to keep my whole love life completely offline. That’s not the case. I just feel like we are just pick and choosing when to kind of share and making sure we’re happy, which we are with each other.”
It’s smart of her to tread cautiously. Going public can get quite complicated. But it seems like she’s pretty thrilled. “I’m excited when the time comes to share with everyone,” Liv said.
Love Island USA: Beyond the Villa is available to stream on Peacock.
TELL US – HAVE YOU BEEN ENJOYING BEYOND THE VILLA? WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE SO FAR?
The post Love Island USA’s Liv Walker Dating Mystery Athlete: ‘Living Our Best Life’ appeared first on Reality Tea.
College Sports
‘Clothing with a story behind it’: Ghost Threads consignment shop opens in Exeter
EXETER — There is a new consignment shop in town featuring clothing from as far away from New York City to England and everywhere in between. Ghosts Threads held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, July 18, officially opening at 924 Exeter Ave., Exeter. “Ghost Threads is about clothing with a story behind it,” Melanie […]
EXETER — There is a new consignment shop in town featuring clothing from as far away from New York City to England and everywhere in between. Ghosts Threads held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, July 18, officially opening at 924 Exeter Ave., Exeter.
“Ghost Threads is about clothing with a story behind it,” Melanie Lombardo, owner said. “I think when people think of consignment, they don’t have the right idea in their head of what the clothes are. I’ve been doing this since I was in Middle School and High School going out consignment and thrifting, so fashion is in my blood, I’ve always really been into it.”
Lombardo got the idea of starting a consignment shop after years of purchasing clothing at local establishments.
“It’s always been in the back of my head on starting a consignment shop and when I got out of college, and me and all my friends have so many clothes, we thought what are we doing to do with them?” Lombardo said. “So my dad had the (storefront) space and it would be a good idea if we put all of our old clothes we wore in college and not wear anymore up for sale.”
Lombardo admits she’s not fast fashion or poorly made clothing along with loving the idea of not stuffing landfills with out of date or unused clothing. She believes in recycling clothing rather than trashing them.
Her shop focuses on clothing from vintage to modern targeting 18-year-olds to 30-year-olds.
“I got in contact with vintage wholesalers who find clothing from all over that ship to me,” Lombardo admits. “I have a girl from England, Pakistan, Miami and really, they come from everywhere that only deal with businesses.”
Even though Lombardo prefers vintage clothing, she does have an array of clothing and also sells jewelry.
“I don’t want to pigeonhole myself on the age thing, but my target audience is definitely young adults.
In the future, Lombardo will introduce pop-up events as well as collaboration with other local merchants.
“I would like to have dinner parties as well and to just host more events in the space,” Lombardo added.
Starting on Aug. 22, store hours will be Tuesday through Friday: noon to 6 p.m.; Saturday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed: Sunday and Monday.
For information, contact Ghost Threads at 570-855-9569. Ghost Threads can be found on Facebook as well as GhostThread570 on Instagram and TikTok.
July 26, 2025 – Bulldawg Illustrated
Nick Saban Strongly Endorses President Trump’s Executive Order
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Should Twins be interested in Severino?
He had to wait a while 😅
SHOHEI OHTANI KNEW IT IMMEDIATELY! Game-winning homer for the Dodgers in an UNREAL game! (BAT FLIP!)
Most 30-year-olds play college football on Xbox—Monte Harrison plays it for real
Dizon’s Disposition: Angel Cervantes not just in it for NIL, UCLA baseball shows strong pitching staff
52 athletes from Southern Arizona earned NJCAA All-Academic status from Pima, EAC, Arizona Western and Central Arizona; Jamie Black named FC Tucson MVP
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