The South Carolina softball program is adding more firepower to the 2026 roster. On Tuesday night, former Purdue infielder Sage Scarmardo announced her commitment to the Gamecocks. Her pledge to the team marks a key Transfer Portal addition to a softball program coming off a historic postseason run. After entering the portal on June 17, Scarmardo found her next stop in Columbia, where she will make an immediate impact in her final year of eligibility.

Scarmardo brings both defensive instincts and leadership to Ashley Chastain-Woodard’s squad. At Purdue, she was known for her glove, frequently featured on highlight reels in the infield. Scarmardo also posted a .963 fielding percentage this past season with 45 putouts and consistent reliability across the diamond. She also scored 24 runs on 35 hits and drove in 11 RBIs during her junior year. Scarmardo was exceptionally productive against non-conference teams, batting .400 outside Big Ten competition. She started all 50 games for Purdue in 2025 and will likely compete for the starting job at third base.

The Gamecocks are coming off of one of the best seasons in program history. They finished 44-17 overall and advanced to the NCAA Super Regionals for the first time, falling just one short of the Women’s College World Series after a hard-fought rise up the ranks.

With Scarmardo now on the roster, South Carolina will have veteran stability and defensive prowess to a roster looking to build on its 2025 success.

Crackdown on NIL Collectives Could Reshape College Sports Landscape

A new enforcement agency in college sports has drawn a firm line regarding the regulation of name, image, and likeness (NIL) payments to athletes — a move that could dismantle how many school-affiliated collectives currently operate.

On Thursday, the College Sports Commission (CSC) issued new guidance that significantly narrows what qualifies as a “valid business purpose” for NIL deals. The announcement came just days after the $2.8 billion House v. NCAA settlement took effect on July 1, establishing a clearinghouse called NIL Go to review third-party deals exceeding $600.

The goal is to prevent schools from circumventing the new $20.5 million revenue-sharing cap by routing funds through booster-backed collectives.

According to the CSC, any entity whose primary function is paying athletes — rather than offering legitimate goods or services to the public — fails to meet NIL Go’s standards. This includes collectives that host events or sell merchandise primarily to fund player payments. Even if these events are open to the public or involve promotional efforts, the CSC says they still don’t qualify.

“For somebody to just slide you a few dollars because they want you to come or stay at a certain school and call it NIL — that’s make-believe,” Purdue Athletic Director Mike Bobinski said in an interview with NBC Sports.

The ruling has sent shockwaves through the NIL ecosystem. In the four years since NIL deals became legal, school-affiliated collectives have funneled hundreds of millions of dollars into athlete compensation — often functioning as unofficial arms of athletic departments. These groups have paid athletes for appearances, endorsements, and social media promotions. But with the CSC now rejecting most of these deals, that model appears to be collapsing.

A memo sent to Division I athletic directors clarified the new standard: agreements with collectives primarily created to pay athletes or benefit specific schools will no longer be approved. While external NIL deals are still allowed, they must be with companies offering real products or services to the general public and must reflect fair market value.

The backlash was immediate. The Collective Association, which represents NIL collectives nationwide, called the CSC’s interpretation “misguided,” arguing it ignores both legal precedent and the economic realities of college athletics. The group claimed collectives are essential to athlete support and are being unfairly targeted.

Adding to the frustration, collective leaders like Dalton K. Forsythe of Utah State’s Blue A Collective reported widespread rejections of submitted NIL deals. “Nearly 100 percent of collective-backed NIL deals are being denied,” Forsythe posted on X, citing inconsistent standards and poor communication from NIL Go.

In response, some top programs are already adjusting. Collectives affiliated with Colorado, Alabama, Notre Dame, Georgia, and others have announced shutdowns. Meanwhile, schools like Ohio State, Georgia, and Illinois are partnering with Learfield — a long-established media and licensing firm — to ensure NIL deals comply with the new rules.

Despite the chaos, NIL Go has approved over 1,500 deals since launching in June, ranging in value from hundreds to millions of dollars. More than 12,000 athletes and 1,100 institutions are already registered. However, most approved transactions have involved athletes and legitimate businesses — not donor collectives.

Ultimately, the CSC has made clear that the future of NIL lies in traditional sponsorships and commercial endorsements, not donor-funded payouts. Whether courts will uphold these rules — or whether athletes will challenge them on antitrust grounds — remains to be seen. For now, though, the days of collectives writing large checks behind the scenes may be coming to an end.

NIL Crackdown Could Shake Up the Mountain West Conference

The College Sports Commission’s new enforcement guidance is expected to significantly impact the Mountain West Conference (MWC), where many schools have relied on donor-driven collectives to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape.

With the July 1 implementation of the House v. NCAA settlement and the launch of NIL Go, third-party deals over $600 now require approval and must meet strict new standards. At the core is a simple requirement: NIL deals must have a “valid business purpose” and reflect “fair market value.” This change effectively invalidates many of the collective-based agreements MWC schools have used to attract and retain talent.

Why It Matters in the MWC

Unlike Power Five schools with massive alumni networks, national brand recognition, and lucrative TV deals, Mountain West programs have depended heavily on local businesses and booster collectives for NIL funding. These groups have helped schools compete for transfer portal athletes or retain breakout stars vulnerable to poaching.

That strategy is now at risk.

According to the CSC’s latest memo, any NIL deal where a collective pays an athlete merely for attending an event or helping promote merchandise — a common practice among MWC collectives — no longer meets the “valid business purpose” threshold. The Commission argues these transactions are not tied to legitimate commercial activity but instead serve as disguised payments, making them clear violations under the new rules.

Potential Fallout for Mountain West Schools

This shift could hit programs like Boise State, Fresno State, San Diego State, and Utah State particularly hard. These schools have developed strong football reputations but lack the deep financial backing of Big Ten or SEC institutions.

• Boise State has relied on a passionate fan base and collective support to maintain its status as a Group of Five powerhouse. Without that funding source, Boise could fall behind in the NIL arms race.
• Utah State’s Blue A Collective is already feeling the pressure. Director Dalton Forsythe reports that nearly all of their NIL submissions are being rejected under the new rules, calling the standards “unclear and unrealistic.”
• Fresno State and San Diego State have used competitive NIL offers to retain local talent, but that ability may diminish without collective-based funding, making it harder to keep players from transferring out.

Shifting the Strategy

With collective-led NIL deals under fire, Mountain West programs will need to shift toward compliant, athlete-to-business partnerships. But that transition won’t be easy. Local businesses in MWC markets often lack the advertising budgets or incentive to sign athletes without school involvement.

Some Power Five schools have already moved to fill this gap by partnering with companies like Learfield to streamline compliant NIL opportunities. Mountain West institutions may need to follow suit, though doing so with fewer resources will be a steep challenge.

The Bigger Picture

This shake-up may further widen the gap between Power Five and Group of Five programs. Although the House settlement allows schools to compensate athletes up to $20.5 million annually directly, most MWC institutions don’t have the budget flexibility to fully utilize that cap.

Mountain West Commissioner Gloria Nevarez said the league is considering implementing a revenue-sharing minimum starting in the 2025-26 season. If approved, the plan would ensure at least a baseline level of NIL funding across the conference. However, lingering legal issues over departing members and the lack of a finalized media rights deal leave much uncertain.

Nevarez emphasized that protecting competitive balance is critical, especially as NIL compensation becomes central to recruiting.

Without collectives as a workaround, the Mountain West risks becoming a feeder league, developing top talent only to watch it transfer to schools offering better NIL opportunities.

In short, unless national rules shift again — or MWC schools find new, sustainable NIL models — the league’s ability to compete at a national level could suffer dramatically under this new NIL landscape.

As everything in the NCAA college sports scene, you just don’t know what a day will bring. It’s like this big NCAA college soap opera from a fan’s perspective.

As the NIL landscape undergoes its most dramatic shift yet, the Mountain West Conference finds itself at a crossroads.

The new rules may level the playing field in theory, but in practice, they risk sidelining programs that have used creativity and community support to stay relevant.

With traditional collectives on the chopping block and commercial partnerships harder to come by in smaller markets, MWC schools must now adapt quickly—or risk falling further behind in a system increasingly tilted toward the power conferences.

The next chapter in college athletics will be defined not just by talent on the field, but by who can navigate the off-field rules best.

Every year, the top college football schools in the country compete against one another to recruit highly ranked prospects coming out of high school. The current college football offseason, however, is looking a little different. Athletes are still being wooed by prestigious programs, but so are creators — and EA Sports College Football 26 is the main reason why.

College Football 26, which EA released on July 10, is the latest chapter in a video game franchise that dates back to the 90s. Early installments of the series rank among the best sports video games of all time, but the gridiron simulator was forced into dormancy after courts ruled that game publishers could not include amateur athletes who were (at the time) unable to profit from depictions of their likenesses.

The advent of name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals for college athletes changed the narrative. As the value of NIL deals skyrocketed, EA chose to bring back College Football, and players rejoiced. College Football 25 became one of the most-played games of the year.

College Football 26 is here, so it’s time for creators to make The Decision.

EA paid out millions to athletes to license their likenesses for use in its fan-favorite franchise. But the players aren’t the only ones to benefit from this gold rush — gamers are cashing in, too.

The Athletic reported that Bordeaux, a popular College Football creator on YouTube, received personalized packages from schools that wanted him to play for their teams on his channel. The bidding environment resembled the feeding frenzy that surrounds coveted high school recruits, and the University of Nebraska ultimately reaped rewards when Bordeaux chose to play as the Cornhuskers in College Football 25.

Now, with the next chapter of the sports simulator out, Bordeaux is once again bringing back his most visible formats. He recently posted an “imperialism” video that pits college football powerhouses against one another in search of territorial expansion.

Bordeaux is one of several creators turning College Football videos into a full-time job. “It shows how deep people’s love for their team is that they were so interested in what a random guy on the internet was going to do, because it could be their team,” he told The Athletic

.

Creators are the new blue turf

In 1986, Boise State University covered its football field in bright blue artificial turf. Initially, the colorful field was a mere curiosity, but then something funny happened: Boise State started winning a lot of football games. Since 1999, the Broncos have brought 16 conference championships to the Idaho capital.

The correlation between the installation of blue turf and the reversal of Boise State’s football fortunes could be a coincidence, but the unique field allowed the Broncos to stand out, both literally and figuratively. When you have one of the best attractions for football fans inside your stadium, it helps convince players to come play for a school they may have otherwise ignored.

In the 2020s, creators are doing for schools what blue turf did for Boise State in the 90s and 00s. Features from popular gamers like Bordeaux draw attention to Division I football programs, giving them an edge in the recruiting game.

It’s not just football, either

Among many other creative projects, author and Vlogbrother John Green has become a fan of English soccer club AFC Wimbledon, his go-to choice in sim games like Football Manager. Green’s Wimby affinity started in pixelated fashion, but it has since extended to the real world. After buying a sponsorship on Wimbledon uniforms and helping the club sign new players, the elder Green brother took his fandom to the next level by acquiring a minority stake in the club.

For Green, Wimbledon ownership is a fun diversion that also entertains his fans. But for the club, support from a big-name creator is crucial. As some European clubs fold due to poor financial circumstances, others are seeing celebrity affiliation as a long-term survival strategy.

Thanks to the current nature of the sports business, anyone with a significant following can become involved in real-world operations. John Green and Bordeaux are two of the first examples of that trend — but they won’t be the last.

EA Sports is making a comeback play that has nothing to do with nostalgia. The gaming giant is eyeing a 2028 return to college basketball, and according to content creator PAC Hoops, this move stems directly from one glaring problem: Madden NFL has become a punching bag for frustrated fans.

Sometimes the best offense comes from admitting your defense isn’t working.

Why Is EA Sports Pivoting From Madden to College Basketball?

In a recent video, PAC Hoops didn’t mince words about EA Sports’ motivation for returning to college basketball. The content creator pointed to Madden NFL’s declining reputation as the driving force behind this strategic shift.

“This will be their first game since NCAA Basketball 10. And it makes perfect sense why they’re doing this. Madden is probably the most hated sports game in the entire world,” said PAC Hoops.

The criticism goes deeper than just fan complaints. “You think 2K is bad? Madden will make zero changes and make a brand new game every year. EA noticed that Madden was starting to struggle, at least compared to FIFA, and decided to make College Football 25,” he said.

“And you guys know how well that video game turned out. EA is trying to get that same kind of magic into the basketball simulation video games,” shared PAC Hoops.

The numbers back up this strategy. College Football 25’s success, reflected in its 83 Metacritic score and over $1 billion in revenue, proved EA could tap into the pent-up demand for college sports games. With Madden facing fan backlash for repetitive releases, EA is banking on college basketball to replicate that same success.

What Does EA’s College Basketball Tease Tell Us About Their Plans?

EA Sports didn’t stay quiet about their intentions. EA Sports teased the return of its college basketball series on June 30, with a cryptic X post saying, “Bring the Madness. Let’s run it back. #CBB #ItsInTheGame.”

Bring the Madness. Let’s run it back. #CBB #ItsInTheGame pic.twitter.com/iBNhGxn2yj

— EA SPORTS (@EASPORTS) June 30, 2025

Multiple reports, including a memo obtained by Matt Brown of Extra Points, confirm a potential 2028 target for EA Sports College Basketball. The memo, dated June 26, 2025, revealed that the College Licensing Company (CLC) issued a request for proposals in November 2024, with EA’s bid selected over two others.

This won’t be a small-scale operation. The game will feature both men’s and women’s Division I teams with over 730 programs, marking a first for the series. That massive undertaking explains why EA needs until 2028 to get everything right.

The last iteration, NCAA Basketball 10, released in 2009 with Blake Griffin on the cover, earned a 75 Metacritic score before the series was shelved due to poor sales and legal issues over player likenesses. Thanks to changes in NCAA policy, those legal barriers no longer exist.

RELATED: EA Sports College Basketball’s Potential Release Pattern After 2028 Announced by Insider

The revival of this franchise hinges on the NCAA’s NIL ruling, which allows athletes to profit from their likeness and removes the legal barriers that previously halted college sports games. College Football 25 leveraged NIL to include real players, and EA Sports College Basketball will likely follow the same model.

The game’s scope, covering hundreds of teams, arenas, and audio assets, explains the 2028 timeline. EA’s focus on ensuring authenticity means they’re not rushing this release, especially after learning from Madden’s missteps and College Football 25’s success.

Kenny Dillingham said, “I just want to know the rules” when it comes to clarification about NIL deals and revenue sharing. (Photo by Truitt Robinson/Cronkite News)

FRISCO, Texas – The state of college sports could calmly be described as the Wild, Wild West, a stage for an old-fashioned duel between programs and the NCAA, with athletes standing somewhere in the middle.

Texas is a fitting setting for such showdowns.

Big 12 Media Days provided several opportunities for coaches in the conference to voice their displeasure with the current system and how players are paid like NFL stars. Even though power conference teams like those within the Big 12 do benefit in terms of securing more commitments from the best available players, they realize it’s an unjust and unfair system that could monopolize the sport indefinitely.

“We’re in the profession and we don’t even know the rules,” Cincinnati football coach Scott Satterfield said. “It’s difficult, and it’s ever-changing. There’s nothing that’s been stable, really, since 2020. Things have changed so much and so fast.”

Recruiting is among the biggest challenges. Though the NCAA reached a settlement in June that would give $2.8 billion for colleges to pay athletes, the NCAA is negotiating with House plaintiff lawyers to apply rules and repercussions to schools that attempt to avoid the cap in compensation packages offered to incoming players. Third-party NIL deals are being fully guaranteed, which would go against new revenue-sharing rules. Programs are also offering contracts that would be impossible to fit beneath the $20.8 million annual compensation cap.

Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham, who captured the Big 12 crown last season behind a slew of portal additions, is eager for a clear-cut direction for the sport so college football can return to what he believes are the values at its core.

“I just want to know the rules,” Dillingham said. “Tell us where the sandbox is and we’ll play in it. At the end of the day, this is a game. I know this is a business, I know this is a profession for everybody. But anybody who’s not in this to see a kid go from an 18-year-old kid to a 22-year-old man, and enter the real world, is in it for the wrong reasons.”

In a time when players can earn millions of dollars as freshmen or by entering the portal, the players a team retains for several years become the most crucial ones on the roster.

“In this new era where you have 105 kids on scholarship, it’s all about retaining the guys on your team,” Dillingham said. “If you constantly are looking for the next best thing to replace the guys on your team, then your own guys and your team should leave. Why wouldn’t they? If you’re not loyal to them, they shouldn’t be loyal to you.”

Colorado coach Deion Sanders said he wishes the new era of college football included a hard salary cap with a system to rank player salaries based on ability. (Photo by Truitt Robinson/Cronkite News)

The two-way street of loyalty and trust between players and coaching staff is occasionally the deciding factor for players being recruited with similarly hefty bags of cash. Coaches argue that it should return to the forefront of the recruiting process. That point is only emphasized by the fact that hundreds of submitted NIL deals hang in limbo while the College Sports Commission and NIL clearinghouse manage the fallout of the settlement.

Colorado coach Deion Sanders proposed a hard salary cap with a system to tier rank player salaries based on ability and overall performance.

“I wish there was a cap,” Sanders said. “The top-of-the-line guy player makes this, and if you’re not that type of guy, you know you’re not going to make that. That’s what the NFL does. The problem is you have a guy that’s not that darn good, but he could go to another school and they give him half a million dollars, and you can’t compete with that. It doesn’t make sense.”

Moments earlier, however, Sanders praised Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire for spending aggressively in the transfer portal. The Red Raiders flipped their team into a recruiting juggernaut almost overnight, spending upwards of $50 million on players, which was split into $30 million front-loaded and another $20.5 million courtesy of the revenue-share. Front-loaded contracts allowed school collectives to pay players before the enforcement of the settlement on July 1.

McGuire, whose Red Raiders figure to contend for the Big 12 title and a College Football Playoff selection this fall, said his aggression is just taking advantage of the current state of affairs, and more schools should do the same to compete with the annual contenders from the SEC and Big Ten.

Utah coach Kyle Whittingham, entering his 21st season at the helm of the Utes, echoed Sanders’ sentiment about a salary cap. He acknowledged that players are moving toward becoming official employees, though the contracts they are now signing to get paid make them employees in every way but the official title. Whittingham remains unsure of the extent to which he supports employing college athletes.

“You say, ‘college football’s not the NFL,’ but the NFL has been doing some good things for a lot of years,” Whittingham said. “We ought to take some pages from them on how to implement a salary cap and collective bargaining if it comes to that. … As distasteful as it might sound to some people, I think an NFL minor league model is the best direction to hit.”

Until new policies can be enforced at every level of college football to ensure more parity and a fair state of play, the formula for winning national championships is printed on a blank check.

“All you have to do is look at the College Football Playoff and see what those teams spent,” Sanders said. “And you’ll understand darn well why they’re in the playoffs.”