NIL

NCAA settlement could reshape college sports landscape

Published

5 months ago

January 8, 2025

NCAA settlement could reshape college sports landscape

Hoffmann warned of a “huge trickle-down effect” in lower divisions, potentially destroying opportunities for thousands of students to play college sports. “It is truly the death of the ‘student-athlete’ and it could destroy opportunities for thousands of students to play college sports,” he said, emphasizing the far-reaching effects of prioritizing money over education.LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Major changes could be on the horizon for college sports as the NCAA and several major conferences have agreed to a proposed settlement in a class-action lawsuit. The lawsuit, brought by former players, sought damages for lost name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities due to previous NCAA restrictions. As part of the settlement, former student-athletes are set to receive over billion in damages.Attorney Matt Hoffmann from Battle Born Injury Lawyers explained the origins of the lawsuit, stating, “In 2021, the NCAA changed its long-standing rule that forbade student-athletes from receiving compensation for their name, image, and likeness.” This change followed a class-action lawsuit led by former UCLA player Ed O’Bannon, which argued that the NCAA’s restrictions on NIL compensation violated antitrust laws. The case was affirmed by the 9th Circuit in 2016, leading to state laws that prevented the NCAA from disqualifying athletes for receiving NIL money.”The biggest loser in all this are walk-on athletes,” Hoffmann said. The NCAA’s proposal to cap roster sizes means that many walk-on athletes may have to quit or transfer. For example, football programs with average roster sizes of 130 players will now face a hard cap of 105, affecting dozens of athletes per school.The House lawsuit, brought by a former collegiate swimmer and other athletes, argued that those prevented from receiving NIL compensation between 2016 and 2021 should be compensated for lost opportunities.The settlement also opens the door for college programs to engage in revenue-sharing with student-athletes. However, this development comes with new roster limits, which increase the number of athletic scholarships while imposing a hard cap on roster sizes.Hoffmann expressed concerns about the proposed settlement’s impact, saying, “It is a disaster, honestly.” He noted that while the agreement allows colleges to share around million in annual revenue with student-athletes, it poses challenges for smaller programs. Schools are already considering increased ticket prices, concession prices, and athletic fees to participate in the new revenue-sharing model.

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Lady Kings soccer falls 1

In a game that followed a remarkably similar script to its first-round loss to Soldotna, the Kayhi girls soccer team again dominated possession and had more scoring chances than their opponent, but gave up one kind of fluky goal and continued to struggle to finish, falling 1-0 to Palmer in the consolation bracket of the […]

Published

1 hour ago

May 31, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Palmer scored 12 minutes into the game, deflecting a long free kick over the head of Kayhi goaltender Meg Thompson, and the Moose made that lead hold up, surviving a couple of excellent Kayhi scoring chances late to hang on for the 1-0 win. The seventh-seeded Lady Kings lost 1-0 to Soldotna in the first round of the tournament on Thursday.

NIL

Bret Bielema claps back at Ole Miss fan, SEC graphic showing football ‘gauntlet’

During this week’s spring meetings in Destin, the SEC presented documents and graphics illustrating the “gauntlet” of the regular season. It showed the strength of the conference through multiple metrics such as Massey Ratings, SP+ and strength of record. Illinois coach Bret Bielema then countered with numbers of his own. Then, when an Ole Miss […]

Published

1 hour ago

May 31, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Illinois coach Bret Bielema then countered with numbers of his own. Then, when an Ole Miss fan called him out for his departure from Arkansas, he clapped back.

Bielema pointed out the way college football has changed in the last four years thanks to NIL and the transfer portal. He argued rosters are now more “balanced” than before, and he said to look at head-to-head records against power conferences during that window, especially considering the discussed Big Ten-SEC scheduling partnership.

Great work. Headed into the weekend maybe have this EXTREMELY talented working group look at running the numbers on:

1- the last 2-3 years where legal NIL and portal transfer rules have balanced rosters like never before

2- look at head to head in the same time frame head to… https://t.co/tvGmQOw6aV

— Bret Bielema (@BretBielema) May 30, 2025

“There is no better reality than recent history for reality. Maybe 2025 season, playoffs and bowl matchups head to head. Cant [sic] wait for that press release,” Bielema said at the end of his post.

Bielema, of course, coached in the SEC at Arkansas from 2013-17 following an impressive tenure at Wisconsin. He went 29-24 with the Razorbacks, including an 11-29 mark in conference play. An Ole Miss fan pointed out that record in response to Bielema’s post, and the coach answered with his record against the Rebels.

Yes I do and the SEC was an awesome experience and extremely tough before today’s rules. And also remember going 3-1 vs Ole Miss during that time https://t.co/wK7pu8zV5M

— Bret Bielema (@BretBielema) May 30, 2025

“Yes I do and the SEC was an awesome experience and extremely tough before today’s rules. And also remember going 3-1 vs Ole Miss during that time,” Bret Bielema wrote, along with a shrugging emoji.

The SEC’s documents illustrated the rigor of the conference schedule. In the last 10 years, the conference showed it only has two teams outside the Top 50 in both average strength of record and average Massey Rating. That, the league said, showed “clear evidence of the rigor of its regular season compared to other schools.”

How conference strength impacts CFP talks

The SEC and Big Ten are widely seen as the top two conferences in college football, and they are helping lead the charge when it comes to the College Football Playoff conversation. Future formats were a big part of the discussion in Destin this week, including a 5-plus-11 model that appears to be gaining steam.

Under that format, the five highest-ranked conference champions would be in the bracket, along with 11 at-large teams. SEC coaches voiced support for it although the previously reported model included a 4+4+2+2+1 bracket. That would include four bids each for the SEC and Big Ten, two bids apiece for the Big 12 and ACC, a spot for the Group of 6 and three at-large spots.

On3’s Pete Nakos confirmed Big Ten athletics directors discussed the 5-plus-11 format on their weekly call this week. Yahoo! Sports’ Ross Dellenger added the sense is most would not support the model if the SEC stays at eight league games.

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NIL

UConn Players React to Qadence Samuels Landing With NC State After Transfer

On April 11 (just five days after the UConn Huskies won the 2025 national title), Qadence Samuels, who spent the first two seasons of her college career in Connecticut, announced that she would be entering the NCAA transfer portal. In an Instagram post announcing this decision, Samuels wrote, “To my teammates, thank you for always being there for […]

Published

1 hour ago

May 31, 2025

Your Sports Nation

UConn Players React to Qadence Samuels Landing With NC State After Transfer

In an Instagram post announcing this decision, Samuels wrote, “To my teammates, thank you for always being there for me and for pushing me to become a better player. The incredible moments we’ve both shared on and off the court have truly been unforgettable. You are all the best sisterhood I ever could have asked for. To my coaches thank you for pushing me to be my very best, not just as a player but as a person.

“With that said, I have decided to enter the transfer portal and look forward to the next chapter of my journey,” she added.

However, given some of Samuels’ social media activity and it taking her a longer time than many other players to decide on a new school, there was some speculation that she could be returning to UConn after all.

But it’s now clear that this is not the case, as Samuels announced on May 30 that she has committed to NC State.

A joint Instagram post from Samuels and the NC State women’s basketball team showcased a graphic of her commitment, along with several photos of her wearing a Wolfpack jersey. The post was captioned, “Welcome to the Pack, Qadence We have a playmaker coming to Raleigh!”

Several current (and former) Huskies players have reacted to this news. UConn guard Ashlynn Shade commented by writing, “Congrats Q! Happy for you!!”

Guard Morgan Cheli posted the announcement on her Instagram story and added, “”. And former Huskies icon Nika Muhl, who played with Samuels in 2023-24 and is now with the Seattle Storm, commented, saying, “Congrats Q!!!!<3”.

Clearly Samuels’ former teammates are feeling happy for her in the wake of this transfer decision.

NIL

Michael Hawkins Jr showcases dual

Emerging Star on the Field and in the Market: Michael Hawkins Jr’s Rise in College Football In the dynamic and fiercely competitive arena of college football, a new star is rapidly ascending. Michael Hawkins Jr., a freshman quarterback for Oklahoma, is not just making waves with his exceptional skills on the field but also marking […]

Published

2 hours ago

May 31, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Emerging Star on the Field and in the Market: Michael Hawkins Jr’s Rise in College Football

In the dynamic and fiercely competitive arena of college football, a new star is rapidly ascending. Michael Hawkins Jr., a freshman quarterback for Oklahoma, is not just making waves with his exceptional skills on the field but also marking his territory in the burgeoning Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) market. His journey, characterized by a remarkable dual-threat capability and mature composure, is a testament to the evolving landscape of college sports where talent meets opportunity.

A Dual-Threat Dynamo

Michael Hawkins Jr. stands out as a beacon of versatility and adaptability in the modern game. His ability to dismantle defenses, not just with his arm but also with his legs, has quickly made him a focal point of Oklahoma’s offensive strategy. This dual-threat prowess is not just a tactical advantage on the field; it’s a symbolic representation of the modern athlete’s multifaceted role in sports today. Hawkins Jr.’s playing style, which seamlessly blends power with agility, offers a glimpse into the future of quarterbacking, where versatility reigns supreme.

Navigating the NIL Landscape

Off the field, Hawkins Jr.’s impact is equally significant. His confirmed partnerships with major brands like Dr. Pepper and Leaf Trading Cards signal a new era where collegiate athletes can leverage their personal brand to secure lucrative deals. These high-profile NIL deals not only underscore Hawkins Jr.’s marketability but also highlight the shifting dynamics of college sports, where athletes now have unprecedented opportunities to benefit from their name, image, and likeness.

The Broader Implications

The rise of athletes like Michael Hawkins Jr. in the NIL space is a watershed moment for college sports. It represents a paradigm shift where the lines between amateurism and professionalism blur, offering a preview of how future generations of athletes will navigate their careers. Hawkins Jr.’s success in securing such deals as a freshman speaks volumes about his potential, not just as an athlete but as a brand ambassador. It underscores the importance of personal branding and marketability in the modern sports era, where athletes must excel both on and off the field to maximize their career opportunities.

A Promising Future Ahead

As Michael Hawkins Jr. continues to develop his game and expand his presence in the NIL market, his journey will undoubtedly inspire many young athletes who dream of following in his footsteps. His ability to balance athletic excellence with savvy business acumen sets a new standard for what it means to be a student-athlete in the 21st century. As college sports continue to evolve, Hawkins Jr.’s story will likely serve as a blueprint for the dual-threat athlete of the future: one who can dominate the competition while also building a personal brand that transcends the boundaries of the field.

In conclusion, Michael Hawkins Jr.’s early success is not just a personal triumph but a signpost for the future of college sports. His journey encapsulates the essence of the modern athlete: versatile, marketable, and unapologetically ambitious. As he continues to carve his path both on the field and in the marketplace, Hawkins Jr. is not just playing the game; he’s changing it.

NIL

Projected Top NBA Draft Pick Reportedly Earned $28 Million in NIL

The biggest star in college basketball last season was undoubtedly Duke Blue Devils’ freshman forward Cooper Flagg. The highly-touted recruit was viewed by many as the best player in the nation before he ever stepped foot on the court in college. Flagg lived up to the enormous hype, though, as he averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 […]

Published

2 hours ago

May 31, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The biggest star in college basketball last season was undoubtedly Duke Blue Devils’ freshman forward Cooper Flagg.

The highly-touted recruit was viewed by many as the best player in the nation before he ever stepped foot on the court in college.

Flagg lived up to the enormous hype, though, as he averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game while leading the Blue Devils to the Final Four. This performance also netted him every major award in the nation, including the coveted Wooden Award, which is handed out to the best player in college hoops on an annual basis.

In the modern era of NIL, Flagg’s enormous star power naturally secured him some very lucrative endorsements, and one prominent analyst recently suggested that the true amount of these NIL deals was much higher than anyone could have guessed.

According to CBS Sports’ Brad Crawford, sports reporter Howard Bryant recently sat down with Bob Costas, and in this conversation, Crawford revealed the jaw-dropping NIL total that Flagg secured in his lone year at Duke.

“$28 million,” Howard said. “He had a $13 million deal with New Balance and then $15 million with Fanatics.”

The crowd in attendance was audibly shocked when Howard dropped the enormous figure, and for good reason.

$28 million is more than many All-Star-caliber NBA veterans currently make, so the thought of a college freshman raking in that much is pretty astonishing.

This figure also may be a case of something being too good to be true, as well.

According to Crawford, it’s likely that Howard was conflating the total amount of the deals that Flagg has signed with the amount they are slated to pay out per season.

“Here’s the thing,” Crawford writes, “Howard’s reported total is likely Flagg’s NIL contracts in totality and not an annual payment. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski previously reported Flagg’s New Balance agreement was ‘significant.’ These are often multiyear contracts between incoming rookies and sneaker companies.”

This seems far more plausible than Flagg getting paid $28 million for one year of college basketball.

After all, the New Balance deal he signed as an incoming college freshman was reportedly for several years, and the company knew full well that only one of those seasons would be at the college level.

While Howard’s reporting might have been a bit sensationalized, there’s no denying that Flagg has used his brand to maximum effect at the college level.

He secured generational paydays before ever stepping foot on an NBA court.

Now, the presumptive first overall draft pick will enter his professional career with a level of financial security that no other rookie has ever known.

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NIL

Mizzou football coaches added to College Football 26, will officially be in the game

After a decade-long absence, college football’s beloved video game made its return in 2025 — and it did not disappoint. Thanks to the new NIL structure, College Football 25 roared back and quickly became the highest-selling sports video game, fueled by years of anticipation and excitement. The viral success of EA Sports’ College Football 25 […]

Published

2 hours ago

May 31, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The viral success of EA Sports’ College Football 25 made it one of the hottest titles in the gaming industry and now, College Football 26 is just around the corner.

College Football 26 is set to release on July 10 and is expected to include a host of new updates and features.

One of the most anticipated new features is the inclusion of real-life coaches in Dynasty Mode.

Last year, Lane Kiffin was one of the first coaches to chime in, saying that he’d appear in the game for free because of the recruiting value alone.

Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz, who’s often aligned with Kiffin on topics over the years, clearly shared a similar mindset.

On Friday, it was announced that Eli Drinkwitz would be featured in the game, and he’ll be joined by his offensive coordinator, Kirby Moore, and defensive coordinator, Corey Batoon.

The landscape of college football is constantly evolving, and it’s wild to think that video games are now part of recruitment, but welcome to the NIL era of CFB.

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