💥NIL Is Changing Everything — And You Need to Keep Up

Hey Playmakers —

It’s wild out here. College athletes are no longer rushing to go pro… because NIL money is that good.

Just look at LSU’s Flau’jae Johnson. She’s making seven figures through brand deals — more than a WNBA rookie salary.

Football’s seeing it too. Fewer underclassmen are jumping to the NFL. Why? Because NIL deals are giving them financial freedom and time to build their brand the right way.

Are you struggling to land deals yourself? Don’t worry.

That’s why I created NIL Playbook Premium.

Each week, I’ll send you actionable NIL deals, brand playbook templates, and step-by-step strategies to grow your brand and land partnerships — even if you don’t have a huge following.

👉 Upgrade now and get ahead of the game — I’ll send your first batch of premium deals straight to your inbox.

Let’s win this NIL era together.

— Justin Thompson

Breaking News

NIL Deals Reshape College Athletes' Career Decisions

The landscape of college athletics is undergoing a significant transformation due to the rise NIL deals. Athletes are now finding compelling reasons to extend their collegiate careers rather than turning professional prematurely.

• Women's Basketball: Top-tier players like LSU's Flau'jae Johnson have reportedly earned up to $1 million through NIL agreements, surpassing the WNBA's rookie salary of approximately $78,831. This financial incentive has influenced decisions such as Olivia Miles, a projected top-five WNBA draft pick, choosing to remain in college and transfer rather than entering the professional league.
  
  

• Football: A similar trend is evident in college football, where the number of underclassmen declaring for the NFL draft has decreased since the implementation of NIL. Athletes are opting to stay in school, leveraging NIL opportunities to enhance their brand and financial standing before turning professional. 
  

Takeaway for Athletes, Parents, and Coaches:

For athletes, parents, and coaches, this shift underscores the importance of understanding and navigating the NIL landscape to make informed decisions about athletic and academic careers.

Transfer Portal Highlights

Florida State University (FSU): FSU has bolstered its roster by acquiring running back Gavin Sawchuk from Oklahoma. Sawchuk, known for his speed and pass-catching abilities, is expected to thrive under FSU's new run-heavy offensive scheme led by coordinator Gus Malzahn. 

Virginia Tech: The Hokies have added linebacker Antwone Santiago from Temple University. Santiago brings versatility and depth to a linebacker unit that has faced inconsistencies in recent seasons. 

Texas Longhorns: The Longhorns are making significant financial investments in their football program, with projections indicating a $35–$40 million expenditure for the 2025 roster. This includes a $20.5 million revenue-sharing allocation and additional funding from the Texas One Fund, the university's official NIL collective. 

Arkansas: In a strategic move to attract talent, Arkansas has enacted legislation exempting student-athletes' NIL income from state income tax. This law, retroactive to January 1, 2025, aims to provide Arkansas schools with a competitive edge in recruiting. 

Final Thoughts:

NIL and the transfer portal are reshaping the collegiate athletic landscape. Athletes now have more control over their careers, with financial incentives influencing decisions to stay in school longer and transfer strategically. For stakeholders, staying informed and proactive in understanding these changes is crucial for navigating this new era in college sports.

Weekly Playbook

You’re Not Just an Athlete — You’re a Media Company

Your offer – what you put in front of people — needs to be so irresistible they’d feel dumb saying no. In NIL branding, your “offer” isn’t just about merch or a service. It’s YOU. Your time, your access, your attention, your following.

 NIL-ALIGNED ACTION STEPS:

1. ✅ Step 1: Create Your “Value Stack”

   Before anyone partners with you, they need to know what’s in it for them. Create a short list like:

   • 📈 Average post engagement rate
     

   • 🎥 Video views per story/reel
     

   • 👥 Audience demographics (age, location, interests)
     

   • 🏆 Athletic achievements + off-field credibility
     

   Put this in a one-page personal media kit (Canva works great).

   ✅ Step 2: Make a Godfather-Like Brand Offer

   Approach local businesses with this irresistible “package”:

   “Hey [Brand Name], I’m [Your Name], a student-athlete with [X] followers who are [demographic]. I’m offering 2 Instagram shoutouts, 1 product collab video, and a story series — all for $___ — to help small businesses get seen by a younger, engaged audience. Want me to feature your brand next week?”

   This type of clear, benefits-first pitch gets attention. It’s not just about YOU. It’s about what THEY gain.

🔥 PRO TIP: Use “Social Proof Stacking”

Show past partnerships, media mentions, or screenshots of high-performing content. You don’t need 50K followers — you need proof that you can influence.

🛡️ NIL COMPLIANT REMINDER:

Always report deals to your compliance office. Avoid representing products/services restricted by your school or state (like alcohol, gambling, adult content). Keep screenshots and deliverables for every deal — transparency is protection.

That’s all for this weeks playbook. ✊

Justin Thompson
 NIL Specialist

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Trending

Olivia Dunne's Kentucky Derby Appearance

Former LSU gymnast and social media influencer Olivia Dunne made headlines with her appearance at the Kentucky Derby. While her fashion choices received praise, her subdued delivery of the traditional "Riders up" call at the Kentucky Oaks drew criticism on social media. Despite the mixed reactions, Dunne remains a prominent figure in the NIL space, with a reported valuation exceeding $4 million.

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