Last Updated on June 16, 2025

WWE has launched the fifth installment of its name, image, and likeness “Next In Line” program featuring 12 new collegiate athletes. This latest class features some familiar names that have etched their names in professional wrestling lore.

Leading the class is Jacob Henry, the son of WWE Heavyweight Champion and Hall of Famer Mark Henry. Henry made a name for himself as a renowned weightlifting superstar before transitioning into the WWE, where he set records and won awards at the national and international levels. Jacob is a member of both Oklahoma’s football and wrestling teams. 

Jacksonville State wide receiver Brock Rechsteiner is the son of WCW Heavyweight Champion Scott Steiner, who was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame along with his brother Rick. It is also worth noting that not only did the Steiner Brothers become one of the best tag team wrestling duos, but they also wrestled collegiately at the University of Michigan. 

UCF Junior linebacker TJ Bullard is the son of former WWE wrestler Titus O’Neil. O’Neill, whose real name is Thaddeus Bullard, had played football collegiately for the University of Florida. Thaddeus also serves as a Global Ambassador for the WWE. 

Colorado State’s senior defensive lineman, Hidetora Hanada, rounds out the football players in this class. Before his time on the gridiron, Hanada was an all-world Japanese Sumo wrestler. He even earned gold in the World Games in 2022. 

Next In Line continues to highlight collegiate talent across various sports. This class includes track and field athletes Meghan Walker (Nebraska), Kerrigan Huyh (University of Central Oklahoma), and Zuriel Jimenez (Columbia), as well as lacrosse standout Garrett Beck (Grand Canyon). In field hockey, Bianca Pizano (Michigan State), in women’s basketball, Fatima Katembo (LSU Shreveport) and Gina Adams (Lynn University), and in women’s ice hockey, Madison Kaiser (Minnesota). Collectively, this recent class demonstrates that the talent pipeline is more robust and diverse than ever for WWE, with the hope that these athletes will soon be entering the ring.

ESPN has released its College Football Future Power Rankings, consisting of the 68 Power 4 teams in college football. 

This is ESPN’s way of evaluating each program’s future with the ever-changing college athletics landscape. With all the changes, their future power rankings only hold up for the next two seasons, as it is nearly impossible to know how each team will look beyond 2026 with the constantly changing NIL and transfer portal. 

ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg examined several variables for his power rankings: the returning quarterback, the likelihood of a multiyear QB on the roster, the offensive line/defensive line outlook, roster management, star power (All-Americans, national award contenders, all-conference contenders), and coaching staff. 

Tennessee checks some of these boxes, but after the fallout with Nico Iamaleava, there isn’t a clear future at quarterback, and the Vols don’t have a returning quarterback. Without those options, Tennessee is going to have to rely on its line play, roster management, star power, and coaching staff. 

Rittenberg shared the same concerns in his examination of Tennessee’s future. He ranked Tennessee the No. 9 program in college football and the No. 4 program in the SEC. 

That makes Tennessee fourth out of five SEC teams in the top ten. Texas holds the top spot at No. 1, Georgia ranks No. 3, LSU ranks No. 8, and SEC rival Alabama is at No. 10. Other SEC schools made the top 25, including Florida at No. 15, Ole Miss at No. 16, South Carolina at No. 18, and Missouri at No. 22. 

Star power and coaching staff are among the best categories for the Vols. Players have earned several awards in recent years, while the coaching staff has continuously developed their team and led the Vols to their first College Football Playoff appearance last season. 

“Star power: McCoy earned second-team All-SEC honors last season after sharing the team lead with four interceptions while adding a forced fumble,” Rittenberg writes. “Carter, Josephs, and other returning defenders should be all-conference contenders. 

“Coach Josh Heupel’s offense creates opportunities for stardom, which should help Aguilar, Thomas, the returning receivers, and other running backs like sophomores DeSean Bishop and Peyton Lewis. Moe was a second-team All-Pac 12 selection for Arizona in 2023.”

Tennessee is likely to have to rely on its defense again this year. As Rittenberg mentions, there is a lot of potential on the defensive side of the ball, with rising stars looking to break out on offense. 

The Vols’ coaching staff is another high point, as Heupel has put together a solid staff on both sides of the ball. Retaining defensive coordinator Tim Banks and linebackers coach William Inge have been vital to Tennessee’s defensive success and will continue to improve the Vols’ defense in the future. 

“Coaching staff: After leading Tennessee to its first playoff appearance, Heupel has exceeded most outside expectations with a 37-15 record in Knoxville. He brings back primary coordinators Tim Banks (defense) and Joey Halzle (offense), while making a few changes to the group of position coaches.”

Tennessee has the coaching staff and roster to be College Football Playoff contenders for years to come. How Heupel and the Vols manage NIL, and the transfer portal could determine how successful the Vols will be in the near future.

The Forgotten Heroes of College Football

In the ever-evolving landscape of college athletics, the introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights has sparked a transformative shift, yet it has also cast a shadow over those who paved the way for today’s lucrative opportunities. For many former college football legends, this newfound financial freedom feels bittersweet, as they reflect on a time when their contributions to the sport went unrewarded.

The Legacy of Sacrifice

Terrence Cody, a two-time national champion under the legendary coach Nick Saban, stands at the forefront of this discussion. He embodies the spirit of a generation that helped cultivate college football into a billion-dollar industry, yet he and many of his contemporaries were denied the financial benefits that current athletes now enjoy. “We gave everything to the game, yet received nothing in return,” Cody emphasizes, highlighting the stark contrast between past and present.

For players like Cody, the sacrifices made during their collegiate careers were immense. They dedicated countless hours to training, competing, and representing their institutions, often at the expense of their personal lives and future prospects. Yet, as the NIL era dawned, these athletes were left to ponder what might have been had their talents been recognized and rewarded during their playing days.

A Missed Opportunity

The introduction of NIL rights has undoubtedly revolutionized college sports, allowing current athletes to capitalize on their fame and abilities. However, it also raises questions about equity and recognition for those who laid the groundwork. Many former players feel that their contributions have been overlooked in the rush to celebrate the current generation. The financial gains now available to student-athletes highlight a significant disparity, leaving many former stars wondering about the millions they missed out on.

Cody’s message serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of acknowledging the past. The NCAA’s recent settlement discussions regarding athlete compensation reflect a growing awareness of these issues, but for many, it feels like too little, too late. The conversation around NIL should not only focus on the present but also honor the legacy of those who came before.

The Path Forward

As the landscape of college athletics continues to evolve, it is crucial for stakeholders—coaches, administrators, and fans—to recognize the contributions of past players. By fostering a culture that values the history of the sport, there is an opportunity to bridge the gap between generations of athletes.

Cody’s voice, along with those of his peers, calls for a more inclusive dialogue that acknowledges the sacrifices of former players while celebrating the successes of current athletes. It is a reminder that the story of college football is not just about the present, but also about the rich tapestry woven by those who played before.

Reflecting on the Journey

Ultimately, the emergence of NIL rights presents a chance to reshape the narrative surrounding college athletics. As the sport moves forward, it is essential to honor the legacy of past heroes while empowering the next generation. Terrence Cody’s reflections on the missed opportunities of yesteryear serve as both a cautionary tale and a call to action, urging all involved in the sport to ensure that the contributions of every athlete are recognized and valued.

In this ever-changing landscape, the challenge remains: how can we ensure that the sacrifices of those who came before are not forgotten as we celebrate the new era of college football? The answer lies in fostering a culture of respect and recognition, one that honors the past while embracing the future.

Associated Press

Louisiana is poised to hike taxes on sports betting to pump more than $24 million into athletic departments at the state’s most prominent public universities.

Legislation pending before Gov. Jeff Landry would make Louisiana the first state to raise taxes to fund college sports since a judge approved a landmark settlement with the NCAA allowing schools to directly pay athletes for use of their name, image and likeness (NIL). Anticipating the court’s approval, Arkansas this year became the first to waive state income taxes on NIL payments made to athletes by higher education institutions.

More states seem almost certain to adopt their own creative ways to gain an edge — or at least keep pace — in the rapidly evolving and highly competitive field of college sports.

“These bills, and the inevitable ones that will follow, are intended to make states ’college-athlete friendly,’” said David Carter, founder of the Sports Business Group consultancy and an adjunct professor at the University of Southern California. But “they will no doubt continue to stoke the debate about the `perceived’ preferential treatment afforded athletes.”

The new NCCA rules allowing direct payments to college athletes kick in July 1. In the first year, each Division I school can share up to $20.5 million with its athletes — a figure that may be easier to meet for big-time programs than for smaller schools weighing whether to divert money from other purposes. The settlement also continues to allow college athletes to receive NIL money from third parties, such as donor-backed collectives that support specific schools.

Louisiana bill sponsor: `We love football’

The Louisiana legislation won final approval just two days after a judge approved the antitrust settlement between the NCAA and athletes, but it had been in the works for months. Athletic directors from many of Louisiana’s universities met earlier this year and hashed out a plan with lawmakers to relieve some of their financial pressures by dividing a share of the state’s sports betting tax revenue.

The biggest question for lawmakers was how large of a tax increase to support. The initial proposal sought to double the state’s 15% tax on net proceeds from online sports betting. But lawmakers ultimately agreed on a 21.5% tax rate in a compromise with the industry.

One-quarter of the tax revenue from online sports wagering — an estimated $24.3 million — would be split equally among 11 public universities in conferences with Division I football programs. The money must be used “for the benefit of student athletes,” including scholarships, insurance, medical coverage, facility enhancements and litigation settlement fees.

The state tax money won’t provide direct NIL payments to athletes. But it could facilitate that indirectly by freeing up other university resources.

The legislation passed overwhelmingly in the final days of Louisiana’s annual session.

“We love football in Louisiana – that’s the easiest way to say it,” said Republican state Rep. Neil Riser, who sponsored the bill.

Smaller universities are feeling the squeeze

Many colleges and universities across the country have been feeling a financial squeeze, but it’s especially affected the athletic departments of smaller schools.

Athletic departments in the top Division I football conferences take in millions of dollars from media rights, donors, corporate sponsors and ticket sales, with a median of just 7% coming from student fees and institutional and government support, according to the Knight-Newhouse College Athletics Database.

But the remaining schools in Division I football bowl conferences got a median of 63% of the revenue from such sources last year. And schools without football teams got a median of 81% of their athletic department revenues from institutional and governmental support or student fees.

Riser said Louisiana’s smaller universities, in particular, have been struggling financially and have shifted money from their general funds to their sports programs to try to remain competitive. At the same time, the state has taken in millions of dollars of tax revenue from sports bets made at least partly on college athletics.

“Without the athletes, we wouldn’t have the revenue. I just felt like it’s fairness that we do give something back and, at the same time, help the general funds of the universities,” Riser said.

Other states are investing in college sports

Louisiana would become the second state behind North Carolina to dedicate a portion of its sports wagering revenues to colleges athletics. North Carolina launched online sports wagering last year under a state law earmarking part of an 18% tax on gross gaming revenue to the athletic departments at 13 public universities. The state’s two largest institutions were excluded. But that might be about to change.

Differing budget plans passed by the state House and Senate this year both would start allotting sports betting tax revenue to the athletic programs at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University. The Senate version also would double the tax rate. The proposals come a year after University of North Carolina trustees approved an audit of the athletics department after a preliminary budget projected about $100 million of debt in the years ahead.

Other schools also are taking actions because of deficits in their athletic departments. Last week, University of Kentucky trustees approved a $31 million operating loan for the athletics department as it begins making direct NIL payments to athletes. That came after trustees in April voted to convert the Kentucky athletics department into a limited-liability holding company — Champions Blue LLC — to more nimbly navigate the emerging financial pressures.

Given the money involved in college athletics, it’s not surprising that states are starting to provide tax money to athletic departments or — as in Arkansas’ case — tax relief to college athletes, said Patrick Rishe, executive director of the sports business program at Washington University in St. Louis.

“If you can attract better athletes to your schools and your states, then this is more visibility to your states, this is more potential out-of-town economic activity for your state,” Rishe said. “I do think you’re going to see many states pursue this, because you don’t want to be the state that’s left exposed or at a disadvantage.”