As we head into a new athletics year under the NIL era, a new bill has been signed into law in the state of Texas that could benefit Texas A&M and other universities in the state moving forward.

As announced on Thursday afternoon, Governor Greg Abbott signed a new NIL law that will allow athletes over 17 in the state to receive NIL contracts directly from a university. This bill also aligns with the House settlement that is yet to be approved. For Texas A&M and other in-state universities, it will allow them to avoid any potential lawsuits or compliance issues and compete for recruits in some ways others may not be able to just yet.

The implementation of the bill was first reported by KBTX senior sports writer Travis L. Brown via X:

Let’s cut straight to the facts: there is no denying the influence of NIL on all collegiate athletics and it continues to grow by the minute. The transfer portal has reached historic numbers since the decision was made to introduce financial gain for players for their name, image and likeness (NIL).

That was just the beginning of something way bigger than anyone ever thought could happen in the sport. Some college athletes, like UCLA quarterback Nico Lamaleava, are making millions of dollars before they even reach the National Football League, which has always been the goal of most athletes, historically speaking.

Now, what is stopping players from just managing their finances in college and then retiring? Is that going to cause a shortage of athletes in the NFL? Or, will the professional football league continue to blossom? That is still to be determined.

For now, the House vs. NCAA antitrust lawsuit remains in full swing, with seemingly no end in sight just yet. The proposed, and now imposed, bill in the state of Texas protects universities in the state in more ways than one, while also providing a slight edge in recruiting as well.

The world of NIL and the transfer portal is something that will change rapidly and often. As new bills are signed or rejected, there seems to be some major miscommunications between the House and the NCAA that could be detrimental for all parties if not solved.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Dylan on X: @dylanmflippo.

This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas governor signs NIL bill integral to universities in the state

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The East Carolina baseball team experienced an up and down season in 2025. After a bit of a slow start, the Pirates went on a run to make the NCAA Tournament.

They were able to take down SEC foe Florida twice in postseason play but were unable to get past No. 1 seed Coastal Carolina in the regional finals. The year came to an end at 35-27.

The Pirates began the season by dropping six of their first eight contests. They then rebounded to get to 20-10 before losing six straight matchups to put postseason hopes in danger.

The regular season ended with a 29-25 overall record. That likely meant being on the outside looking in come NCAA Tournament time. A four-game run in the AAC Championship, however, provided new life.

The Pirates won the conference tournament championship. It allowed ECU to slide into the Conway Regional as a three-seed. The squad flexed its muscles against Florida but eventually fell 1-0 in an elimination game to Coastal Carolina.

Now, the task for head coach Cliff Godwin is keeping the core of his roster together. He’s already finding that difficult.

P4 programs are trying to poach East Carolina baseball players.

Our system is so BROKEN! We have coaches at P4 schools texting our players directly who are not in portal! And we have proof!

— Cliff Godwin (@cgodwin23) June 5, 2025

It took just days after season’s end for larger schools to begin reaching out to ECU players directly, according to Godwin. He’s keeping the receipts.

East Carolina, like most mid-majors, is in a difficult position. The Pirates have been one of the most successful programs in all of college baseball over the last quarter-century. Since 1999, they’ve posted 16 40-win seasons, including a 51-13 campaign in 2004.

In the past, the team was able to build on success year after year. Now, they find themselves in somewhat of an annual rebuild.

The transfer portal has been a major hit to G5 schools across all sports. NIL has only magnified the disadvantage. Larger programs can easily poach the best players with lucrative cash offers.

East Carolina’s baseball team was impacted last year after star infielder Alek Makarewicz bolted for NC State. Godwin then dealt with tampering issues during his team’s postseason appearance.

“We threw two pitchers on Monday that both knew they were leaving,” he said after a season-ending loss to Evansville. “I didn’t know they were leaving. I would’ve thrown position players. The guy that started and the guy that gave up the three-run homer went to the portal (two days after the season ended). They knew they were leaving.”

The Pirates lost some talent in the portal last year. Cliff Godwin hinted at more attrition earlier this year while questioning his players’ NIL motivations.

Those feelings seem to have changed following the Pirates’ late run. The head coach has made it his goal to keep the roster together.

“We’ll make some changes in some areas, for sure, and we’ll get better. We are going to keep this core group together, and man, they got a lot of experience together…

“I’m going to have to have some stay conversations. I’m sure there are people DMing them right now trying to buy them away… We’re going to do everything we can to keep them.”

-Cliff Godwin

Godwin confirmed those suspicions on Thursday. If the tampering continues, he might just expose his rivals!

One of the key moments in Wednesday’s Game 1 of the WCWS final came in the fifth inning. Texas was called for obstruction after a controversial review, and it led to Texas Tech’s first run of the ballgame.

While the obstruction call was just one of the crazy moments in the game – a 2-1 Texas win – the ruling still came up at the end of Greg Sankey’s interview on SEC Network ahead of first pitch. He joked his “walk-up song” would be about changing the rule.

Sankey spoke with the panel prior to first pitch of Game 2 between Texas and Texas Tech, and Alyssa Lang said a producer told her to ask who he’d pick to win. Knowing he’d pick the Longhorns, representing the SEC, she instead pivoted to ask him what his walk-up song would be. Seeing the opportunity, Sankey threw a curveball, joking about the obstruction rule and the need for an extra base at first base.

“I think the walk-up song would be entitled, ‘We need to change the obstruction rule,’ and put it to a musical tune,” Sankey said. “How’s that? Didn’t see that coming, did you? … We ought to be able to play softball, we don’t want collisions.

“We need the base added, too, at first base. So if we can do that in baseball where we don’t have as many close plays as you do in softball, naturally, why are we waiting for these things? Let’s get some stuff done. That’s my walk-up music.”

Jessica Mendoza: ‘They need to change the rule’

The play in question occurred in the top of the fifth inning when Leighann Goode went to tag Logan Halleman out on a stolen base attempt. Goode placed the tag well before Halleman got to the base, but Texas Tech coach Gerry Glasco challenged the call and argued Goode obstructed.

Umpires reviewed it and overturned the call. They ruled Goode obstructed Halleman’s path to the base, which is spelled out in Rule 9.5.1 of the rulebook. But the call led to some pushback from the ESPN broadcast, and Jessica Mendoza also called for a rule change.

“It’s not, and they need to change the rule because the problem with the rule is if the runner is starting their slide – my thing is, if the runner is hosed, if she’s going to be out, then there is no obstruction,” Mendoza said on SportsCenter with Scott Van Pelt. “Is she obstructing if the runner is not even there yet? So the way that the rule reads is yes, the shortstop Leighann Goode was in the base path. Was she blocking the leading edge? But the point is it’s got to be when the runner is actually going into it. That’s the point. Is she obstructing the runner? But the runner was going to be out no matter what, and that’s why the rule has to change because that is not obstruction.

“That is not what the rule is for, and it’s hard here at the World Series. I am with you. We talked about it in the break during the game. I am so glad that that is not the leading topic of this amazing game.”

The Rise of NIL and Its Impact on College Football

In the realm of college football, the introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights has catalyzed a seismic shift in the sport’s landscape. This evolution in athlete compensation allows players to earn from endorsements and sponsorships, effectively altering recruitment strategies and the balance of power among universities. Among the standout stories is that of Nico Iamaleava, a young athlete whose journey underlines the profound impact of NIL on the game.

Nico Iamaleava: A New Icon at USC

Nico Iamaleava, a highly touted quarterback recruit, has become a central figure in the discussion about NIL’s influence on college sports. His commitment to the University of Southern California (USC) not only highlights his promising talent but also underscores the university’s strategic use of NIL opportunities to attract elite athletes. USC has leveraged these new regulations to enhance its recruiting appeal, assembling a formidable class that promises to elevate its competitive edge.

Strategic Recruitment and Enhanced Competitiveness

The strategic recruitment of athletes like Iamaleava is reshaping how teams build their rosters. USC, by aligning itself with the lucrative possibilities of NIL, has positioned itself as a desirable destination for top-tier talent. This approach not only benefits the athletes financially but also enriches the team’s capabilities and its potential for success on the national stage.

The Broader Implications of NIL in College Sports

The ripple effects of NIL extend beyond individual success stories like Iamaleava’s. This paradigm shift is redefining athlete empowerment, allowing players to capitalize on their skills and marketability. As more athletes and schools navigate this new landscape, the dynamics of power, recruitment, and competition in college sports continue to evolve. Schools that adapt effectively to this new era, embracing the complexities and opportunities it presents, are likely to emerge as leaders in the transformed landscape of college athletics.

Reflecting on the Future

As the NIL era matures, its long-term implications on college sports will become clearer. Athletes like Nico Iamaleava are not only redefining their personal futures but are also setting precedents for the next generation of players. The strategic adaptations by institutions like USC signal a new chapter in college sports, where the intertwining of athletic prowess and commercial appeal dictates a new order of dominance and success.

The journey of athletes like Iamaleava, enriched by NIL, offers a compelling glimpse into the future of college sports—a future where talent, marketability, and strategic institutional support converge to redefine the essence and excitement of collegiate competition.

The Rise of Nico Iamaleava and the NIL Revolution

In the ever-evolving landscape of college football, few phenomena have reshaped the game quite like the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies. Amidst this seismic shift, a new breed of athletes has emerged, epitomized by the likes of Nico Iamaleava, whose ambitious embrace of NIL opportunities is setting new standards for how student-athletes navigate their careers and financial futures.

Nico Iamaleava: A New Icon in College Football

Nico Iamaleava, a standout quarterback, has not only captured attention with his prowess on the field but also with his strategic approach to the NIL era. As college athletes now have the unprecedented ability to earn from their personal brand, Iamaleava’s journey is a testament to the powerful intersection of athletic talent and savvy business acumen. His involvement in high-value endorsement deals and partnerships reflects a broader trend where athletes are no longer just players but significant brand ambassadors.

The Financial Implications of NIL

The introduction of NIL policies has indeed turned the tables in college sports. Athletes like Iamaleava are at the forefront, navigating this new terrain where their skills both on and off the field can significantly impact their financial well-being. This shift not only affects the athletes but also the universities and their sports programs. Institutions like USC have leveraged these changes, enhancing their recruiting classes by attracting top-tier talent who see the dual benefits of athletic development and personal brand growth.

Strategic Moves and Future Prospects

For athletes such as Iamaleava, the strategic implications of NIL are profound. Engaging with brands, negotiating deals, and building a marketable persona are now as crucial as athletic training. This dual focus is preparing them for futures that hold possibilities beyond professional sports, including long-term financial stability and business ventures.

Reflecting on the Broader Impact

As we witness the rise of athletes like Nico Iamaleava, it’s clear that the NIL era is not just about the financial liberation of college athletes but also about a significant cultural shift in sports. This era encourages a more holistic approach to athlete development, where financial literacy, personal branding, and career planning become integral to the collegiate sports experience.

The journey of Iamaleava is not just a personal success story but a beacon for future generations of athletes who will enter the sports arena with a playbook that is about much more than the game. It heralds a future where the value of an athlete extends well beyond the field, shaping a new paradigm in college sports.

UNIVERSITY PARK — The College Football Playoffs are evolving even faster than NIL and the transfer portal. It seems inevitable that the field will expand to 16 teams, possibly as soon as the 2026 season.

The management committee for the CFP recently modified the seeding where the top four conference champions will not necessarily receive a bye, but will go to the top four teams.

Now, the discussion has changed to how are the teams picked and should the committee start using a formula such as what was used in the BCS era from 1998-2013.

Count Penn State coach James Franklin as part of the crowd that is undecided.

“There were all these complaints about the BCS,” Franklin said. “Then we go to (the CFP), and the problem is everyone voting is biased, whether you want to be or not. In a lot of ways, you could make the argument that a formula could be better, but we didn’t love the formula, so we went to this.”

Ohio State coach Ryan Day made the argument earlier this week that the Big Ten should have four automatic qualifiers to the playoffs. Part of the reasoning is because the conference expanded to 18 teams last season, with the four West Coast teams being some of the predominant teams that the PAC-12 featured for many years.

“It’s an interesting discussion,” Franklin said of the four automatic qualifiers. “Somebody said, ‘Let’s just choose the best 16.’ Well, how do you choose the best 16?

“It’s why I think we need a commissioner. The majority of people that have strong opinions have an agenda and are biased based on what’s good for them.

“We do have more teams now and a greater level of competition. Why should (the field makeup) be balanced? I think that’s the conversation everyone is having.”

It’s an ongoing conversation that likely won’t have an end game until at least next year, if not longer. Franklin pointed out that the Big Ten only plays nine conference games, while the SEC only plays eight in league play. That only scratches the surface of the whole dilemma.

“At the end of the day there’s not going to be a perfect system,” Franklin said. But let’s make it as perfect as we can so we can compare an apple to an apple.”

A brand new room

The leading wide receiver from last year’s Nittany Lions returning is Liam Clifford, who managed to get just 286 yards on 18 catches. First Team All-American tight end Tyler Warren was a first-round NFL Draft pick, while Harrison Wallace III and Omari Evans transferred to Ole Miss and Washington, respectively.

But the wideouts were revamped over the winter with USC’s Kyron Hudson and Troy’s Devonte Ross committing to Penn State via the transfer portal. On the day of the Blue-White Game, it was also reported that Syracuse’s Trebor Pena was also coming to State College.

Pena had 84 receptions for 941 yards and nine touchdowns last season for the Orange.

“It worked out pretty well,” Franklin said. “Since he’s been here, I know our veteran players like him. Hudson has come here and been a good fit and the guys really like him. Hudson and Pena were both captains at their schools. That’s very telling.”

What has the rest of the coaching staff noticed about Pena since he’s been on campus?

“He’s got tremendous ball skills,” offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki said. “He’s really quick. He can make things happen with the ball in his hands.”

Wide receivers coach Marques Hagans pointed out his production, his competitiveness, and his toughness stands out on film.

“No matter what system you’re in, football is football,” Hagans said. “Can he run? Can he catch? What can he do with the ball in his hands? It’s a different system, but the result we need is the same. Guys that can get open and catch the ball and make something happen with it. He proved he can do that on film.”

Edge rusher out

Franklin confirmed on Thursday that redshirt freshman defensive end Max Granville is out with a long-term injury that he suffered at home while working out.

Granville saw limited action in seven games last year with one tackle and one pass break-up, but was likely going to receive a bigger role this season.

“Obviously not an ideal situation,” Franklin said. “My heart breaks for the kid and the family. Obviously not what we wanted or needed either. He played last year and we were depending on him taking that next step this year.”