NIL
Michigan State athletics looks to help student-athletes navigate NIL
Michigan State Athletics has seen benefits in its sports programs over the last few years, through its Spartan Nation NIL fund. MSU’s athletic teams and athletes have grown as a result of name, image, and likeness (NIL) and the continuing impact it’s having on college athletics. Darien Harris, MSU’s Assistant AD/Business Development and NIL Strategy, […]

Michigan State Athletics has seen benefits in its sports programs over the last few years, through its Spartan Nation NIL fund. MSU’s athletic teams and athletes have grown as a result of name, image, and likeness (NIL) and the continuing impact it’s having on college athletics.
Darien Harris, MSU’s Assistant AD/Business Development and NIL Strategy, says that the athletic department has done a great job at adapting to the constant changes in college sports.
“We’ve done a great job of that over the past few years with some transformational players that have entered our program that have come from the transfer portal or have decided to attend our school,” Harris said
Michigan State has benefited through their team store as of recently. In March, the MSU NIL team store was ranked in the top four in selling schools.
Athletes from several programs at MSU have also benefited from the team store. Former Michigan State guard Jase Richardson’s jersey was the top earning male athlete in March.

Photo Courtesy: @SpartyNIL on “X”
Smaller sports athletes have also benefited from the NIL team store including MSU softball’s Madison Taylor and Track and Field runner Abigail Wiegers. Six members of the MSU gymnastics team also have their own apparel, including t-shirts and jerseys, at the team store. Merch at the store generally is worth as low as $39.99 to as high as $119.99.
Keith Miller is the Vice President of Influxer, a company that helps collegiate athletes navigate NIL. Influxer was established three years ago, starting with a partnership with Texas-Corpus Christi and is now currently partnered through 510 schools across Division I to III. The company has also partnered with just shy of 50,000 student athletes.
Influxer is currently working with six Big Ten schools and while they aren’t partnered with Michigan State, they’re currently in talks of working with them in the future.
Miller believes that Michigan State is a brand name and gets why schools feel like them are falling behind when competing with other schools. He doesn’t believe that MSU is in a bad situation and hopes that Influxer can help the school strengthen their NIL approach.
“They’ve got a great NIL director, a great admin staff, they’ve got a great name. They’re in a position to do a lot of very cool stuff, hopefully we’re a part of that story, we hope to add to the experience of the student athletes there and do some good work there,” Miller said.

Photo Courtesy: @msu.nil.store on Instagram
MSU hired Jon Dykema as its new executive senior associate athletic director/student-athlete management and assistant general counsel on Feb. 19. Dykema served as the director of football compliance and lead football counsel for the Detroit Lions for 14 years. He also worked under MSU coach Tom Izzo as a student manager.
He also experienced working at other college athletic programs including spending four years at Utah and a semester at Akron. Harris is confident that the addition of Dykema can further strengthen MSU’s NIL approach.
“He’s been great to work with, he’s been bringing a level of expertise from a pro side, that’s been advantageous to us going forward, especially in this day and age with the way things are going. We’re excited to see what he’s going to add to our department,” Harris said.
Along with NIL changing the impact of collegiate athletics, the transfer portal has also had a drastic effect on college athletes and has had its negative impacts.
Over 2,000 college football and basketball players have entered the transfer portal after the conclusion of the 2024-25 season.
Roster spots have become unavailable, as not every football and basketball athlete gets the opportunity to commit to a school that can help them succeed both athletically and academically.
Harris said that this has become a major problem with NIL and that MSU is doing what it takes to make sure their athletes are supported, whether they decide to stay or transfer out.

Photo Courtesy: @msu.nil.store on Instagram
“There are going to be some athletes that don’t land somewhere, and that’s a scary thought process, to where you were at a school and all set, and you decide to make a switch, and you get lost in the abyss of the portal. The only way that we can best support them is to say we’re there for them and we’re always going to be willing to help pretty much no matter what, and to me that’s the job,” Harris said.
Collegiate football and basketball are the two sports that have benefited the most from NIL and the transfer portal. Harris believes that while it is important for these two sports to receive the benefits, MSU has made sure that every sport on campus is represented and benefiting from NIL.
“The way that we approach it here is that everybody has the opportunity to participate in NIL. It doesn’t mean the money is going to be the same for every athlete; the way we look at it is not focusing on which sports generate the most revenue,” Harris said.
Despite MSU adapting to the impacts of NIL and the transfer portal, many critics and fans argue that the athletic department isn’t doing enough to evolve like other Big Ten universities and is falling behind.
This has caused concern among the Spartan faithful, who worry that MSU won’t be able to compete on the playing field in high-revenue sports like football and basketball in the future.

Photo Courtesy: @msu.nil.store on Instagram
Harris believes that despite the criticism, MSU is doing what it takes to compete at the highest level with NIL both on and off the playing field.
“I think we’ve shown with our play that we can compete in this new landscape, and we’ve showcased that. I think folks get caught up in glitz and glamour, and that doesn’t always determine what you have from a resources standpoint,” Harris said.
Miller says he gets why some Michigan State fans feel like the school is being left behind when it comes to NIL, the transfer portal, and the continuing changes in college athletics.
“If I were to give some encouraging words to the Michigan State fan base if they’re not alone, this is happening across the country. The smaller tier Division I schools feel like they’re getting poached by the bigger schools,” Miller said.
NIL
Mizzou Softball's Taylor Pannell Enters Transfer Portal
As the only SEC team not in the NCAA Tournament, Mizzou softball wasn’t exactly having a joyous week. Then, the week got a little worse. Per D1 Softball’s Justin McLeod on X, Taylor Pannell has entered the transfer portal. The Lee’s Summit, MO native will have one year of eligibility remaining. In her three seasons […]


As the only SEC team not in the NCAA Tournament, Mizzou softball wasn’t exactly having a joyous week.
Then, the week got a little worse. Per D1 Softball’s Justin McLeod on X, Taylor Pannell has entered the transfer portal. The Lee’s Summit, MO native will have one year of eligibility remaining.
In her three seasons with the Tigers, she established herself as one of the top closers in the nation. Following a promising freshman campaign in which she recorded six saves, Pannell took her game to another level in 2024. By season’s end, she’d tied the NCAA record for saves in a single season with 15. That included a clutch performance in Super Regional, where she sealed a 3-1 win over Duke to force a decisive Game 3, although Mizzou would fall 4-3.
This past season, Pannell more than doubled the amount of innings she pitched. However, she took a statistical step back: her ERA jumped from 1.21 in 2024 to 3.33 this season. Like Cierra Harrison and Marissa McCann, Pannell also struggled keeping the ball in the yard, allowing nine home runs after giving up just one in 2024. While allowing home runs becomes more likely the more a pitcher plays, Pannell’s home runs per batters faced increased (.027 compared to .007).
Even so, Pannell was a reliable arm for MU in her first three collegiate seasons, one that the Tigers will sorely miss. She shined at the end of the regular season, clinching a pair of wins against Georgia with dominant late-game performances. Not only did she retire the Bulldogs in order both times, she struck out four of the six batters she faced.
Elsewhere on the pitching staff, Harrison has one year of eligibility left, while McCann has two. Natalie Touchet will also be a junior; she’s the only player besides Pannell who recorded a save last season (she had two). With Jayci Kruse exhausting her eligibility, Courtney Donahue is the only other player from last season’s team who could return for the 2026 season. The transfer from Des Moines Area Community College pitched sparingly in the spring, making just six appearances.
NIL
Softball Postseason Run Ends in Regional Semifinal
DURHAM, N.C. – The Coastal Carolina softball team split a doubleheader at the NCAA Durham Regional, defeating Howard 9-1 before its season came to an end with an 16-8 loss to No. 14 national seed Duke. Game 1: Howard 1, Coastal 9 (5 innings) Howard struck first in the […]

DURHAM, N.C. – The Coastal Carolina softball team split a doubleheader at the NCAA Durham Regional, defeating Howard 9-1 before its season came to an end with an 16-8 loss to No. 14 national seed Duke.
Game 1: Howard 1, Coastal 9 (5 innings)
Howard struck first in the top of the first inning when Alyssa Vasquez hit a two-out solo home run over the left-field wall to take a 1-0 lead.
Coastal answered in the bottom of the second inning. Keirstin Roose cracked a double into left field and advanced to third on a throwing error. Maddy Jennings then drove her home on a sacrifice fly to tie the game at 1-1.
In the bottom of the third Delaney Keith laced a single through the right side, followed by a two-run home run from Georgia Hood to give the Chanticleers a 3-1 lead.
CCU added another run in the bottom of the fourth when Livi Payne lined a sacrifice fly into center field, driving in pinch runner Emma Skovran to make it 4-1.
The Chanticleers sealed the win in the bottom of the fifth when Roose ripped an RBI single through the left side to extend the lead to 5-1. With the bases loaded, freshman McKennah Metzger crushed a walk-off grand slam to send Coastal into the regional semifinals with a 9-1 victory.
Nicolette Picone improved to 29-9 in the circle, allowing one run on five hits over 5.0 innings.
Game 2: Duke 16, Coastal 8 (8 innings)
Duke opened the scoring in the top of the first inning with a solo home run to center field by Aminah Vega to take a 1-0 lead.
Metzger tied the game in the bottom of the second with her second home run of the day, this time over the right-center field wall to make it 1-1.
The Blue Devils regained the lead in the top of the third, scoring on a sacrifice fly to left field and a throwing error to go ahead 3-1.
The Chanticleers responded in the bottom of the third with an offensive surge. After Pippin reached on a walk, Keith smashed a two-run home run over the right-field wall to tie it 3-3. Hood then followed with a solo shot to give Coastal a 4-3 advantage.
The hits kept coming in the bottom of the third when Roose doubled down the left-field line and Jenning launched Coastal’s third home run of the inning, extending the lead to 6-3.
Duke rallied in the top of the fourth with a five-run frame, scoring on a pair of singles and a three-run double by Thessa Malauʻulu to retake the lead at 8-6.
The Chants narrowed the gap in the bottom of the fifth inning when Keith reached on walk and advanced to third on a passed ball and a groundout. The third baseman was then able to cross home plate on a Duke fielding error to make the score 8-7.
Coastal looked to cut into the deficit in the bottom of the sixth inning after singles from Metzger and Payne put runners on base, but the Blue Devils held strong to record the final out and preserve their 8-7 lead.
The Chanticleers showed their grit in the bottom of the seventh when Keith singled and Hood reached on an intentional walk. Metzger followed with a single to second base, and pinch runner Baxter came home on an errant throw to tie the game once again at 8-8.
Duke put the game away in the top of the eighth, bringing home eight runs on a double, two fielder’s choices, a single, a walk, and a passed ball to secure the 16-8 victory.
Picone took the loss in the circle, falling to 29-11 on the season after allowing nine runs on six hits.
For complete coverage of CCU softball, follow the Chanticleers on social media at @CoastalSoftball (X), @GoCCUSports (Instagram) and facebook.com/CCUChanticleers (Facebook), or visit the official home of Coastal Carolina Athletics at GoCCUSports.com.
NIL
Quinn Ewers scores $3M endorsement deal with Panini after tough NFL Draft decision …
In a striking turn of events that marries ambition with opportunity, Quinn Ewers, the fresh-faced quarterback for the Miami Dolphins, has inked an exclusive autograph trading card agreement with Panini, a leader in the sports memorabilia industry. This landmark deal, valued at an impressive $3 million, not only heralds Ewers’ entry into the professional realm […]


In a striking turn of events that marries ambition with opportunity, Quinn Ewers, the fresh-faced quarterback for the Miami Dolphins, has inked an exclusive autograph trading card agreement with Panini, a leader in the sports memorabilia industry. This landmark deal, valued at an impressive $3 million, not only heralds Ewers’ entry into the professional realm but also underscores the burgeoning market for sports memorabilia, particularly trading cards, which continue to captivate fans and collectors alike.
A Leap of Faith
Ewers’ journey to the NFL is a tale of bold decisions and unwavering self-belief. Opting to forgo his senior season and dive headfirst into the NFL Draft, Ewers embraced the uncertainty that comes with such a pivotal life choice. His decision, while fraught with risk—given the potential financial and developmental benefits of another collegiate season—speaks volumes about his confidence in his abilities and his eagerness to test his mettle on the grandest stage of American football.
The Rookie’s Resolve
Despite being a seventh-round pick, a position that often comes with its own set of challenges and lower financial expectations, Ewers’ deal with Panini is a testament to his marketability and potential. “I didn’t expect to fall as low as I did, but it is what it is at the end of the day, and I have the same opportunity as everybody else does, and I’m beyond thankful for that,” Ewers reflected. His words resonate with a determination to not only prove his doubters wrong but to also carve out a successful career in the NFL, underscored by his recent $4.3 million contract with the Dolphins.
A Premier Event
Ewers’ announcement came during the 31st annual Rookie Premiere, an event that bridges the gap between NFL newcomers and top brand partners, showcasing the rookies not just as athletes but as brand ambassadors. Among the 42 players invited to this exclusive gathering in Los Angeles, Ewers stood out—not just for his talent, but for his story of perseverance and potential. The event, which also featured a jersey reveal, provided Ewers and his peers with a tangible symbol of their transition from collegiate athletes to professional stars, culminating in a group photo that captured the essence of their shared journey.
Trading Card Excitement
The excitement surrounding Ewers’ first NFL trading cards is palpable. “I can’t wait to see my first NFL trading cards!” Ewers exclaimed, echoing the sentiments of countless fans who eagerly anticipate the release of Panini’s latest collection. This enthusiasm is not just about the physical cards but what they represent: a moment frozen in time, celebrating the arrival of a new generation of talent ready to leave their mark on the league.
Looking Ahead
As Quinn Ewers embarks on this new chapter of his career, his partnership with Panini is more than just a lucrative endorsement deal; it’s a symbol of his journey, from a promising collegiate athlete to an NFL rookie with the world at his feet. This story is not just about sports memorabilia; it’s about ambition, the allure of the new, and the dreams of young athletes everywhere. As Ewers prepares to take the field, his story serves as a beacon for others, reminding us that with talent, determination, and the right opportunities, the possibilities are endless.
NIL
Sherrone Moore faces two-game suspension and looming NIL disaster as Michigan’s recruiting hopes hang by a thread
In the high-stakes world of college football, the University of Michigan and its co-offensive coordinator, Sherrone Moore, find themselves navigating through turbulent waters. The aftermath of a sign-stealing scandal, with Connor Stallions at its epicenter, has led to a significant setback for Moore: a two-game suspension that casts a long shadow over the upcoming season. […]

In the high-stakes world of college football, the University of Michigan and its co-offensive coordinator, Sherrone Moore, find themselves navigating through turbulent waters. The aftermath of a sign-stealing scandal, with Connor Stallions at its epicenter, has led to a significant setback for Moore: a two-game suspension that casts a long shadow over the upcoming season. This development is not just a personal blow to Moore but also a critical juncture for Michigan’s football program, especially in the fiercely competitive arena of recruiting.
The Ripple Effect of a Scandal
The controversy surrounding the sign-stealing incident has reverberated far beyond the immediate punitive measures. Jim Harbaugh, Michigan’s head coach, has managed to steer through the storm relatively unscathed, securing victories that have kept the program’s hopes alive. However, the implications of Moore’s suspension extend beyond the sidelines and into the living rooms of potential recruits. The timing couldn’t be more precarious as Michigan finds itself in a delicate balancing act, trying to maintain its allure to top-tier talent in the face of adversity.
Recruiting Battles and NIL Dynamics
The landscape of college football recruiting has been irrevocably changed by the introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights, leveling the playing field in ways previously unimaginable. In this new era, the battle for five-star recruits has intensified, with programs not only showcasing their athletic prowess but also their ability to offer lucrative NIL deals. The suspension of a key figure like Moore could tilt the scales, giving an edge to SEC powerhouses renowned for their aggressive recruiting strategies and robust NIL opportunities. This situation places Michigan at a crossroads, challenging the program to navigate the complexities of modern recruiting while contending with the fallout from the scandal.
The Path Forward
As Michigan looks to the future, the questions loom large. How will the program adapt to the evolving landscape of college football, where the lines between athletic success and financial incentives are increasingly blurred? Can Michigan leverage its storied history and academic prestige to overcome the hurdles presented by the suspension and the broader implications of the NIL era?
A Reflection on Resilience and Redemption
The saga of Sherrone Moore and the Michigan football program is more than a story of scandal and suspension. It is a testament to the resilience required to navigate the highs and lows of college athletics. As the Wolverines prepare to face the challenges ahead, they do so with the knowledge that adversity often paves the way for growth and redemption. The true measure of their success will not be found solely in wins and losses but in their ability to rise above the fray and continue to inspire the next generation of athletes. In the end, the legacy of Michigan football and its ability to weather the storm will be a powerful narrative of perseverance in the face of adversity.
NIL
Texas Tech Red Raiders – Official Athletics Website
LUBBOCK, Texas – The No. 12-seeded Red Raiders (47-12) advanced to the Lubbock Regional Final after taking down Mississippi State (38-18) 10-1 in six innings on Saturday afternoon at Rocky Johnson Field. NiJaree Canady improved to 27-5 in the circle and hit her second home run in as many games while Lauren Allred led the way […]

Alana Johnson built off her four RBI performance last night with a 3-for-3 day at the plate and an RBI. Mihyia Davis recorded a hit and scored three runs from the lead off position as she set the tone for the Red Raider’s offense.
Alexa Langeliers, Bailey Lindemuth and Hailey Toney all picked up two hits and were rock steady in the infield after a couple of tough plays in the first inning. Langeliers turned a double play in the third inning to get Texas Tech out of a jam.
Demi Elder added to the run total with a solo home run into the left field bleachers in the second inning.
How it happened:
Canady struck out the first batter she faced to open the game but a pair of singles and walk loaded the bases with two outs. The Big 12 Pitcher of the Year had no trouble though, as she got the next batter to pop out with the very next pitch.
The offense delivered in the first inning as Davis led off the game with a single and was pushed over to second on a ground out by Langeliers that worked like a sacrifice. With two outs, Johnson ripped a ball into left field to score Davis and bring in the first run of the day. Lindemuth added to the total with an RBI single to right field to give Tech a 2-0 lead.
The Bulldogs went down in order in the next inning as Elder pushed Tech’s lead to 3-0 with a solo homer.
Mississippi State had something brewing in the third, but Langeliers stepped up to make a 4-3 double play to eliminate the threat and hang a zero on the scoreboard.
Tech was held scoreless in the third inning – the only time they would not score in the game. Allred drove in two runs with a single in the fourth inning before Mississippi State got its lone run of the game, ending Tech’s streak of 33 straight scoreless innings.
Canady got the run back and then some as she planted a ball into the bleachers, actually landing it in the trash can, for a two-run homer. The junior now has 10 home runs on the season.
Allred ended the game an inning early after Davis walked and Langeliers singled. The sophomore took the second pitch she saw on a line over the left field wall to end the game and give Tech its 47th win of the season.
Ticketing
Texas Tech Athletics will be opening up a limited amount of infield tickets online for tomorrow.
UP NEXT: Tech will play at 2 p.m. tomorrow against the winner of today’s games.
NIL
2025 SEC Baseball Tournament bracket, seeds officially set
With the regular season in the books, the 2025 SEC Baseball Tournament is on the horizon. Teams will converge on Hoover Metropolitan Complex next week, and the full bracket and seeds are officially set. Texas secured the regular-season title Thursday night with a victory over rival Oklahoma. That gave the Longhorns the No. 1 seed […]

With the regular season in the books, the 2025 SEC Baseball Tournament is on the horizon. Teams will converge on Hoover Metropolitan Complex next week, and the full bracket and seeds are officially set.
Texas secured the regular-season title Thursday night with a victory over rival Oklahoma. That gave the Longhorns the No. 1 seed in their first season in the SEC, and the rest of the bracket came into focus throughout the weekend.
Now, the field is in place. Here is the full bracket and seeds for the 2025 SEC Baseball Tournament, which gets underway Tuesday from Hoover Met.
2025 SEC Baseball Tournament bracket
Tuesday, May 20
Game 1: No. 9 Alabama vs. No. 16 Missouri – 10:30 a.m. ET, SEC Network
Game 2: No. 12 seed Oklahoma vs. No. 13 seed Kentucky – 1:30 p.m. ET, SEC Network
Game 3: No. 10 seed Florida vs. No. 15 seed South Carolina – 5:30 p.m. ET, SEC Network
Game 4: No. 11 seed Mississippi State vs. No. 14 seed Texas A&M – 9 p.m. ET, SEC Network
Wednesday, May 21
Game 5: No. 8 seed Tennessee vs. Winner of Game 1 – 10:30 a.m. ET, SEC Network
Game 6: No. 5 seed Georgia vs. Winner of Game 2 – 1:30 p.m. ET, SEC Network
Game 7: No. 7 seed Ole Miss vs. Winner of Game 3 – 5:30 p.m. ET, SEC Network
Game 8: No. 6 seed Auburn vs. Winner of Game 4 – 9 p.m. ET, SEC Network
Thursday, May 22
Game 9: No. 1 seed Texas vs. Winner of Game 5 – 4 p.m. ET, SEC Network
Game 10: No. 4 seed Vanderbilt vs. Winner of Game 6 – approx. 7 p.m. ET, SEC Network
Friday, May 23
Game 11: No. 2 seed Arkansas vs. Winner of Game 7 – 4 p.m. ET, SEC Network
Game 12: No. 3 seed LSU vs. Winner of Game 8 – approx. 7 p.m. ET, SEC Network
Saturday, May 24
Game 13: Winner of Game 9 vs. Winner of Game 10 – 1 p.m. ET, SEC Network
Game 14: Winner of Game 11 vs. Winner of Game 12 – approx. 4 p.m. ET, SEC Network
Sunday, May 25
Championship Game: Winner of Game 13 vs. Winner of Game 14 – 3 p.m. ET, ESPN2
It all comes down to next week at Hoover Met as the 2025 SEC Baseball Tournament gets underway. From there, it’s off to the NCAA Tournament as the road to Omaha begins.
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