Ohio State NIL Spending, University of Florida Investigation, UNC Proposal + ICYMI & More | NIL Newsletter #210
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Major News
Ohio State Football Solidifies Their 2024 Roster
Boosters and NIL collectives at Ohio State have reportedly spent $13 Million in NIL money to retain current players and add more from the transfer portal to their 2024 roster.
Head Coach Ryan Day had previously told members of the Columbus business community that it would take a significant amount to make Ohio State football a serious contender again.
The Buckeyes retained wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, defensive back Denzel Burke, and running back TreVeyon Henderson, and added top transfer portal targets like running back Quinshon Judkins and defensive back Caleb Downs.
It is unclear how the 13 Million dollars was distributed amongst the Ohio State roster, but the vast majority is likely being distributed to the aforementioned players.
University of Florida Under NCAA Investigation
University of Florida President Ben Sasse received an inquiry informing him of the NCAA investigation on June 9th, 2023.
The NCAA’s report and ongoing investigation is centered around the recruitment of Jaden Rashada, a highly touted quarterback who reportedly received a $13.8 million NIL offer to sign with UF’s 2023 class
Rashada originally committed to Miami but flipped his commitment to the Gators in November 2022.
Rashada failed to enroll at UF for the Spring 2023 semester and asked to be released from his letter of intent. He was granted his release, and played his first year at Arizona State this past fall.
North Carolina Board of Governors Could Be Given Veto Power
A proposed policy change in front of the North Carolina Board of Directors could give the Board veto power over UNC and NC State’s future conference decisions. The Board oversees both universities.
The Board of Governors supports the idea that UNC and NC State should continue to be conference foes.
Under the proposal, UNC or NC State would need to provide “advanced notice” before transferring, removing themselves from, or joining an athletic conference.
The change would also require schools and their associated athletes to provide all name, image, and likeness contracts to the Board of Governors.
Legal Update
Utah’s State Legislature Eyes New NIL Policy
A bill proposed for the 2024 legislative session aims to create a statewide policy for collegiate athletes who wish to profit off their name, image, and likeness
Athletes are prohibited from displaying their school’s uniforms or logos as well as from promoting any product or service that violates university policy.
For Athletes
Deal of the Week
Nike has signed basketball phenoms AJ Dybantsa and Jerzy Robinson to NIL shoe deals ahead of their respective college commitments
Dybantsa, the No. 1 ranked male prospect in the Class of 2025, was named Massachusetts Gatorade State Player of the Year, and is projected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Robinson, the No. 1 ranked female prospect in the Class of 2026, helped steer Team USA to a gold medal at the 2023 FIBA Americas U16 Championships.
ICYMI
Iowa Women’s Basketball Star Caitlin Clark used her Nike NIL deal to surprise her teammates with new shoes. LINK.
Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) states that a lack of NIL regulation leaves student-athletes vulnerable to exploitation and predatory deals. LINK.
Newest Ohio State Buckeye Caleb Downs joins The Foundation as a community ambassador. LINK.
University of Arizona’s top booster calls out Washington and former head coach Jedd Fisch. LINK.
UCLA quarterback Chase Griffin joins the fight against the “FAIR College Sports Act” by urging Congress to allow the NIL market to innovate and grow. LINK.
Have you checked out OSC’s website?
Head to www.OptimumSportsConsulting.com to find important resources and features relating to all things NIL. These resources include State by State Resources for Admins, Agents and Athletes, including our initial “OSC Summaries” for over a dozen states coming soon.
More to come too, including links to helpful state information- agency laws and information about school policies, as well as seminar/congressional notes, worksheets, and much more!