Jonathan Perrin Discusses NIL and New Financial Era in College Baseball

The evolving landscape of college baseball is reshaped by recent NIL regulations and increased scholarships, which will affect recruitment and funding from July 1, 2025. Programs are now allowed to provide up to 34 scholarships and can directly pay athletes as independent contractors. Jonathan Perrin, a former player, highlights the SEC as a prime benefactor, boasting greater resources to attract top talent compared to mid-major programs that will struggle financially. This has intensified the competition among colleges, making it tougher for mid-majors to retain their players. The financial dynamics present new challenges, especially for the competitive structure of Power 4 schools and player development pathways.

By the Numbers

• 34 scholarships per program available post-July 2025 for full funding.
• Players at top programs can earn up to $250K through NIL, exceeding standard pro baseball bonuses.

State of Play

• SEC leads in NIL spending, creating disparities in recruitment.
• Mid-major programs face challenges retaining talent as players transfer to higher-paying schools.

What’s Next

As colleges adapt to these financial changes, it is likely that the competition for top talent will intensify, leading to further shifts in player development strategies and roster formation, particularly for mid-majors. Programs may increasingly prioritize financial sustainability to remain competitive.

Bottom Line

This new era of college baseball emphasizes a financial arms race in recruitment, where the ability to leverage resources will significantly affect a program’s success on the field and in attracting top talent.