Bryan Harsin on how much NIL affects Auburn locker room: 'It's hard to tell right now'

As every team deals with adjusting to NIL, Bryan Harsin has seen multiple players on his Auburn squad cash in. Prior to the Tigers game against Alabama State this weekend, Harsin was asked about the impact NIL has made on the Auburn program.

“I think the assumption is how much that affects the locker room — it’s hard to tell right now,” said Harsin. “Just as far as this being so new. Don’t really have an answer for you on that. But I think eventually you’re gonna see some things will come out of this, and hopefully it’s good. Some of the things that will come out of it that are negative, we’ll probably learn as the season goes on. 

“Make adjustments as we go, and figure out what’s the best way to use this model so we can still develop players. They can have an experience and we have really good people surrounding them while they’re here in the program.”

So far, Harsin has seen players like quarterback Bo Nix sign NIL deals that netted them some serious cash. Earlier this summer, Nix signed a deal with Bojangles to promote their new chicken sandwich,

Additionally, running back Tank Bigsby and safety Smoke Monday shared personal logos that they’ll use to sell clothing and other items. Evidently, NIL is a change that Harsin will have to keep his finger on inside the locker room. 

‘From a players standpoint …’

Moreover, Harsin continued to give his personal opinion on NIL. Speaking from a players standpoint, he likened it to recruiting and trust.

“Well I think it is what it is now. We’ve opened up that opportunity for players to do those things, that was something that was agreed upon. We made the decision to be a part of that with the NIL,” said Harsin. “So I think for every team, we have to deal with that. My personal opinion on it, I’m not sure it really matters as far as what some of these businesses or some of these people want to do when it comes to making agreements with players. 

“What I will say from a players standpoint, when we go through the recruiting process you get to know the coaches, you get to know (as a coach) the families and the players. You build a relationship, and that relationship is hopefully built on trust, and the opportunity they’re gonna have when they come to your program. So I think no differently for these young men when they make decisions as far as their life goes, or business decisions. 

“They’re having that same type of process that they use before they get into a deal with somebody, and they make sure it’s going to be a good deal and that there’s trust and a relationship there.”

NIL has changed the game, and has been another adjustment as Bryan Harsin attempts to build his legacy at Auburn. Still, the best way to endear himself and keep the locker room morale high is simple — winning.