After meeting with former University of Alabama football coach and seven-time national champion Nick Saban, President Trump is considering forming a college sports commission and issuing an executive order to establish national standards for name, image, and likeness (NIL)—an umbrella term that includes how college athletes can earn compensation based on their personal brand and public recognition.

Saban expressed concerns about the current NIL landscape creating an uneven playing field among schools due to disparities in financial resources, especially among powerhouse programs, as well as inconsistencies in NIL laws across different states. Trump was receptive to Saban’s concerns. However, an executive order seeking NIL regulations faces challenges.

For example, many states have enacted their own NIL laws, which are rooted in state right-of-publicity laws. So far, state NIL laws have been very generous toward athletes and have generally removed restrictions on the amount an athlete may earn from NIL. There are currently no federal right-of-publicity laws, and there is no sign that Congress will pass legislation that will explicitly preempt state NIL laws. Thus, an executive order from the Trump administration would at most help set national guidelines for NIL—it would not have the power to override state laws that conflict with those guidelines.

Similarly, an executive order limiting NIL might conflict with state labor and employment laws. For example, in the closely watched Johnson v. NCAA case pending in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, athletes are pursuing employee status not only under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), but also under various state wage laws in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and New York. An executive order limiting NIL compensation would have no authority to preempt or alter these state-specific laws, which are governed by each state’s legal framework.

Additionally, Title IX might be implicated by an executive order regulating NIL. Title IX mandates that male and female athletes at federally funded educational institutions receive equitable treatment in benefits and opportunities. While NIL compensation is typically provided through private deals, this will change under the proposed House v. NCAA settlement if approved, which will allow schools to make payments directly to athletes. If an executive order is perceived to result in any sex-based disparities in school-facilitated NIL or revenue-sharing opportunities, it could trigger legal challenges under Title IX.

A Trump Executive Order Goes Only So Far

NCAA president Charlie Baker has publicly expressed openness to executive action. However, an executive order from the Trump administration will not provide the NCAA with what it truly desires—an antitrust exemption from Congress. The NCAA has long sought an antitrust exemption from Congress that would have the potential to shield it from antitrust litigation, a necessary step to preserve the NCAA’s notion of “amateurism.” Courts have grown increasingly skeptical of the NCAA’s efforts to preserve amateurism, as seen with the outcomes of landmark cases such as O’Bannon v. NCAA and NCAA v. Alston. These cases reflect a broader judicial trend toward scrutinizing NCAA policies under traditional antitrust principles. By obtaining an antitrust exemption, the NCAA could effectively remove these questions from judicial review, placing the authority to define and validate its amateurism framework in the hands of Congress.

An executive order from the Trump administration is better than nothing, but it still leaves the NCAA exposed. An executive order can direct federal agencies, shape enforcement priorities, and clarify regulatory interpretations, but it cannot override existing laws, such as the Sherman Antitrust Act. In other words, even if an executive order expressed support for the NCAA’s amateurism model and restricted NIL compensation, it would have no binding effect on the judiciary. Courts will still be obligated to apply the Sherman Act as written.

In short, while there may be compelling reasons to attempt to bring order to the complex world of college athlete compensation, addressing NIL through an executive order is likely to face significant challenges, particularly if it fails to account for the intricate legal and regulatory issues underlying the current system. And it likely will not bring an end to the NCAA’s legal challenges.

When you get down to it, the decision of JJ Andrews is a Rorschach test.

Except, in this case, there almost certainly will only be two reactions. If the blue-chip talent out of Little Rock Christian dons a cardinal red cap on Thursday at 4 p.m. during his commitment announcement, the Arkansas basketball faithful will see his decision as a vindication for loyalty to one’s native land and further evidence that John Calipari is the greatest recruiter the game has ever seen.

If the junior instead chooses to go with Missouri, then Lord have mercy. It would be like the Malik Monk racket all over again. Instead, this time, the legacy recruit’s Razorback football star relative would be a father and not an older brother.

The amount of angst generated by JJ Andrews going to Mizzou would be like the very bowels of hell opening up across the land, with the Razorback faithful dropping to their knees, hands and eyes heavenward, their lips quivering. “Oh why? How could this happen?”

JJ Andrews and Missouri

The first answer is easy enough: relationships.

Andrews plays for the Bradly Beal Elite AAU program based out of St. Louis. It’s produced both future Razorbacks (Moses Moody, Nick Smith Jr.) and future Tigers (Jeremiah Tilmon) over the years, and naturally Andrews would have made connections in the state of Missouri basketball circles over the last couple years. Plus, he already knows fellow Little Rock native Annor Boateng, the former LR Central star who just finished his first season in Columbia rotting away on the bench.

“He’s really enjoyed the process of them developing his game and learning different ways to just become a better overall person, not only a player,” Andrews told Mizzou Today’s Drew King after his official visit in September. 

On that same trip, he enthused about Mizzou basketball coach Dennis Gates and the staff: “I got the feeling of family there … (Gates is) definitely a person who views family over basketball. From what I’ve heard from the players, he’ll check on you, make sure you’re good.”

Historically, relationships and proximity have probably ranked the top reasons for recruits choosing one specific program over another. While Arkansas basketball fans wouldn’t like it, they could at least swallow such an old-fashioned cause of defeat. It’s understandable enough, especially since Malik Monk already ripped off the bandaid 10 years ago by jilting Arkansas for Kentucky because, in part, he simply wanted to ball out with his buddy De’Aaron Fox.

The second biggest motive for elite recruits is one that didn’t enter the equation with Malik Monk: heaps and heaps of over-the-table money.

In the 2024-25 season, incoming freshmen ranked in the top 30 nationally like Andrews would often command in the upper six digits in NIL compensation, according to various sources.

But going into the 2025-26 season, those amounts have surged upward, fueled by a veritable shopping spree on the part of deep-pocketed donors looking to spend their budgets before the pending revenue sharing likely curtails the degree to which NIL money will factor into future recruits’ decisions.

Even though Andrews still has another year of high school left, state law permits him to enter NIL deals so long as he’s accepted into an Arkansas university or college.

In other words, the 17-year-old Andrews chose the right time to be born. He projects to make much more than On3’s valuation here:

No question, he’s fielded nice NIL offers from Arkansas and Mizzou. Insiders, however, appear torn on which side is likely offering more.

Pig Trail Nation’s Kevin McPherson, for instance, got a tip that indicates Mizzou is the clear leader here.

On his Tuesday HogvilleNET live show, he said somebody with ties to the Bradley Beal Elite program told him that Mizzou had made a recent NIL offer that is the highest Andrews has received. “I wasn’t given specifics other than their lead in that and that the [Mizzou] coaching staff over there feels good that he’s going to be a Missouri tiger,” McPherson added. (247Sports’ Eric Bossi recently also forecasted Andrews to Missouri.)

Arkansas basketball insider Bart Reid, meanwhile, has heard all the trending Andrews-to-Missouri talk, but doesn’t think recent developments are enough to push Arkansas off its perch as the favorite in this recruitment.

His perspective comes from years as a skills development coach in the state, working with the likes of Jaylin Williams, Layden Blocker, Terrion Burgess and Boateng. 

Arkansas Basketball Insider Knows Specific NIL Details

“I know what Annor was being paid and I know what Missouri was paying some of their other recruits coming in. I was a little bit involved in that process,” Reid told “Drivetime Sports” co-host Randy Rainwater on Wednesday.

“I also know what the Razorbacks have paid [recruits],” he added on the Buzz 103.7 FM show. “The disparity between what I think Arkansas would be willing to pay JJ versus what Mizzou is currently paying their top guys coming in, it wouldn’t be on the same threshold. I’m not saying [Mizzou] wouldn’t match that, but I’m saying in dollars and cents, there’s a gap Mizzou would have to make up for.”

This certainly goes against the grain of thinking on Andrews’ situation. “Arkansas has had the inside track on JJ,” Reid continued. “If they did something to lose it, I am not seeing it. I still think it’s Arkansas’s race to lose.”

Don’t relax too much, though, Arkansas fans. Later he added: “But Mizzou could come in tonight and offer a staggering amount of money.”

The Arkansas basketball program, for sure, has a larger warchest than that of Mizzou. In CBS’ reporting last month, Matt Norlander listed Arkansas as one of eight programs with a $10+ million NIL budget and didn’t even bring up Mizzou in the tier below that. 

But in Fayetteville, the pie also gets sliced in a different way. The Hogs bring on board more four- and five-star recruits each year than most other programs, including Mizzou. That may mean it can’t pay one individual four-star who ranks as the program’s third-highest ranked recruit as much as a program where that guy is the top-ranked recruit.

No matter what happens, fair or not, you can be sure JJ Andrews’ college choice will be seen through the lens of loyalty vs lucre.

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UPDATE:

Elite Basketball Recruits from Arkansas

Here’s a look at where four- and five-star recruits from Arkansas over the past 15 years (2010-25), according to the 247Sports Composite, have ended up signing…

2025

• Isaiah Sealy — Springdale — No. 74 — Arkansas

2024

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More from McPherson on Missouri offering JJ the biggest bag starting at 14:40 here:

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Ronnie Brewer discusses how Arkansas basketball handles NIL talks with players at the 2:06:10 mark below:

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More coverage of Arkansas basketball, Arkansas vs Missouri and JJ Andrews from BoAS…

LUBBOCK, Texas – The National Fastpitch Coaches Association announced its All-Region teams for the 2025 season. The teams are voted on by the coaches in those regions as Texas Tech’s NiJaree Canady, Mihyia Davis and Alexa Langeliers were all named to NFCA All-Central Region teams.
 
Canady and Davis earned first team honors while Langeliers was named to the third team.
 
This is the first time since 2019 that Texas Tech has had two players selected to an NFCA All-Region First Team. Tech’s three total selections is tied for third most in program history.
 
The Red Raiders will host its first ever NCAA Regional Round beginning tomorrow at 4:30 p.m. against Brown.
 

St. John Bosco (Calif.) will have one of the top high school basketball prospects in the nation on its roster next season. According to multiple reports, first by Frank Burlison, five-star small forward Tajh Ariza, the son of former NBA veteran Trevor Ariza, has transferred from Westchester Senior to SJB and is already enrolled in classes.

The 6-foot-8, 180-pounder just led Westchester, his father’s alma mater, to a 24-win season and a Los Angeles City Section title. Previously, Ariza played for St. Bernard in Playa Del Ray. He will be getting some good NIL money, and he already has plans on how he hopes to spend his first NIL check.

Tajh Ariza Reveals How He Plans On Spending His First NIL Check

Ariza has an NIL value of roughly 578K, according to On3 Sports. So, it’s safe to say Ariza will be seeing some good money coming in right off the bat. When asked about what he plans to do with it, Ariza already has some thoughts on his mind.

“I’m probably going to save it, maybe give a little to my mom,” Ariza tells The Field of 68’s Ari Umana. “It depends on how much it is, though. Put a little bit to the side to spend, give some back to my mom and people at home, and just save the rest.”

The addition of Ariza creates a true three-headed monster for the Braves next season. The elite forward is set to join forces with Five-Star Plus+ combo guard Brandon McCoy and Five-Star Plus+ SF Christian Collins, the No. 2 and 3 overall prospects in the 2026 cycle, respectively. Ariza and Collins previously played together at St. Bernard.

Bosco was dominant once again last season, finishing as the nation’s No. 26 overall team and No. 6 team in California, according to the On3 Composite Rankings. The Braves will be a national favorite heading into the 2025-26 campaign.

Ariza ranks No. 8 overall, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He already owns college offers from the likes of USC, UCLA, Kansas, Arkansas, Kentucky and Florida. Ariza is a UCLA legacy.

When previously speaking with On3, Ariza discussed what he’s looking for in his home at the next level:

“Really, I’m looking for a welcoming environment. I’m also looking for coaches that are going to hold me accountable and develop me, because I’m not trying to stay in college for more than a year. I’m trying to get in and get out. So I want to play for someone who has the same vision as me. I want to win and I want to develop, so I want to play for a coach that is going to push me.

“I’m comfortable playing in a pro-style-type offense. I like to space the floor, run some sets, get out and run, and be around people who just know how to play ball.”

“I’m a versatile, all-around player,” he added. “I crash the boards, space the floor, read the floor, pass, and play defense. I got a lot stronger in the off-season. So I’ve been working on my body and I’m playing with that new strength and my skill set.”

Ariza already shared that he has an NIL deal signed with Marathon, which was first signed back in November of 2024.

“I have a partnership with Marathon; that’s like an LA-based brand, so it’s pretty big for me, considering I grew up in LA,” Tajh shared.

KEEP READING: 3 Reasons Eric Reibe Could Be UConn’s X-Factor in 2025

“But it was really, for me, mostly for my teammates, like, So you know, we can really wake the city back up, and you know, just for my teammates so we could raise, you know, do a couple things, raise money, you know, just have fun.” He added.

College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and baseball!

STILLWATER — Six members of the Oklahoma State Softball team have been awarded Midwest All-Region honors by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association, the organization announced today.
 
The group of six are highlighted by first team All-Region selections Ruby Meylan and Rosie Davis.
 
A 2023 third team All-American while at Washington, Meylan is enjoying the best season of her career as she boasts a 21-8 record and a 1.61 ERA with 229 strikeouts on the year. She leads the Big 12 in innings pitched (196), complete games (16) and shutouts (six) and ranks inside the top 10 nationally in strikeouts. Meylan limits batters to a 1.88 batting average and has thrown three one-hitters this year. This marks the third first team All-Region honor of her career.
 
Davis, a unanimous selection to the All-Big 12 first team, has been consistent at the plate all year. OSU’s second baseman is one of four players in the Big 12 with at least 50 RBIs and is batting .349 with a .589 slugging percentage. Davis has also contributed with 29 runs scored, 11 doubles and eight home runs on the year. With this honor, the sophomore collected her second All-Region accolade of her career.
 
Tia Warsop and Megan Delgadillo were named to the All-Region second team.
 
Warsop enjoyed a breakout year after receiving regular playing time for the first time in her career. The speedster leads the team with a .358 batting average and is 19-for-20 on stolen base attempts. OSU has won all but three games Warsop has scored a run in this season. This is the first All-Region honor of her career.
 
The reigning NFCA Golden Shoe recipient and Cal State Fullerton transfer, Delgadillo has continued to add to her prolific career this season as she leads the Big 12 with 33 stolen bases. She’s also the current Division 1 active leader in three different statistics: games played (257), at-bats (847) and stolen bases (184). Delgadillo collected the third All-Region honor of her career with this recognition.
 
Amanda Hasler and Karli Godwin were bestowed third team All-Region recognition.
 
Hasler’s been one of the most powerful batters in the Big 12 this year and was unanimously selected to the All-Big 12 first team. She leads the team with 15 home runs on the year and leads the conference in two different statistics: OPS (1.459) and slugging percentage (.936). This marks the first All-Region honor of her career.
 
Godwin picked up her second set of All-Region honors after a strong sophomore campaign. The first baseman holds a batting average of .314 with 28 RBIs and five home runs and ranks seventh in the Big 12 with 12 doubles on the year.
 
The Cowgirls begin their NCAA tournament at 3 p.m. CT Friday against Indiana at the Fayetteville Regional. The game will be televised on ESPN2 and can be heard on the Varsity Network app.
 
For season-long coverage of Oklahoma State Softball, visit okstate.com and follow @CowgirlSB on X and @osusoftball on Instagram. For tickets, visit okstate.com/tickets
or call 877-ALL-4-OSU.