Connect with us
https://yoursportsnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/call-to-1.png

NIL

Texas A&M Aggies to Distribute $18 Million in NIL Across Six Sports

Published

6 months ago

on


Collegiate athletics will never be the same.

Following the approval of the $2.8 billion settlement in the House v. NCAA case, universities are now allowed to enter revenue-sharing agreements with their student athletes. Texas A&M Aggies athletic director Trev Alberts announced the Aggies’ plan for the new age, according to TexAgsLive on X.

The university will distribute $18 million across football, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, softball and volleyball to share with the student athletes. Prior to the settlement, the athletes’ only source of income could be through name, image and likeness-related deals.

Texas A&M head coach Michael Earley

Texas A&M head coach Michael Earley talks to an official during the Lone Star Showdown against Texas at UFCU Disch-Falk Field on Friday, April 25, 2025. / Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

On top of the revenue-related changes, the settlement brought roster and scholarship changes. One of the newest changes are set roster limits. Most notably, baseball is limited to 34 roster spots, men’s and women’s basketball are both capped at 15, football at 105, softball at 25 and volleyball at 18.

Another change came to the amount of scholarships each sport is allowed. Baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball and softball all can afford to have every player on scholarship, while football is only allowed 85 scholarships to distribute across its 105-player roster.

With the new costs looming, Alberts announced a plan to save nearly $9 million. The plan includes budget cuts to sports teams, workforce “right-sizing” and decreased variable expenses tied to the numner of student athletes.

The uncertainty faced since the beginning of the NIL era has been a challenge all of college sports has had to navigate.

“An unregulated market that we’ve lived in the last three to four years is not in the best interest of anybody, including the student-athletes,” Alberts said on Monday.

Alberts was quick to formulate a plan and has a clear vision for the future of the program.

“… You first put as the North Star: ‘What is in the best long-term interest of Texas A&M and Texas A&M athletics?’ Period,” Alberts said. “This is not ‘What’s in the best interest of Trev Alberts or any other individual or organization.’ It has to be, ‘This is about Texas A&M.'”





Link

5
Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

NIL

Texas’ Michael Taaffe reveals ‘different’ approach to navigating NIL

Published

53 minutes ago

on

December 19, 2025

By


During his time at Texas, Michael Taaffe built an impressive social media following with more than 80,000 followers across Instagram and X. That platform is important in the NIL era – but Taaffe took a “different” approach.

Taaffe didn’t ink many high-profile deals during his time at Texas. He was part of Sonic’s activation along with some Longhorns teammates and Texas A&M players, and he joined Seat Geek’s initiative ahead of last year’s College Football Playoff.

SUBSCRIBE to the On3 NIL and Sports Business Newsletter

Instead, Taaffe’s focus remained on the big picture, which included his efforts with Texas Against Fentanyl. That’s why he wasn’t necessarily active in the NIL space with deals.

“I think NIL, for me, has been a little bit different because there’s opportunities that I have taken to get a little cash in the wallet, in the pocket,” Taaffe told On3 via Zoom on behalf of Allstate. “But I think, would you much rather have this little success? This little financial success that at the end of the day, when you have to go buy a house, when you have to get a car, when you have to pay rent, this little success isn’t going to matter in the long-term? Or, would you rather have success and significance to the University of Texas that will last 100 years? I chose that route.”

Taaffe focused on giving back throughout his time at Texas. His efforts in substance abuse prevention helped him win the Wuerrfel Trophy, the premier award for community service. He helped raise nearly $60,000 for Texas Against Fentanyl through a fundraiser, which he said helped cover the organization’s yearly budget.

Taaffe’s efforts went beyond substance abuse awareness, though. He also helped raise more than $100,000 for the Texas Flood Relief Foundation after the flooding at Camp Mystic earlier this year and has visited the Dell Children’s Hospital to distribute food.

But while other athletes star in ads or promote different products through NIL, Michael Taaffe wanted the ability to have a platform to make a difference. He understands why his peers have a different approach, though. It just didn’t fit with his goals.

“I don’t fault anybody for the routes they take,” Taaffe said. “But I just knew that I believe being significant is way more important than being successful.”



Link

0
Continue Reading

NIL

Michael Wilbon claims Kalen DeBoer will leave Alabama for Michigan with loss in College Football Playoff opener

Published

2 hours ago

on

December 19, 2025

By


The College Football Playoff gets underway Friday night as Alabama heads to Norman to take on Oklahoma. But to ESPN’s Michael Wilbon, there’s even more at stake for Crimson Tide coach Kalen DeBoer.

DeBoer’s name has been the subject of rumors throughout the offseason in the coaching carousel. Most recently, he received questions about the opening at Michigan following Sherrone Moore’s firing for cause, though he made it clear he intends to be at Alabama in 2026.

However, Wilbon didn’t sound as convinced. He predicted Alabama would not only lose to Oklahoma on Friday night, but DeBoer would also be on a flight to Ann Arbor to take the Michigan job afterward.

“Let me tell you about … two schools that could be in the coaching carousel after [Friday night],” Wilbon said Thursday on Pardon The Interruption. “Because when Alabama loses to Oklahoma – let me say it again, when Alabama loses to Oklahoma – the coach of Alabama, half the people in the state will want to run him out. And he’ll be on the carousel – oh, wait, that’s a G5 being flown to Ann Arbor, Mich., where he has said, ‘Oh, no. I ain’t got no interest in that.’ He’ll have interest [Friday night].

“And then, Alabama will be in the coaching carousel because they’ll be looking for a coach. … The Alabama coach is going to have a job-on-the-line situation in 24 hours and then, headed to Michigan once he loses. And then, Alabama’s looking. Then, what are you going to say?”

During a press conference this week ahead of the College Football Playoff opener, Kalen DeBoer was directly asked if he intended to be Alabama’s head coach next season. He responded, “Yes.”

Earlier in that press conference, DeBoer received a question about the rumors surrounding him. He again spoke highly of his tenure at Alabama so far and made it clear he’s happy in Tuscaloosa.

“A lot of the same things I said before, a couple weeks ago, when asked really the same question, just feel completely supported,” DeBoer said. “My family loves living here. Just all the things that we continue to build on, love the progress. Haven’t talked with anyone, no plans of talking with anyone. So just, I think that’s a lot of what I said a couple weeks ago, and continues to be the same thing. 

“Feel strong about it. And our guys, if there’s been any distraction, I haven’t seen it, haven’t felt it. I’m really proud of the way they’ve handled whatever noise is out there. And again, we probably all season long, have dealt with enough noise to where it wouldn’t surprise me on how they handle this.”



Link

2
Continue Reading

NIL

Matt Rhule Addresses Dylan Raiola, NIL Investment and the Portal Era

Published

3 hours ago

on

December 19, 2025

By


Matt Rhule sounded comfortable, confident, and in control during his interview Wednesday night with the Husker Radio Network ahead of Nebraska’s bowl matchup against Utah.

At times relaxed, “Just Matt,” as he put it when the hat turned backward, Rhule covered a wide range of topics that collectively outlined where the program stands and where it’s headed over the coming months.

From his former starting quarterback and the transfer portal to staff changes and Nebraska’s evolving financial status, Rhule touched on nearly everything Husker fans want to know during an offseason filled with uncertainty.

With that in mind, here’s what Rhule said about the state of his program heading into his fourth offseason in Lincoln.

Dylan Raiola, the portal era, and Nebraska’s quarterback outlook

Making his first public comments on the subject since the news broke on Dec. 15, Rhule didn’t shy away from addressing Dylan Raiola’s decision to enter the transfer portal. Instead, the Huskers’ head coach framed it as a reality of modern college football.

“I think all of our fans, all of our staff, we all just have to embrace it,” Rhule said. “We’re in the portal era. The portal will giveth and the portal will taketh away. It’s just the new normal.”

Raiola’s impact on the program wasn’t dismissed. As the first five-star quarterback to commit to Nebraska, Rhule said, he helped shift national perception around the program.

Former Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola started 22 games for the Huskers in his two years with the program.

Quarterback Dylan Raiola started 22 games for the Huskers in his two years with the program. | Kenny Larabee, KLIN

“He was the first five-star to come here and signal to everybody, ‘Hey, it’s cool to come to Nebraska,’” Rhule said. “And I think you’ve seen some players follow suit.”

Since then, December of 2023 to be exact, the Huskers have been able to sign two other five-star recruits. Williams Nwaneri (No. 6 overall recruit) was ranked one spot higher in the 2024 class than Raiola and eventually joined the Huskers’ roster via the transfer portal prior to the 2025 season. And on Dec. 5 of this year, Danny Odem (No. 31 overall recruit) signed his letter of intent to join the Huskers’ roster in 2026.

While acknowledging Raiola’s desire for a fresh start, Rhule also emphasized Nebraska’s preparedness moving forward.

“If he needs a fresh start, I’m going to pray that he finds the right place and has success,” Rhule said. “With that being said, there’s a lot of great quarterbacks out there and a lot of guys want to play at Nebraska.”

Nebraska quarterback TJ Lateef has started three games for the Huskers during his true freshman season.

Nebraska quarterback TJ Lateef has started three games for the Huskers during his true freshman season. He is expected to be the starter in the Las Vegas Bowl as well. | Kenny Larabee, KLIN

Following his comments on Raiola, Rhule made it a point to publicly reinforce his belief in the quarterback currently on Nebraska’s roster, TJ Lateef.

“We have a great quarterback in Lateef,” Rhule said. “I don’t think there’s a guy on our roster that doesn’t believe TJ is a starting quarterback.”

While praising Lateef’s mindset and approach, the head coach noted that his first-year player has embraced responsibility rather than shying away.

“TJ has no confidence issues and he doesn’t make excuses,” Rhule said. “He doesn’t blame other people. He knows he can be our starting quarterback, and he’s going to do a great job against Utah. He’s going to win a lot of games for us at the University of Nebraska.”

While a vote of confidence may be exactly what his new signal-caller needs, Rhule also reiterated the importance of depth at the position, particularly in today’s college football landscape.

“We’ll have great quarterbacks in that room,” Rhule said. “You need more than one. People want to play for Dana Holgorsen. They want to play for Glenn Thomas.”

If one thing over the offseason is true, Rhule isn’t interested in keeping his program at the status quo. He wants the players on his roster to have the ability to develop into the players they want to be, and he’s putting new coaches in place to do just that.

Matt Rhule made it clear his program will continue to lean on development of players on their roster moving forward.

Matt Rhule made it clear his program will continue to lean on the development of players on their roster moving forward. | Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Single portal window, financial outlook, and Nebraska’s changing staff

While the transfer portal remains a major tool, Rhule emphasized that Nebraska’s approach, now and always, will be to develop players first. And amid changes to the portal window, it has allowed the coaching staff to spend more time focused on player development.

“Historically, in December you’re on the road recruiting,” Rhule said. “But now, we’re all able to be out there and we are focused. We’re focused on getting our team better.”

With a roster like Nebraska’s, currently featuring 91 scholarship players listed as underclassmen, development is exactly what his program needs. And now, with a new-and-improved recruiting schedule in his advantage, the Huskers’ head coach is using his time to help his younger guys take the next step.

Isaiah Mozee took second-string reps behind Big Ten Running Back of the Year Emmett Johnson this fall.

Isaiah Mozee took second-string reps behind Big Ten Running Back of the Year Emmett Johnson this fall. | Kenny Larabee, KLIN

Rhule also noted that much of Nebraska’s roster is made up of players the current staff recruited but have yet to be given their opportunity.

“I believe they’re good players,” Rhule said. “We were a part of recruiting them. They’re our guys. Before we start looking to the portal, we want to make sure we get a real evaluation of our guys and what role they can fill.”

As encouraging as that should be, and is, the head coach made it clear his comment doesn’t mean Nebraska will shy away from portal additions come January.

“We’re going to do both,” Rhule said. “We want guys to burst onto the scene the way Emmett Johnson did. But we also want to go out and get players in the portal that can help us.”

He finished out the topic by saying, “Our job is to put together the most competitive team full of great players. Guys can’t be afraid of that.”

Nebraska Athletics officially partner with the 1890 Initiative on NIL.

Nebraska Athletics’ former partnership with the 1890 Initiative has ended, as the university is moving its NIL operations in-house. | @Huskers on X

Perhaps the most interesting portion of Rhule’s interview centered on Nebraska’s financial standing entering the upcoming offseason. To this point in time, the Husker fan base has been told their favorite program is competitive, but after speaking with Rhule, the Huskers Radio Network was able to discover that 2026 will be vastly improved.

“This will be the first year that we’re at the higher end of the market,” Rhule said. “We might not be where Texas and Texas A&M are, but we’re right there. We’re right below that.”

For context, both of the aforementioned schools have been able to compete at the highest level of college football in recent years. Both programs have or will compete in the College Football Playoff, and don’t appear to be handicapped financially in any way.

Nebraska athletics director Troy Dannen smiles during the Northwestern game.

Nebraska athletics director Troy Dannen smiles during the Northwestern game. | Kenny Larabee, KLIN

Rhule credited athletic director Troy Dannen for positioning Nebraska to compete financially, both in retaining talent and adding impact players.

“For every player that leaves and goes and has four or five sacks, we don’t want to lose those guys,” Rhule said. “We want to keep the players that can help us.”

But from Rhule’s perspective, it isn’t just Dannen that helps the Huskers compete for the nation’s top talent. He also highlighted Nebraska’s fan base as a unique advantage in the NIL space, particularly through local business partnerships and “true NIL” opportunities beyond revenue sharing.

“It’s a differentiator for us,” Rhule said. “It’ll help us in the portal. But make no mistake — having money does not mean you’re going to have a good team. But if you don’t have money, it’s pretty hard to have a good team.”

The head coach finished his comments bluntly, without offering an excuse. “There is no in between,” Rhule added. “Either we do this to be successful, or we don’t, and we become a Group of Four team.”

New Nebraska offensive line coach Geep Wade (left) and defensive coordinator Rob Aurich (right).

New Nebraska offensive line coach Geep Wade (left) and defensive coordinator Rob Aurich (right). | Georgia Tech Athletics & San Diego State Athletics

The other aspect of having a competitive team is having competent coaches on the staff. Following changes made after the regular season, Rhule described the transition as an opportunity for fresh evaluation across his roster.

“They’re getting a fresh look at these guys,” Rhule said, plainly. After additions were made, the head coach made it known how big an opportunity securing a sixth win in 2025 gave the Huskers to further assess needs moving forward.

With the dismissal of former defensive line coach Terry Bradden, Rhule himself has taken over defensive line duties, embracing a hands-on role during bowl prep. Nebraska defensive lineman Riley Van Poppel was also rewarded with a Blackshirt ahead of the matchup with Utah after playing in every contest this season and earning two starts.

Nebraska defensive lineman Riley Van Poppel earned a single-digit jersey ahead of 2025.

Nebraska defensive lineman Riley Van Poppel earned a single-digit jersey ahead of 2025. He now stands as the most recent addition to the Blackshirts. | Kenny Larabee, KLIN

Rhule praised new defensive coordinator Rob Aurich for his ability to lead and develop players. He even suggested the new leader of the defense has taught him some new tricks.

“It doesn’t matter the scheme,” Rhule said. “It matters that your players know the scheme and can adapt.” With recent comments from interim defensive coordinator Phil Snow suggesting the Huskers struggled knowing responsibilities in 2025, Rhule’s comments offered confidence that under Aurich, that won’t be the case.

On new offensive line coach Geep Wade, Rhule emphasized physicality and confidence as key traits he wants to see moving forward. Something the Huskers’ head coach saw from Wade’s former units on tape.

“I want them playing with a level of violence and physicality that only comes from confidence,” Rhule said. With just two of Nebraska’s starting offensive linemen set to return, Wade will have the ability, either by financially obtaining the players needed or by developing them, to kickstart the mindset change.

Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson takes off on a 70-yard run against Iowa.

Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson takes off on a 70-yard run against Iowa. | Cory Edmondson, KFGE

Quick Hits

  • On Nebraska continuing to work on its current roster ahead of the January transfer portal window, Rhule said the focus right now is on retention. “At this time right now, we’re doing a lot of work with our current roster in terms of re-signing guys to contracts and signing guys up for next year.”

  • On young running backs Mekhi Nelson and Isaiah Mozee potentially stepping into larger roles, Rhule said the belief inside the program is already there. “If you asked every guy on our team what they think about Mekhi Nelson and Isaiah Mozee, I think they’d say it’s kind of like a ticking time bomb. They’ve been waiting for their opportunity to explode.”

  • On what makes new defensive coordinator Rob Aurich a good man for the job at Nebraska, Rhule said, he’s got characteristics similar to Tony White. “Because he’s had two huge defensive turnarounds as a first-year coordinator. That to me is the ultimate- It’s what Tony White did when he got here.”

  • On what being more competitive financially will do for his program, Rhule said they will not be handicapped. “We spent two and a half years trying to reestablish the foundation of the program. Make no mistake, it was rocky. And I can turn my attention now more to football.”

More From Nebraska On SI

Stay up to date on all things Huskers by bookmarking Nebraska Cornhuskers On SI, subscribing to HuskerMax on YouTube, and visiting HuskerMax.com daily.





Link

3
Continue Reading

NIL

Memphis HC Penny Hardaway: I ‘Fined’ Aaron Bradshaw NIL Money to Motivate Him

Published

4 hours ago

on

December 19, 2025

By


How do you get somebody’s attention? Well, one way to get a college basketball player’s attention is by taking away their NIL money, like Memphis Tigers head coach Penny Hardaway did with junior forward Aaron Bradshaw.

“Aaron Bradshaw has played for some great coaching staffs, but they haven’t figured out how to motivate him, so Penny Hardaway found a way to motivate Aaron Bradshaw. He started taking his NIL money away,” it was revealed on the broadcast of the Tigers’ Wednesday night loss to the Vanderbilt Commodores. 

“He said, ‘I fined him for showing up late. I fined him for violating our dress code. Three grand here, three grand there. Guess who started to show up early? Guess who started to put the effort in?’ … He [Hardaway] takes that fine money and puts it back in the bucket and has some guys further down the roster reaping the cash benefit of those fines.”

Message received.

Memphis is the third stop for Bradshaw in his collegiate career, with the former five-star recruit spending his freshman season at Kentucky (2023-24) and sophomore season at Ohio State (2024-25). Through nine games this season, six of which he has started, Bradshaw is averaging a career-high 7.1 points and 2.9 rebounds in 15.4 minutes per game, while shooting 50.0% from the field.

Hardaway, who starred at Memphis for two seasons as a player (1991-92, 1992-93), is in his eighth season as the Tigers’ head coach, with Memphis a combined 166-74 under him since the 2018-19 season, highlighted by two American Tournament titles and three NCAA Tournament appearances. However, Memphis is off to a 4-6 start this season, with three of its six losses being against ranked opponents in Purdue, Louisville and Vanderbilt.

Maybe if Hardaway takes away the entire team’s NIL dough, Memphis will run the table in conference play?

MORE COLLEGE HOOPS: Last Night in College Basketball: No. 13 Vanderbilt Passed OT Test vs. Memphis

Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily!

FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience



Link

1
Continue Reading

NIL

Joel Klatt can’t stand NIL re-signing announcements

Published

4 hours ago

on

December 19, 2025

By






Link

2
Continue Reading

NIL

Texas Tech Linked to $2.4 Million College Football Transfer Quarterback

Published

5 hours ago

on

December 19, 2025

By


The Texas Tech Red Raiders defeated the BYU Cougars 34-7 in the Big 12 Championship Game. It secured them the No. 4 seed and a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff. They’ll play either the No. 12 seed James Madison Dukes or No. 5 seed Oregon Ducks in the Orange Bowl.

While Texas Tech strives for its first national championship in program history, it’s never too early to look into the future. The Red Raiders will face several major changes after the 2025 season, including from quarterback, Behren Morton. He’s using his final year of eligibility, while ESPN’s Matt Miller gives him a fifth-round grade in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Advertisement

The transfer portal doesn’t officially open until Jan. 2, but On3 reports that over 800 players are already set to enter. With Morton set to leave, Texas Tech could find his replacement in the portal.

Texas Tech Red Raiders head coach Joey McGuire.James Snook-Imagn Images

Texas Tech Red Raiders head coach Joey McGuire.James Snook-Imagn Images

In an article, On3’s Pete Nakos, links the Red Raiders to Cincinnati Bearcats transfer quarterback Brendan Sorsby.

“Viewed as one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the transfer portal, Texas Tech is the school to watch early on for Brendan Sorsby,” Nakos wrote. “He’s also expected to evaluate the NFL draft, and Indiana and Tennessee are other schools to know.”

Advertisement

This season, Sorsby has completed 207 of 336 passes for 2,800 yards, 27 touchdowns, five interceptions and a 155.1 passer rating. He’s also rushed for 580 yards and nine touchdowns on 100 carries.

Sorsby is going to be highly sought after, with Rivals placing him as the third-ranked player in the transfer portal. His On3 NIL valuation of $2.4 million is tied for the 10th-highest in college football.

However, that may not be a problem for Texas Tech, which had the top-ranked transfer portal class in 2025. After bringing in 21 players, the Red Raiders had an adjusted NIL value of $7.6 million.

Advertisement

As the official transfer portal period approaches, Texas Tech’s quarterback situation will be one to watch. With Morton playing his final year of eligibility, the Red Raiders could already be exploring other options.

The Red Raiders will play in the Orange Bowl at noon ET Jan. 1 on ESPN and the ESPN app.

Related: Texas A&M QB Marcel Reed Shares NIL Update Before College Football Playoff

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 18, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.



Link

1
Continue Reading

Most Viewed Posts

Trending