Michigan Offers LSU Commit $10.5 Million, JMU's New NIL Framework, and More | Newsletter #289
Welcome to the NIL Newsletter by Optimum Sports Consulting - providing valuable, actionable NIL resources for athletes, administrators, agencies and other sport professionals.
Today’s newsletter includes updates on Michigan football, JMU’s Collective, legal updates, and news for student-athletes and administrators.
Keep up to date on all of our newsletters and content by checking out past Optimum Sports Consulting Newsletters, and following us on Twitter!
This Monday Newsletter includes:
1. Michigan Offers LSU Commit Top NIL Money
2. JMU’s Unique NIL Framework
3. What’s coming up in the world of NIL
4. Legal Updates: Senator Ted Cruz’s Focus on NIL Legislation
5. News/tips for administrators and student athletes
Major News
Michigan Offered LSU Commit $10.5 million to Sway him Away From LSU
Michigan high school football player Bryce Underwood is the No. 1 player in the class of 2025. He committed to play football at LSU in January.
Underwood is set to sign his letter of intent next month, which means Michigan still has the ability to sway him away from LSU.
Underwood’s NIL package with LSU is not known. However, Underwood shows no signs of changing his commitment.
Underwood posted a message to his Instagram story with reporter-like verbiage: “#1 QB likely to decline Michigan’s $10.5M offer.” It appears Michigan’s offer was not enough to elicit a de-commitment from Underwood.
CLICK HERE to learn more.
JMU Introduces Unique NIL Framework
JMU launched its new NIL initiative “Honors1” to guide future NIL direction for their athletes.
The NIL initiative focuses on paying athletes for their charitable work in the community. Athletes are partnering with organizations like the American Red Cross and are seeing unprecedented turnout.
Honors1 will work in collaboration with the Montpelier Collective, implementing a framework that includes an exchange market for athletes to connect directly with local businesses interested in pursuing NIL opportunities, negotiate and sign contracts and receive payment.
Educating local business owners about the benefits of partnering with JMU athletes on NIL deals has been a big part of this push.
CLICK HERE to learn more.
Other Notable Stories to Follow
UNC football coach Mack Brown shared his thoughts on how NIL has changed the college sports landscape - LINK
Sports law attorneys discussed whether the 2024 election will impact NIL deals - LINK
NIL fundraiser between Michigan and Ohio State was met with backlash from OSU fans - LINK
Nike introduced their new NIL roster, highlighting emerging basketball stars - LINK
What’s Coming Up Next For NIL
April 7, 2025 | Final Approval Hearing for the House v. NCAA Settlement
Legal Updates
Texas Senator Ted Cruz is Making Legislating NIL and the Transfer Portal a Priority
Republicans won control of the Senate, giving them control of the Commerce Committee. Ted Cruz will chair the committee.
Cruz stated that putting so-called "guardrails" around the NIL space within college football will be a priority for him.
The major conferences have asked Congress to step in and create laws that bar athletes from becoming employees, codify the House settlement, and grant the NCAA and its conferences antitrust exemptions.
The newly elected members of Congress will be seated on January 3rd, and Senator Ted Cruz finds himself at the forefront of change for college athletics.
CLICK HERE to learn more.
Optimum Sports Consulting is here to help.
For athletes looking for NIL insight and advisement, administrators and collectives looking for resources and facilitating a best-in class process, or agents looking to navigate the changing landscape, we’re here to help!
Message us now for a free consultation.
FOR ATHLETES
Notes for the Week
Minnesota defensive back signs NIL deal with NutriSource Pet Food to promote a Children's Hospital program - LINK
Kaleena Smith becomes first women’s high school basketball player to sign NIL deal with Adidas - LINK
Miami QB uses NIL to give custom gift to his offensive line - LINK
Tip of the Week: Protect your NIL.
As a student-athlete navigating the world of NIL opportunities, it's important to make sure you understand the rules and regulations set forth by your school and the NCAA. Be sure to educate yourself on what is allowed and what is not, and always seek guidance from your athletic department or a trusted professional before signing any agreements. Remember, compliance is key to protecting your eligibility and reputation as a student-athlete.
FOR ADMINS
Notes for the Week
Michigan announces new NIL partnership with Passes, a direct-to-fan engagement and monetization platform - LINK
Vanderbilt created a program to reward their NIL donors - LINK
Tip of the Week: Alabama AD Greg Byrne Discussed NIL at Alabama
I’m happy for the opportunities our young people are getting. Obviously we have a stage at Alabama that will allow them to maximize those opportunities because of the following we have. That is what NIL is intended to be. … There’s obviously been some positive financial opportunities. There’s getting young people to understand the importance of budgeting the money, paying taxes and how that works, and savings, what they choose to invest their dollars in. … The challenge is they already had a lot on their plate, being a college student-athlete. … So making sure that academics and the athletic and the college responsibilities that you have that come along with that don’t suffer because of what’s happening from an NIL standpoint. But it’s reality. So you need to make sure you’re dealing with reality.
Read the full Q+A HERE
Thanks for Reading!
Keep up to date on all of our newsletters and content by checking out past Optimum Sports Consulting Newsletters, and following us on Twitter!