NIL Investor: SEC Boss Calls Out NIL Chaos, Colorado Inches Closer to Paying College Athletes, the 3 Schools Leading the Way in Savvy NIL Use

We are here to explore the latest trends and insights in NIL. What you need to know today, nothing more. Find more on our site. 

Today’s Features:

• SEC Boss Calls Out NIL Chaos

• NIL Sparks Immigration Headaches for Athletes

• Colorado Inches Closer to Paying College Athletes, with a Twist

• The Smartest NIL Moves in College Football are Happening at Oregon, Georgia, and Ohio State

• Dylan Harper Faces NIL Setback Following Injury

SEC Boss Calls Out NIL Chaos

The SEC's top dog, Greg Sankey, has thrown down the gauntlet on NIL, calling for a revamp of the system. The college sports landscape has been shaken by NIL deals, and Sankey isn’t holding back on his opinion. In a recent interview, the commissioner highlighted the 'unhealthy' nature of the current setup, raising eyebrows across the league.

By the Numbers:

- 2021: The year NIL regulations came into effect, fundamentally altering college athletics.

- $917 million: Estimated total NIL compensation for student-athletes in the first year.

- 485,000: Number of NCAA student-athletes eligible to benefit from NIL deals.

What They're Saying: “We need a name, image and likeness system that has a level of transparency, where there is protection for young people,” Sankey said. “There [are] a lot of reports about promises made that weren’t fulfilled, deals that were struck that were never authorized and problems that come. Collectives are out there, but I hear about collectives that are struggling to pay bills for promises made. That is not a healthy system. The way we’re functioning can’t go on.” - Greg Sankey, SEC Commissioner.

Why It Matters: Sankey's comments underscore growing concerns over the fairness and sustainability of NIL practices. With a prominent figure like Sankey speaking out, the debate over reform is likely to intensify.

What's Next: Expect more discussions at the NCAA level as stakeholders push for clearer guidelines. Sankey's remarks may catalyze further dialogue among conference leaders. Read More

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NIL Sparks Immigration Headaches for Athletes

Colleges are grappling with a new challenge: how NIL deals impact international athletes. With more student-athletes cashing in on their name, image, and likeness, universities are now facing complex immigration issues. International students, who often hold F-1 visas, are entering uncharted territory when it comes to NIL earnings.

Per the report: “The independent contractor approach not only fails to protect international student-athletes but also leaves universities vulnerable to liability under Department of Homeland Security regulations. Universities can be charged with ‘knowing hire’ violations even if the compensated athletes are not W-2 employees of the school, but are instead independent contractors reporting income on IRS Form 1099.”

By the Numbers:

- 15% of NCAA athletes are international.

- F-1 visas typically restrict employment.

- Over $500 million in NIL deals projected annually.

Why It Matters: Universities must ensure compliance to avoid jeopardizing students' visa statuses. Earning income while in the US complicates matters, by making international students more similar to employees under tax law.

What's Next: Legal teams at colleges are working overtime to develop guidelines. Potential changes to immigration law could ease these tensions, but for now, it’s a balancing act. Read More

Colorado Inches Closer to Paying College Athletes, with a Twist

Colorado universities are on the brink of a major shift in college sports. House Bill 1041, recently introduced in the state’s House of Representatives, would change existing state open records law so that universities in the state could pay players from any sport without having to make the financial details public.

Under current state law, these arrangements would need to be public, something that university administrators have pushed back on. CU Boulder representatives, in particular, are concerned about releasing payment information related to students who are under close scrutiny for how they perform on the field.

What They're Saying: “We also wanna make sure that we’re protecting the students’ private information. I think this is a great first shot at this. Again I just feel like this is gonna be an ever-evolving thing, I’m happy to be a ‘yes’ today in order to make sure we at least have something on the books, and being able to be in compliance with what we need to do.” - Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista

Why It Matters: Paying athletes could reshape the college sports landscape in Colorado, leveling the playing field and attracting top talent.

What's Next: Expect universities to start navigating the legal framework to comply with the settlement. Watch for potential legislative changes that might address public transparency concerns. Read More

In the Lead: The Smartest NIL Moves in College Football are Happening at Oregon, Georgia, and Ohio State

As college sports evolve with NIL deals, smart investments are crucial for snagging top recruits, and three programs are leading the way: Oregon, Georgia, and Ohio State.

Most importantly, these teams are not just spending big; they're spending smart.

By the Numbers:

- Georgia has signed four five-star recruits: defensive lineman Elijah Griffin, EDGE Isaiah Gibson, wide receiver Tayln Taylor, and linebacker Zayden Walker.

- Ohio State's 2025 recruiting class is headlined by five-star quarterback Tavien St. Clair, five-star cornerback Devin Sanchez, and five star wide receiver Quincy Porter.

- Alabama's No. 3 recruiting class has the highest average NIL valuation at $299,000, followed by Texas at $286,000 and Oregon at $258,000.

Why It Matters: Strategic NIL spending can make or break a team's recruiting success, setting the stage for future championships. As the competition for top talent heats up, those programs that can stretch their NIL dollars the furthest will be best positioned to build strong rosters.

What's Next: Expect more schools to follow suit, refining their NIL strategies to attract elite athletes. Investors and fans alike are keeping a close eye on which programs will rise to the top. Read More

Dylan Harper Faces NIL Setback Following Injury

Rutgers freshman basketball standout Dylan Harper's NIL prospects have taken a hit due to recent injuries. As one of the school’s leading athletes, his sidelined status has impacted his marketability. However, at the same time, Harper’s slip has opened the door for

Meanwhile, Stanford senior forward, Maxime Raynaud, has seen his NIL value shoot up by $225,000, a sign of how much consistency can be worth as much as hype. In the case of French-born Raynaud, he also has global appeal that has made him a hot property with brands looking to get in front of a global audience.

- Harper's NIL valuation dropped by 15% following his injury.

- Heading into this season his NIL valuation was $1.7 million

- Harper had deals with Nike, Red Bull and The NIL Store.

Why It Matters: Harper's situation highlights the volatile nature of athlete marketability, especially in the NIL space, where performance and presence are everything.

What's Next: Harper is expected to undergo rehabilitation and aims for a return mid-season. Investors are keeping a close eye on his recovery process, which could reignite his market appeal. Read More