I'm Old-School, And I'm Gonna Grovel For NIL...

[DavidM]

Having just reached a major age milestone, I asked my understanding wife if I could use the occasion of a birthday to send some money to Happy Valley United, and she agreed. Frankly, it was a fairly small lump sum, and by itself would accomplish absolutely nothing. However, if one hundred people did the same, or a thousand, that might move the needle a little. I know that a number of readers here have done much more than I ever could--living on a pension these days--but maybe more of you could get involved.

Yeah, I know that the programs which had traditionally involved thousand-dollar handshakes and the like have a leg up on NIL, and frankly, I think the NCAA'a refusal to even try to control "play for pay" is outrageous. The wild wild west is all around us--it is what it is.

Hopefully, in a few years, some entity will get the situation under some kind of control. But, until then, it's up to us to help keep Penn State competitive. OR--don't complain if we keep losing to OSU and the Michigan cheaters.

And let me add this: I'm grateful for anybody who might be motivated by my beggaring myself like this. And, although I truly appreciate any birthday thoughts, my total focus is on the idea of "normal folks" kicking in whatever they/you could to help with this grotesque NIL situation. Hey, if you're tapped out, or are sending a kid to college, or are dealing with an illness, or are committed to giving to a wonderful charity, forget I said anything. You've got bigger fish to fry. However, if you can afford to send a little extra to HVU, I'd be personally indebted to you. Thanks.

 

[Midnighter]

I'm not convinced NIL has done much to sway recruits except in very limited (and mostly disastrous) circumstances. The ones, and many non-football players, with any kind of high profile are getting bigger and better deals than any collective can put together (Caleb Williams, Arch Manning, Bryce Young, Olivia Dunn, Sunisa Lee, Sofia Chepnik, Angel Reese, Cavender Twins). The collectives with a bunch of money have zero idea how or what to do with it (A&M, Miami, Tennessee). The teams recruiting well before NIL are still recruiting well (Bama, OSU, Clemson, Georgia). Also believe at some point, colleges will be forced to share profits with players, which will hopefully lead to contracts and more transparency.

Good on you though! And happy belated birthday!

 

[DavidM]

I think that conventional/high school recruiting hasn't been changed/distorted in huge ways because of NIL--although the stories about recruits demanding $5k for taking an official visit to a school are extremely troubling. HOWEVER, it sure seems like the slowly-becoming massive portal transfer "market" is dominated by direct money payments to experienced players. That's where having a healthy NIL fund can make a big difference. You want a game-changing WR right away? NIL can make a gigantic difference. I hate that it's so, but it just is.

 

[Keyser Soze 16802]

Hat tip for your generosity! There are very rich people who have suckled at the teet of PSU for many years. Some of these people were on the BOT when it facilitated football being a scapegoat (probably to avoid scrutiny into their own actions). They should step up and write 6 or 7 figure checks for NIL.

 

[DavidM]

Sadly, I'm certain that you're right about some BOT members during the scandal--but their lack of financial support since just reflects their genuine interest--themselves. However, if some of us small fry can try to donate now, we can forget about them and help to influence the athletic destiny of Penn State.

 

[step.eng69]

I'm not convinced NIL has done much to sway recruits except in very limited (and mostly disastrous) circumstances. The ones, and many non-football players, with any kind of high profile are getting bigger and better deals than any collective can put together (Caleb Williams, Arch Manning, Bryce Young, Olivia Dunn, Sunisa Lee, Sofia Chepnik, Angel Reese, Cavender Twins). The collectives with a bunch of money have zero idea how or what to do with it (A&M, Miami, Tennessee). The teams recruiting well before NIL are still recruiting well (Bama, OSU, Clemson, Georgia). Also believe at some point, colleges will be forced to share profits with players, which will hopefully lead to contracts and more transparency.

Good on you though! And happy belated birthday!

Not sure how valid this information is, but if true, its disturbing.
I don't know if the information translates to players actually receiving these amounts or a valuation of their potential worth.

Link: Highest Paid College Athletes in the NIL Era | Action Network

Bryce Young​

Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young is the highest NIL earner this year. Young has a total valuation of $3.2 million in NIL deals. Bryce Young saw his value rise in 2022 after winning the coveted Heisman Trophy the previous season.

CJ Stroud​

CJ Stroud came off a strong 2021-22 season, leading the Ohio State Buckeyes to a Rose Bowl title. Stroud also broke the OSU record for most passing yards in a single game. This has propelled him to a $2.5 million NIL valuation.

Caleb Williams​

Caleb Williams transferred to the USC Trojans, following his coach Lincoln Riley. Williams is already on pace to drastically outperform his freshman stats from last season. His potential after a strong freshman year generated $2.4 million in NIL revenue. Williams looks to continue to capitalize on Southern California's hot sponsorship market.​

Jaxon Smith-Njigba​

Smith-Njigba propelled himself into the spotlight after winning Offensive MVP in the 2022 Rose Bowl. Smith-Njigba's electric play on the field has earned him a variety of NIL deals reportedly worth $1.7 million.

Bijan Robinson
Bijan Robinson is one of the most highly touted running backs heading into the season. Robinson rushed for over 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns last season as a sophomore. The hype around Robinson in 2022-23 has earned him a NIL valuation of $1.7 million.

Here’s how the rest of the top 15 players net out:



Richest College Football Programs by NIL Valuations
Looking at America’s top ten college football teams from the AP Top 25, we can reveal that the number one school for player NIL valuation (based on average earnings across the team) is Texas A&M. Aggies players earn an average of $85,000 in off-field partnerships, sponsorships, and brand deals. Here's a look at the rest of the top 5 schools:

• University of Michigan – Wolverines players can earn an average of $65,000
• Oklahoma University – Sooners starts are averaging $64,000 in NIL deal valuation
• University of Georgia – The defending College Football Playoff Champions can boast an average of $56,000 in personal brand deals for its players
• University of Alabama – Despite having some of the biggest single NIL deals on its roster, Alabama comes in at fifth overall for earnings average at $52,000

 

[LionJim]

Not to snark, but I’m wondering if this is the first time both “old-school” and “NIL” appear in the same subject line.

I do get your point, old school means standing on “All for one, one for all.”

 

[Midnighter]

Not sure how valid this information is, but if true, its disturbing.
I don't know if the information actually translates to players actually receiving these amounts or a valuation of their potential worth.

Link: Highest Paid College Athletes in the NIL Era | Action Network

Bryce Young​

Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young is the highest NIL earner this year. Young has a total valuation of $3.2 million in NIL deals. Bryce Young saw his value rise in 2022 after winning the coveted Heisman Trophy the previous season.

CJ Stroud​

CJ Stroud came off a strong 2021-22 season, leading the Ohio State Buckeyes to a Rose Bowl title. Stroud also broke the OSU record for most passing yards in a single game. This has propelled him to a $2.5 million NIL valuation.

Caleb Williams​

Caleb Williams transferred to the USC Trojans, following his coach Lincoln Riley. Williams is already on pace to drastically outperform his freshman stats from last season. His potential after a strong freshman year generated $2.4 million in NIL revenue. Williams looks to continue to capitalize on Southern California's hot sponsorship market.​

Jaxon Smith-Njigba​

Smith-Njigba propelled himself into the spotlight after winning Offensive MVP in the 2022 Rose Bowl. Smith-Njigba's electric play on the field has earned him a variety of NIL deals reportedly worth $1.7 million.

Bijan Robinson
Bijan Robinson is one of the most highly touted running backs heading into the season. Robinson rushed for over 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns last season as a sophomore. The hype around Robinson in 2022-23 has earned him a NIL valuation of $1.7 million.

Here’s how the rest of the top 15 players net out:
View attachment 462693


Richest College Football Programs by NIL Valuations
Looking at America’s top ten college football teams from the AP Top 25, we can reveal that the number one school for player NIL valuation (based on average earnings across the team) is Texas A&M. Aggies players earn an average of $85,000 in off-field partnerships, sponsorships, and brand deals. Here's a look at the rest of the top 5 schools:

• University of Michigan – Wolverines players can earn an average of $65,000
• Oklahoma University – Sooners starts are averaging $64,000 in NIL deal valuation
• University of Georgia – The defending College Football Playoff Champions can boast an average of $56,000 in personal brand deals for its players
• University of Alabama – Despite having some of the biggest single NIL deals on its roster, Alabama comes in at fifth overall for earnings average at $52,000

View attachment 462691

These lists are based on valuations right? Not actual earnings? This list has athletes and their deals.

Icon Source | Blog | Highest Paid College Athletes

College athletes earned an estimated $917 million in the first year of NIL. We're taking a look at some of the top student-athlete NIL earners.

iconsource.com

 

[step.eng69]

These lists are based on valuations right? Not actual earnings? This list has athletes and their deals.

I don't know nighter,
that is the question i asked in my post.

 

[laKavosiey-st lion]

How does State tradition come into play here? I heard NIL doesn’t interfere. I’m hard pass donating to a 9-2 team with a full stadium every home game. Where’s the incentive to beat Mich next year if we keep donating and buying season tix?

 

[HappyValley1]

How does State tradition come into play here? I heard NIL doesn’t interfere. I’m hard pass donating to a 9-2 team with a full stadium every home game. Where’s the incentive to beat Mich next year if we keep donating and buying season tix?

This fanbase……lol

 

[DavidM]

Clearly, I should have been more inspiring in my OP. However, I'll soldier on and hope that somebody gets a nudge.

 

[LionJim]

How does State tradition come into play here? I heard NIL doesn’t interfere. I’m hard pass donating to a 9-2 team with a full stadium every home game. Where’s the incentive to beat Mich next year if we keep donating and buying season tix?

The players will be out there trying to win every game. The players aren’t going to be playing any more or less hard based on how much money the fans contribute to the program, including ticket sales, etc.

Way way back, 20 or so years, there was this poster Pittsburgh Lion who was always very critical of the direction of the program. He posts, “Every player wants to win the game.” That’s stayed with me.

 

[Bkmtnittany1]

Not sure how valid this information is, but if true, its disturbing.
I don't know if the information translates to players actually receiving these amounts or a valuation of their potential worth.

Link: Highest Paid College Athletes in the NIL Era | Action Network

Bryce Young​

Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young is the highest NIL earner this year. Young has a total valuation of $3.2 million in NIL deals. Bryce Young saw his value rise in 2022 after winning the coveted Heisman Trophy the previous season.

CJ Stroud​

CJ Stroud came off a strong 2021-22 season, leading the Ohio State Buckeyes to a Rose Bowl title. Stroud also broke the OSU record for most passing yards in a single game. This has propelled him to a $2.5 million NIL valuation.

Caleb Williams​

Caleb Williams transferred to the USC Trojans, following his coach Lincoln Riley. Williams is already on pace to drastically outperform his freshman stats from last season. His potential after a strong freshman year generated $2.4 million in NIL revenue. Williams looks to continue to capitalize on Southern California's hot sponsorship market.​

Jaxon Smith-Njigba​

Smith-Njigba propelled himself into the spotlight after winning Offensive MVP in the 2022 Rose Bowl. Smith-Njigba's electric play on the field has earned him a variety of NIL deals reportedly worth $1.7 million.

Bijan Robinson
Bijan Robinson is one of the most highly touted running backs heading into the season. Robinson rushed for over 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns last season as a sophomore. The hype around Robinson in 2022-23 has earned him a NIL valuation of $1.7 million.

Here’s how the rest of the top 15 players net out:
View attachment 462693


Richest College Football Programs by NIL Valuations
Looking at America’s top ten college football teams from the AP Top 25, we can reveal that the number one school for player NIL valuation (based on average earnings across the team) is Texas A&M. Aggies players earn an average of $85,000 in off-field partnerships, sponsorships, and brand deals. Here's a look at the rest of the top 5 schools:

• University of Michigan – Wolverines players can earn an average of $65,000
• Oklahoma University – Sooners starts are averaging $64,000 in NIL deal valuation
• University of Georgia – The defending College Football Playoff Champions can boast an average of $56,000 in personal brand deals for its players
• University of Alabama – Despite having some of the biggest single NIL deals on its roster, Alabama comes in at fifth overall for earnings average at $52,000

View attachment 462691

Coach Prime's kid says "Hold my Beer!" 4 million a year...

 

[PSUFTG2]

These lists are based on valuations right? Not actual earnings? This list has athletes and their deals.

Icon Source | Blog | Highest Paid College Athletes

College athletes earned an estimated $917 million in the first year of NIL. We're taking a look at some of the top student-athlete NIL earners.

iconsource.com

Those numbers are completely "some kid in his Mom's basement" (and access to the WiFi and social media) conjurings.

Abject nonsense.

 

[GrimReaper]

I don't know nighter,
that is the question i asked in my post.

First suggestion: take anything written by the turds at Action Network with a five pound bag of salt. Those morons are incapable of boiling water.

The athletes earning the big bucks from NIL are the ones with contracts with large companies e.g. Caleb Williams with Dr. Pepper, Caitlin Clark with State Farm. Those deals are public and aboveboard which is how NIL should be. The collectives are a mixed bag. As Midnighter suggests, many have no idea of what to do with the money they've raised. Others are simply pure profiteers. We haven't seen it yet, but it's from this sector that the ugly stories will emerge.

 

[Catch1lion]

..

 

[laKavosiey-st lion]

Clearly, I should have been more inspiring in my OP. However, I'll soldier on and hope that somebody gets a nudge.

How much we talking

 

[DavidM]

For what? A nice donation? Whatever you can easily afford. I can grovel for pennies...

 

[leinbacker]

How does one donate to Penn State’s NIL, Is it a single entity? What percent of contributions are garnished as ‘administration’ costs?

 

[MaconNitt]

I'm not convinced NIL has done much to sway recruits except in very limited (and mostly disastrous) circumstances. The ones, and many non-football players, with any kind of high profile are getting bigger and better deals than any collective can put together (Caleb Williams, Arch Manning, Bryce Young, Olivia Dunn, Sunisa Lee, Sofia Chepnik, Angel Reese, Cavender Twins). The collectives with a bunch of money have zero idea how or what to do with it (A&M, Miami, Tennessee). The teams recruiting well before NIL are still recruiting well (Bama, OSU, Clemson, Georgia). Also believe at some point, colleges will be forced to share profits with players, which will hopefully lead to contracts and more transparency.

Good on you though! And happy belated birthday!

Flags all over the place!!!

 

[DavidM]

How does one donate to Penn State’s NIL, Is it a single entity? What percent of contributions are garnished as ‘administration’ costs?

Here's the link for Happy Valley United. Honestly, I don't know what percentage of a donation goes towards overhead, but it's the only viable show in town. Thanks.

Happy Valley United | Official Penn State NIL Collective

Join Happy Valley United, the official NIL collective for Penn State. Support over 800 student-athletes in 31 sports. Access exclusive benefits, connect with your favorite athletes, and make a positive impact. Become a member today and be part of the Nittany Lions' united community.

happyvalleyunited.com

 

[laKavosiey-st lion]

5k damn

 

[DavidM]

Hey, kudos to anybody who's decided to kick in some more moola for Penn State NIL, and conditional kudos to anybody who's seriously thinking about it--which will only be granted after the bucks have been received by Happy Valley United. Thanks, folks.

 

[Midnighter]

Flags all over the place!!!

Rules are rules....

LSU's Olivia Dunne:

Auburn's Sunisa Lee:

South Florida's Sofia Chepenik:

LSU's Angel Reese:

Cavinder Twins (various schools):

 

[DavidM]

I guess this thread has lost its way, but who's complaining? NIL donations, folks! C'mon!

 

[FrontierLion]

I'd like to submit a controversial opinion here. Not trying to just be a contrarian, just stating my personal thoughts...

I don't see myself ever donating to an NIL program.

Isn't the cost of ticket prices / cost of travel to attend games, etc. more than enough of a "contribution" as fans? It's very sad that we're also expected to fund the team itself. At its most basic, football is simply entertainment for fans.

I consider my family's financial situation as "comfortable." Even so, children, more worthwhile charities, church, will always take precedence over giving money to what? Creating a better football team? I love Penn State football as much (if not more) than the next guy, but in the grand scheme of life, that will always rank low on my financial priority list. What's the end result? To win a few more games? Attract kids that will be multi-millionaires in a few years anyway when they go to the NFL?

Leave the NIL funding to corporations or other groups who can get a return on advertising and leave the meager fans out of it.

 

[DavidM]

Your priorities are your business, and questioning any of them is way beyond my pay grade. As my initial comments hopefully made clear, my push for NIL donations isn't aimed at you. It's your money, and seeing investing in the Penn State NIL effort as absurd is your right. Totally understand.

 

[FrontierLion]

Your priorities are your business, and questioning any of them is way beyond my pay grade. As my initial comments hopefully made clear, my push for NIL donations isn't aimed at you. It's your money, and seeing investing in the Penn State NIL effort as absurd is your right. Totally understand.

Understood, David. Likewise with you. I never tell anyone how to spend their money. We can only do what we feel is best, and I appreciate your support of the cause! To each his own.

 

[DavidM]

I'm gonna bump this once, and then let it die. Begging is not beneath me.

 

[PSUSignore]

I'd like to submit a controversial opinion here. Not trying to just be a contrarian, just stating my personal thoughts...

I don't see myself ever donating to an NIL program.

Isn't the cost of ticket prices / cost of travel to attend games, etc. more than enough of a "contribution" as fans? It's very sad that we're also expected to fund the team itself. At its most basic, football is simply entertainment for fans.

I consider my family's financial situation as "comfortable." Even so, children, more worthwhile charities, church, will always take precedence over giving money to what? Creating a better football team? I love Penn State football as much (if not more) than the next guy, but in the grand scheme of life, that will always rank low on my financial priority list. What's the end result? To win a few more games? Attract kids that will be multi-millionaires in a few years anyway when they go to the NFL?

Leave the NIL funding to corporations or other groups who can get a return on advertising and leave the meager fans out of it.

Nailed it. NIL will never see a penny from me unless I somehow reach levels of stupid wealth (I won't). I can think of thousands of better things to spend money on, giving it to athletes that are already among the world's privileged sure isn't one of them.

 

[DavidM]

Can I assume then that you are perfectly content with whatever record or performance level the Penn State football team has going forward? If you think there are literally thousands of better things to spend money on than donating to the PSU NIL fund, then I admire both the astonishing multifaceted-ness of your life and your supreme indifference to Penn State football.

Yes, the current reality truly sucks--there seems to be no possibility of enforcement or limits on the horizon. However, if it's the wild wild west, then the coaches need to pull on their cowboy boots, strap on their chaps, don their wide-brimmed hats, and do the very best that they can. We need to try to help buy the longhorns.

 

[Bosco2]

Dave, I'm in. Just joined.

 

[DavidM]

Well done! Thank you! Every donation helps!