Michigan’s Elite RB Turns Heads by Making Major NIL Move
Michigan’s Elite RB Turns Heads by Making Major NIL Move originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The college football transfer portal saw over 4,000 entries between the winter and spring portal windows, allowing a plethora of teams to make significant additions. Advertisement Although there were plenty of talented players in the portal, one of the hottest […]
Michigan’s Elite RB Turns Heads by Making Major NIL Move originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The college football transfer portal saw over 4,000 entries between the winter and spring portal windows, allowing a plethora of teams to make significant additions.
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Although there were plenty of talented players in the portal, one of the hottest commodities was Alabama transfer running back Justice Haynes. The former five-star recruit spent two seasons in Tuscaloosa before deciding to transfer, with 247Sports ranking him as the No. 1 running back in the portal.
He ended up transferring to the program that handed Alabama its final loss of the season in the Michigan Wolverines, and will look to become the program’s featured back as it hopes to return to title contention.
While fans are already excited about his play on the field as he rushed for 51 yards on six carries in the team’s spring game, according to On3, they are also just as enthused about his ventures off of it. As shared to X on Monday, Haynes inked an NIL deal with Loom Juice, which will see him have an ownership stake in.
“Go blue! Loom juice will be stocked shortly,” wrote one fan.
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“NIL! Go Blue,” exclaimed another.
“Remember when this was the vision for NIL instead of who has the biggest donor base,” suggested a third.
“Equity ownership stake. The ichigan difference,” commented a fourth.
“Actual NIL! Very refreshing to see,” said another.
“OWNERSHIP over ENDORSEMENT,” added another.
Team Blue running back Justice Haynes (22).Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
According to the company’s site, Loom Juice is a “juice water” with no added sugars. They were named one of the best new brands in 2024 by BevNet.
As for Haynes, On3 currently has his NIL Valuation at $684,000, with this being his first recorded NIL deal since transferring to Michigan. The Wolverines will open the 2025 season against the New Mexico Wolfpack on Aug. 30.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
Jump To Top of Page UGA Uses of NIL Fines to Curb Off-Field Behavior As the Georgia Bulldogs gear up for another shot at the national title in 2025, they’re also pioneering a new approach off the field. Following a series of off-field incidents, particularly those involving speeding and reckless driving, Kirby Smart’s program has […]
As the Georgia Bulldogs gear up for another shot at the national title in 2025, they’re also pioneering a new approach off the field. Following a series of off-field incidents, particularly those involving speeding and reckless driving, Kirby Smart’s program has implemented a groundbreaking solution: utilizing Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) fines to enforce discipline. This unique strategy sets them apart in the world of major college football.
A Crisis of Conduct
Georgia’s off-field problems, particularly with traffic violations, have caused a storm of finger-pointing and harrumphing. However, there have been tragic consequences involving UGA players and cars, as well as a number of unsafe incidents.
The most tragic moment came in January 2023, when a high-speed crash claimed the lives of offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy. Despite increased awareness and internal efforts to curb dangerous driving, violations continued.
Turning to NIL for Discipline
At this year’s SEC Spring Meetings, Kirby Smart made headlines by confirming that Georgia’s NIL collective, the Classic City Collective, has begun issuing financial penalties to players for off-field behavior.
“It’s really trying to punch the pocketbook,” Smart said. “They feel that more than they do anything else.”
Some players have reportedly had large payments withheld over conduct violations, particularly reckless driving.
How the NIL Fines Work
Through contracts that include morality clauses, the collective can fine players or withhold NIL payments if they engage in dangerous behavior—such as driving at high speed.
Smart emphasized that the intent isn’t punitive—it’s corrective: “We don’t get to decide what the collective does. But we’re in communication with them about our expectations. They know what’s important to us.”
A New Culture in Athens
The policy is already changing the internal culture. Senior leaders have begun to view fines as a tool for accountability, particularly now that financial consequences are tied to specific behaviors. One player mentioned to The Athletic, “This is a team, not a bank. If you mess up, it costs you.” Players receive a briefing on the policy as soon as they arrive on campus, and the potential loss of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) money has introduced a new level of personal responsibility.
Legal and Ethical Red Flags
While the policy may work in the locker room, legal experts warn that it could cross the line.
“If you’re docking pay based on behavior, you’re entering the realm of employment law,” said sports law analyst Michael McCann. “That’s tricky when the NCAA insists players aren’t employees.”
Recruiting Risks and Rewards
From a recruiting perspective, Georgia’s NIL discipline model is a double-edged sword.
Some parents and high school coaches may welcome the structure, seeing it as a sign of maturity and character development. Others may view it as an overreach, particularly when other programs offer similar NIL money without the strings attached.
Still, Georgia continues to thrive on the trail. In fact, the last few weeks have produced an exceptional haul of high school talent. Whether NIL fines will eventually impact recruiting success remains to be seen.
Leading the Way—or Taking a Risk?
Georgia might be the first major program to link NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) compensation to off-field behavior, but it likely won’t be the last. If this policy proves effective in reducing violations and avoids legal issues, other programs will likely adopt similar measures. Collectives are rapidly evolving, and many are looking for ways to connect financial investments with character and conduct.
However, Coach Smart remains cautious: “I don’t think NIL alone is going to fix it. It’s just one piece of the puzzle. We’re still focused on mentoring and having discussions. NIL simply adds another layer.”
As we enter the 2025 season, Georgia’s use of NIL fines could become a defining storyline, not just in Athens but across the college football landscape.
It’s a test case for how schools can balance new athlete freedoms with old-school discipline. And it could shape the future of NIL as more than just a market but a carrot/stick mechanism for team control.
For now, Georgia is taking the lead; whether it continues or falls behind depends on how well the Bulldogs can walk the tightrope between freedom and responsibility in college football’s new era.
How Penn State Is Capitalizing on the New Era of College Hockey
In November 2024, the NCAA Division I Council changed the landscape of college hockey forever by permitting Canadian Hockey League (CHL) athletes to compete in NCAA games. The new rule takes effect Aug. 1, and college teams are positioning themselves to sign the best young players from the CHL. What does this mean for Penn […]
In November 2024, the NCAA Division I Council changed the landscape of college hockey forever by permitting Canadian Hockey League (CHL) athletes to compete in NCAA games. The new rule takes effect Aug. 1, and college teams are positioning themselves to sign the best young players from the CHL.
What does this mean for Penn State hockey, and how are the Nittany Lions approaching their post-Frozen Four future? Here’s a look at how Penn State seeks to capitalize on the influx of new talent into college hockey.
RELATED: Penn State left the Frozen Four hopeful about its future
New talent pours into NCAA hockey
Between the ages of 16-20, players with NHL aspirations often choose one of two routes to develop and prepare for professional hockey. Athletes may choose the CHL, where the premier junior hockey players of the world compete before their transition into the NHL. Or they might commit to an NCAA program.
While college hockey churns out professional players every year, the talent difference between the NCAA and the CHL is substantial. Twenty-one CHL athletes were selected in the first round of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, compared to just five from NCAA programs.
Before the new legislature, players who signed CHL deals couldn’t begin their playing careers in Canada and then transfer to the NCAA. But now, CHL players are flooding into college hockey, making it a prime spot for NHL prospects to develop.
Penn State adapted to the new circumstances almost immediately, bringing in six CHL athletes: Jackson Smith, Shea Van Olm, Lev Katzin, Luke Misa, Nolan Collins and Joshua Fleming. And the Nittany Lions are looking for more, having been linked to Gavin McKenna, the projected No. 1 overall pick of the 2026 draft.
The deal has changed college hockey forever as more top-end talent will commit to NCAA programs, leading to higher traction for the sport.
Revenue sharing plays a big role
In June, Judge Claudia Wilken approved the $2.8 billion House v. NCAA settlement regarding payments to former, current and future players. The settlement allows schools to pay athletes directly, which gives the NCAA an advantage on the CHL.
The CHL provides players with stipends and benefits, arguing that they’re amateurs, similar to the former NCAA position. Through revenue sharing, some NCAA programs can offer players higher earnings.
Penn State has not released its revenue-sharing breakdowns, including how much men’s hockey will receive, but coach Guy Gadowsky appears to have access to funding that allows him to offer some of the top CHL prospects. Generally, Penn State believes it is well-positioned to take advantage of revenue sharing beyond football, as Athletic Director Pat Kraft has said.
“We’re trying to be able to manage the money so that if we need to move on someone, no matter what the sport is, we have the ability to say, ‘Hey, there’s the No. 1 fencer in the world, and we need to go use rev share to maybe tilt it our way,'” Kraft said. “We’re going to be able to do that.”
“I appreciate how much love [Penn State] showed me throughout the process…The way they play and how I play, I think it’s a great fit!”
— Penn State Men’s Hockey (@PennStateMHKY) July 3, 2025
How Penn State is capitalizing on college hockey’s new era
Penn State is pursuing some of the top young prospects in hockey. The Nittany Lions received a commitment from Smith, who became the program’s first player to be a first-round pick in the NHL Entry Draft. Penn State also reportedly has been connected with Porter Martone, the Philadelphia Flyers’ No. 6 overall pick of the draft, and McKenna, the consensus top player of the 2026 NHL Draft cycle.
Dating to June, the McKenna sweepstakes reportedly has been a two-team race between Penn State and Michigan State. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Freedman Friedman mentioned Penn State as McKenna’s most likely destination on the 32 Thoughts hockey podcast. Hockey journalist Frank Servalli further reported that McKenna recently visited State College. McKenna could announce a decision at any time.
While Penn State is an attractive destination following its Frozen Four run, the program’s ability to offer Smith and other athletes competitive deals has contributed to its offseason success. Combined with the lessons his team learned last season, Gadowsky said he is “very optimistic” about Penn State’s future.
“It’s not just a lesson in hockey for next year … but it’s a lesson that these guys are going to carry with them well beyond Penn State and also well beyond hockey,” Gadowsky said after the Frozen Four. “It’s true. You can talk about it as much as you want: ‘Oh, that’s the way to do things.’ But when you’re really faced with a challenge and you’re really in a down spot and you pull each other together and lift each other up and you see success, it’s something you don’t forget. For not only because of the young talent but because of the lessons we learned, yes, I’m very optimistic about the future.”
Middlebury’s Abigail Blyler dribbles the ball during a women’s college soccer game earlier this year. Provided Photo GREENSBORO, N.C. — The Middlebury women’s soccer team made the most of its only shot on goal Friday night to earn its first NCAA finals appearance in program history. Simone Ameer started the game on the bench and […]
Middlebury’s Abigail Blyler dribbles the ball during a women’s college soccer game earlier this year.
Provided Photo
GREENSBORO, N.C. — The Middlebury women’s soccer team made the most of its only shot on goal Friday night to earn its first NCAA finals appearance in program history.
Simone Ameer started the game on the bench and ended up the hero during a 1-0 Division III semifinal victory over top-ranked Washington University-St. Louis (21-1). Forward Ellie Greenberg assisted Ameer in the 49th minute and Panthers goalie Ursula Alwang (three saves) recorded her ninth solo shutout of the season.
The Auburn Tigers are struggling to recruit ahead of Year 3 in the Hugh Freeze era. The program, which often finds itself in the top half of the SEC rankings, is rated near the bottom of the Power 4.
The Tigers‘ 2026 class currently sits at 85th nationally in the 247 Sports recruiting rankings. That’s good for dead last in the Southeastern Conference.
Some of that is due to quantity. Auburn has a league-low seven commitments this offseason and is the only school in single digits.
Some has to do with quality. The Tigers’ average prospect rating is 88.99, which ranks 11th out of 16 SEC teams.
What gives? Freeze was hired in large part due to his recruiting prowess. The Tigers took a chance despite his checkered past. To this point, it hasn’t paid off.
The team is 11-14 across two seasons with the head coach at the helm. Still, they’ve had back-to-back Top 10 recruiting classes to fall back on. That’s changed this summer.
With struggles now being seen both on and off the field, Auburn football supporters are growing anxious. It’s led to over-the-top criticisms from the fanbase.
Hugh Freeze golfs too much!
At least according to some fans. They believe he’s prioritized his golf game above recruiting. Those claims cite his 10 trips to the links over the first 20 days of June.
Auburn’s recruiting ranking alone was enough to cause uneasiness. Rival Alabama’s dominance has fans spiraling.
The Crimson Tide boast a Top 5 class. They’ve swiped a pair of five-star prospects from the Tigers’ grasps in the last week.
Cedarian Morgan, the top-ranked player in the Yellowhammer State, committed to Alabama on July 2nd. Three days later, Jireh Edwards chose the Crimson Tide after taking an official visit to Auburn.
Alabama has been stuffing Auburn in a locker on the recruiting trail. Hugh Freeze says golf isn’t to blame for his poor recruiting. Instead, he referenced shady NIL practices from his competitors.
“We’re doing things the right way,” he said when discussing the House settlement surrounding player payment. “At the end of the day, that’s really what we have to do, in my opinion. We can’t put ourselves in jeopardy…
“If others are operating in a manner not with that, I’m hopeful that they’ll be called out on that at some point… We’re going by what we believe to be the accurate interpretation of [the settlement]. It’s not really to our advantage to what we’re doing right now because others, I think, are operating in a different manner.”
That sudden attention to rule following came off as ironic given his previous firing from Ole Miss. Still, Hugh Freeze believes he’s been put at a disadvantage. He hopes that changes in the coming weeks.
Auburn is struggling to recruit. Should they experience a third straight losing season, criticism of the head coach will grow. But hey, maybe this latest excuse can buy him another few rounds of golf!
It did not happen in the immediate aftermath of the NBA Draft, but now a number of former Michigan State basketball players have received invitations to play on Summer League rosters. Beginning with our leading scorer and captain from last season, Jaden Akins has been invited to play with the Orlando Magic in the Las […]
It did not happen in the immediate aftermath of the NBA Draft, but now a number of former Michigan State basketball players have received invitations to play on Summer League rosters.
Beginning with our leading scorer and captain from last season, Jaden Akins has been invited to play with the Orlando Magic in the Las Vegas competition, which begins this week.
Fellow senior Frankie Fidler, who played his final season of college ball in East Lansing, will be staying in the Midwest and joining the Milwaukee Bucks summer roster.
The third senior from last year, Szymon Zapala, has not received any invites as of yet, but he did receive a different invite this past week. He will be joining Poland’s national team for EuroBasket 2025, the continental championship tournament which begins in late August. Poland is also one of the host nations for the tournament, so Zapala will get a chance to play in front of crowds of his countrymen.
Moving on from members of last year’s squad, a couple of players who transferred out to play their final college seasons elsewhere have also received Summer League invites. AJ Hoggard, who played for Vanderbilt last year, will be joining the New Orleans Pelicans.
And Mady Sissoko, who was at Cal last season, has already gotten underway with the Oklahoma City Thunder in the lesser-known Salt Lake City Summer League. He played 21 minutes in the opening game, scoring 4 points, corralling 7 rebounds, and blocking 2 shots.
Lastly, going back a couple years, former four-year Spartan Marcus Bingham Jr. is also going to Orlando for the Summer League where he will be playing with Akins and recent draft pick Jase Richardson.
Moving away from basketball, there was one last bit of news coming out of E.L. over the weekend, this one from the football team. The defensive line is adding an edge rusher in Chris Addison from Winnsboro, Louisiana. Addison is a 6’3”, 250 pound recruit who is rated as a three-star player. He is the 22nd member of MSU’s 2026 recruiting class.
Former Penn State men’s hockey player Connor MacEachern to play in Sweden | Penn State Men’s Hockey News
Another former Nittany Lion is heading overseas. Connor MacEachern, a 25-year-old center who spent four years with Penn State, will play in Sweden for Mora IK in 2025. Vi välkomnar den kanadensiske centern Connor MacEachern till Mora IK!”I Connor får vi en skicklig center med bra skridskoåkning, spelförståelse samt fina offensiva kvalitéer” säger Sportchef Hägglund.Läs […]
Connor MacEachern, a 25-year-old center who spent four years with Penn State, will play in Sweden for Mora IK in 2025.
Vi välkomnar den kanadensiske centern Connor MacEachern till Mora IK!”I Connor får vi en skicklig center med bra skridskoåkning, spelförståelse samt fina offensiva kvalitéer” säger Sportchef Hägglund.Läs mer på https://t.co/pXFYzz4eKR pic.twitter.com/q1faW4Qan2
MacEachern was productive in State College during his tenure, amassing a combined 77 points, 31 goals and 46 assists in 130 games. He also served as an alternate captain in the 2022-23 campaign.
The former Nittany Lion spent his previous two seasons splitting time between the AHL and ECHL.
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