NIL
South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers receives custom action figure through NIL deal with …
Following an impressive 2024 season at South Carolina, LaNorris Sellers is preparing to run it back for Year 2 as the Gamecocks’ starting quarterback. He also continues to capitalize on the NIL front with a $3.7 million On3 NIL Valuation, and he signed a unique deal this week. Sellers inked a partnership with Collegiate Legends, […]
Following an impressive 2024 season at South Carolina, LaNorris Sellers is preparing to run it back for Year 2 as the Gamecocks’ starting quarterback. He also continues to capitalize on the NIL front with a $3.7 million On3 NIL Valuation, and he signed a unique deal this week.
Sellers inked a partnership with Collegiate Legends, the company announced. As part of the NIL deal, he will receive a custom action figure, which is available exclusively at Gamecock Traditions both in-store and online. It is now available for pre-order, priced at $99.99.
In addition, Sellers will gift the action figures to a group of local children. It’s the latest step in the South Carolina star’s plans to give back through NIL and a notable part of the deal.
“This is more than just a toy – it’s a celebration of Gamecock greatness,” said Holly Tanory, president of Collegiate Legends, in a statement. “LaNorris Sellers represents the future of South Carolina football, and we’re honored to capture his rising legacy in this collectible. Partnering with Gamecock Traditions allows us to connect with one of the most passionate fanbases in college sports and deliver something truly meaningful for collectors, young fans, and alumni alike.”
Sellers is one the first NIL deals for Collegiate Legends ahead of the 2025 season. The company recently worked with players at Alabama, launching custom action figures for Jaylen Mbakwe and Malachi Moore last season.
“We’ve worked with a lot of Gamecock Greats in our history and LaNorris is one of the best,” said Gamecock Traditions founder Scott Satterfield in a statement to On3. “The figurine is unique and with the posable features it’s very cool. We’re particularly fond of the Heisman pose it can do!”
More on LaNorris Sellers’ On3 NIL Valuation
LaNorris Sellers put together an impressive 2024 season after taking over as South Carolina’s starting quarterback. He threw for 2,274 yards and 17 touchdowns in the air while adding 655 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on the ground.
All the while, Sellers saw his On3 NIL Valuation soar. Now at $3.7 million ahead of the 2025 campaign, he ranks No. 5 in the college football NIL rankings and No. 7 in the On3 NIL 100, the first of its kind and defacto NIL ranking of the top 100 high school and college athletes ranked by their On3 NIL Valuation.
Amid his impressive 2024 season, Sellers landed an NIL deal with Cheez-It ahead of the Citrus Bowl and also appeared in the EA Sports College Football 25 video game. After the year, he re-signed with the South Carolina-focused NIL collective, Garnet Trust, to ensure his return to Columbia. He had suitors in the transfer portal, On3’s Pete Nakos reported, but ultimately chose to come back for another season at South Carolina.
Sellers also enters his redshirt sophomore campaign with plenty of NFL Draft buzz swirling. In CBS Sports’ way-too-early mock draft, he came in as the No. 6 overall pick and the third quarterback off the projected board as part of a talented class at the position.
NIL
Trump and Coach Saban have the right game plan to save college sports » Coach Tommy Tuberville
“Regardless of which path Trump chooses to address the current state of college sports, I’m confident that his administration — which has already proven to be both effective and unafraid to shake up the status quo — can make meaningful reforms to make sure college sports remain intact.” WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) penned an op-ed […]
“Regardless of which path Trump chooses to address the current state of college sports, I’m confident that his administration — which has already proven to be both effective and unafraid to shake up the status quo — can make meaningful reforms to make sure college sports remain intact.”
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) penned an op-ed in Fox about the current state of Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) and college sports amidst the everchanging NIL landscape. In the piece, Sen. Tuberville addresses the growing problems college athletes are facing with the pay-for-play environment making it nearly impossible for Olympic sports and female athletics to survive. The current “patchwork” of laws has created an uneven playing field that President Trump and Congress are well-positioned to address in the near future. Sen. Tuberville currently serves as the Chairman of the HELP Subcommittee on Education and the American Family.
Read excerpts from Sen. Tuberville’s op-ed below or the full piece here.
“As a former college football coach for 40 years, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of college sports in shaping young lives. From the locker room to the classroom, athletics instill discipline, teamwork and resilience — values that extend far beyond the field. But ever since the Supreme Court ruled that college athletes can be compensated for the use of their Name, Image and Likeness (NIL), college sports have been in a tailspin.
While I’m all for players making money, we need to create national standards to protect the integrity of college sports. Because there are no national rules for NIL contracts, every state has passed its own laws. This patchwork of laws has created an uneven playing field and given some universities advantages over their competitors.
We now have pay-to-play as bidding wars for recruits are starting in middle and high school. This is not to mention the transfer portal, which has become a revolving door with student-athletes jumping from school to school in pursuit of more money.
[…]
Regardless of which path Trump chooses to address the current state of college sports, I’m confident that his administration — which has already proven to be both effective and unafraid to shake up the status quo — can make meaningful reforms to make sure college sports remain intact.
Meanwhile, I’ll continue to work with my colleagues to hopefully draft legislation that could pass both chambers. The challenges facing college sports today are formidable, but not insurmountable. With President Trump’s leadership and a unified approach, we can navigate this new era while preserving the integrity and spirit of collegiate athletics.”
Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.
###
NIL
OSU announces coaching change – Oklahoma State University Athletics
STILLWATER – Oklahoma State University Director of Athletics Chad Weiberg has announced that Cowgirl golf coach Greg Robertson will not return next season. “We appreciate Greg’s service over the past six years and wish him well in the future,” Weiberg said. Annie Young will serve as interim head coach. A national search for […]
“We appreciate Greg’s service over the past six years and wish him well in the future,” Weiberg said.
Annie Young will serve as interim head coach. A national search for the next head coach will begin immediately.
NIL
Geno Auriemma, UConn Land Elite Transfer Portal Guard From Rival USC Trojans
The USC Trojans women’s basketball team lost a couple of players through the NCAA Transfer Portal including guard Kayleigh Heckel. Heckel spent one season with the Women of Troy before announcing her intentions to enter the portal on April 3. Heckel was one of the top available guards in the transfer portal after earning extended […]
The USC Trojans women’s basketball team lost a couple of players through the NCAA Transfer Portal including guard Kayleigh Heckel. Heckel spent one season with the Women of Troy before announcing her intentions to enter the portal on April 3.
Heckel was one of the top available guards in the transfer portal after earning extended minutes in the NCAA Women’s Basketball tournament. Heckel posted on her Instagram on May 20 that she will be transferring to the UConn Huskies.
“K9 by name, husky by nature. see you in storrs! Go huskiesss,” Heckel wrote.
The UConn Huskies knocked out the USC Trojans in the Elite 8 of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, 78-64. It was the second year in a row the Huskies knocked the Trojans out of the tournament in the same round. UConn went on to win the tournament.
The UConn Huskies lost star guard Paige Bueckers, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA Draft. Forward Sarah Strong just completed her freshman season, already on a path to being a top college basketball player. UConn is looking to win back-to-back championships, and Heckel is set to be a part of that team.
Coming out of high school, Heckel was a five-star recruit who committed to the USC Trojans. Throughout her freshman season, Heckel continued to develop as a player, averaging 16.9 minutes with 6.1 points. She also averaged 1.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.3 steals.
MORE: Los Angeles Lakers Insider’s Bold Prediction For Bronny James
MORE: USC Trojans’ Jahkeem Stewart Best True Freshman In All Of College Football?
MORE: Elite 4-Star Recruit Luke Wafle To Commit To USC Trojans Over Penn State, Florida?
With USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins set to miss time, though it is still unknown exact timetable, Heckel could have competed for a starting role with the Women of Troy but ultimately chose to enter the portal. Heckel chose the UConn Huskies over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
While Heckel may begin as a depth piece for the UConn Huskies, she will be led by coach Geno Auriemma, a 12-time national champion-winning head coach. Heckel will be on a squad looking to compete for another national title.
The USC women’s basketball team is heading into a season with a new starting five. With Watkins recovering from her ACL tear, center Rayah Marshall and forward Kiki Iriafen in the WNBA, USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb and the staff have their work cut out for them.
Guard Kennedy Smith will be returning which is a positive for the Trojans. Smith finished the season averaging 9.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 2.2 steals. The USC guard is entering just her sophomore season. Guard Malia Samuels only had one start in the 2024-2025 season but earned more minutes as the season progressed.
Through the Transfer Portal, the Women of Troy acquired guard Kara Dunn, from the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Dunn led Georgia Tech in scoring, averaging 15.5 points per game, and averaged 5.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.1 blocks. The Trojans also acquired former Washington State forward Dayana Mendes. The forward averaged 8.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game last season.
USC will have a standout incoming freshman next season, with five-star recruit Jazzy Davidson joining the team. While the USC team may look different next season, the Women of Troy will be just as competitive, and look to take the next step in the NCAA Tournament.
NIL
Vols' Zakai Zeigler sues for fifth year of eligibility, citing NIL pay
Field Level Media May 21, 2025 at 2:42 PM Tennessee’s Zakai Zeigler (5) during Senior Day presentations after a men’s college basketball game between Tennessee and South Carolina at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center, Saturday, March 8, 2025. (Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images) Tennessee guard Zakai Zeigler is suing […]
Tennessee guard Zakai Zeigler is suing the NCAA for another year of eligibility, claiming he could lose up to $4 million in NIL money if he isn’t allowed to play in 2025-26.
Zeigler’s lawsuit requests a preliminary injunction allowing him to play a fifth season and arguing he will suffer irreparable harm without immediate relief, with schools currently finalizing rosters and settling NIL deals.
According to the Knoxville News Sentinel, Zeigler’s lawsuit challenges the NCAA’s redshirt rule in which players are allowed to play a fifth year if they sit out a year of competition.
Zeigler played four consecutive seasons for the Volunteers from 2021-22 through 2024-25. He argues that he should get be allowed a fifth year of eligibility and its earning potential instead of being punished for not taking a redshirt year, per the News Sentinel.
“All NCAA athletes should be eligible to compete and earn NIL compensation during each year of the five-year window — not just those selected to redshirt,” the court filings state.
Zeigler filed his suit in the Eastern District of Tennessee. In it, he claims he could make between $2 million and $4 million in name, image and likeness money in 2025-26 after making $500,000 in 2024-25.
The lawsuit calls a fifth year “the most lucrative year of the eligibility window for the vast majority of athletes.”
Zeigler set the Tennessee career records for assists (747) and steals (251). The three-time All-SEC pick and two-time league defensive player of the year averaged 11.3 points, 5.4 assists and 2.6 rebounds in 138 career games (83 starts).
He graduated this month from Tenneseee and plans to pursue a graduate degree.
–Field Level Media
