🏅How will Belichick handle NIL at UNC?

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Hey there,

Love it or hate it, NIL has catalyzed a ton of drama within college football coaching circles. We just saw one of the greatest coaches of all time leave the NFL for college ranks. There’s also a sticky situation with Mike Gundy in Stillwater that seems, at last, finally resolved. We’ll update you on those stories, and much more, in today’s edition. Let’s get into it!

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The Big 3

How will Belichick handle NIL at UNC?

Bill Belichick, who some consider the greatest football coach of all time, was just named the head football coach at North Carolina. His tenure comes with one important caveat, though: The school must commit more NIL resources toward the team. 

The agreement details are still fuzzy, too. There were reports that Belichick wants his son, Stephen, to join his coaching staff. Bill also has a pretty minimal buyout, which would allow him to jump ship back to the NFL if the right opportunity presented itself.

Some skeptics wonder about how the 72-year-old coach will handle the demanding recruitment and NIL-fundraising schedule. Even Tom Brady himself admitted he was “blown away” by the news. (More)

The Transfer Portal “Athlete Showcase” is Coming

A college football “Athlete Showcase” is scheduled for this January in the Dallas-area. The event, set to take place over the course of three days, will resemble a combine of sorts – with the intention that transfer portal hopefuls can show their skills to potential suitors.

Those suitors may look like coaching staffs, NIL collective heads, and more. The event could become a staple of the new college football calendar if it proves successful in its inaugural year, which will host 50-75 athletes.

“This is an opportunity to put athletes, coaches, collectives and brands all in the same room,” said Nick Lord, the CEO of NOCAP Sports, “To basically create a physical manifestation of the transfer portal that's, to date, been entirely digital.” (More)

No Hard Feelings… Right?

While Bill Belichick settles into the NIL world, Mike Gundy and the Oklahoma State Cowboys are in the midst of reworking their relationship. A dramatic contract standoff almost saw the two part ways a week ago. Seriously, look:

The holdup, which is now finally resolved, was all about NIL. Coach Mike Gundy has been abundantly clear about his disdain for NIL, and how difficult it’s been for Oklahoma State to keep up in the compensation department. Now, he’s taking a pay cut to contribute more money to the school’s player payment fund.

As part of the House Settlement, schools will be able to pay their players out of the athletic department budget up to about $20 million. That’s why the school wanted to free up some money via Gundy’s contract – it’s a way to bring in more high-end talent. (More)

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Navigating the Nuance of Cap Management: Pro v. Collegiate

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ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

Travis Hunter

• School: Colorado 

• Position: Corner Back & Wide Receiver 

• Sport: Football

• Class: Junior 

• Accolades: 

• Heisman Trophy Winner (2024): Travis Hunter made history by winning the prestigious Heisman Trophy, becoming only the second player from Colorado to earn this honor and the first full-time two-way player to win since Charles Woodson in 1997.

• AP College Football Player of the Year (2024): Hunter was named the AP College Football Player of the Year, recognizing his outstanding performance on both offense and defense throughout the season.

• Lott IMPACT Trophy Winner (2024: He received the Lott IMPACT Trophy, awarded to the top defensive player, highlighting his exceptional skills as a cornerback.

• Paul Hornung Award Winner (2024): Hunter became the first two-time recipient of the Paul Hornung Award, given to the nation’s most versatile player, showcasing his ability to excel in multiple positions.

• Record-Setting Season: He set Colorado's single-season record for receiving touchdowns with 14 and recorded 92 receptions for 1,152 yards, ranking among the top performances for a Heisman-winning season.

• NIL: Off the field, Hunter's star power is just as bright. His NIL valuation sits at a cool $5.2 million

NIL BLITZ

♦️ BYU’s Jewish QB just signed an NIL deal to share his traditions with his teammates

♦️ Alabama spent $83.3 million on their football team last year

♦️ Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty is repping underwear in new NIL deal

♦️ South Carolina brings back star edge rusher, and he’s getting a massive NIL bag

♦️ Illinois State’s women’s basketball squad just signed a team-wide pizza deal

♦️ The Snoop Dogg Bowl is paying players NIL money for participating in the game

♦️ The 2024 college football season was the most watched season ever

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BATTER UP

Today’s Poll Question:

Last Edition’s Poll Results:

Will AJ Dybantsa be worth the reported $7 million NIL price tag for BYU?

• Yes, he will be one of the best players in the country - 24%

•  No, no one’s worth that much - 43%

• It’s a long play, now BYU is positioned as a CBB destination - 33%