Jim Harbaugh discusses NIL, what he hears about it from recruits

NIL continues to be a major talking point across college athletics. As legislation comes closer to its one year anniversary, plenty of college coaches are still attempting to navigate through it. For Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, he says it consistently comes up out on the recruiting trail.

“I hear a lot about it. It’s talked about a lot,” said Harbaugh. “I just don’t know how much is real? How much is accurate? (Some) are like fish tale stories.”

Just as each state has their own legislation, each program has their own philosophy when it comes to NIL. Although he’s indifferent when it comes to his personal opinion, Harbaugh has made it known to his recruits where the Wolverines stand on the matter.

“I don’t know much or that I really have an opinion on that,” he said. “At the University of Michigan, we’re still going to be a transformational experience rather than a transactional experience.”

A lot of coaches want to continue to focus on the growth and development of their players and programs. NIL has shifted that focus to a point where it can’t be ignored. Regardless of where anyone stands, Harbaugh does agree that the system is finally equitable to those who actually play on the field.

“I’ve always been for student athletes being able to profit off their name, image and likeness,” said Harbaugh. “I think that it just makes sense. Who should profit or share profit from the sale of a jersey? The actual person whose jersey it is rather than the institution? I think we can all agree. That’s something that’s fair and right.”

It doesn’t matter which coach, program or conference you talk about when it comes to NIL. They are all following along with everyone else as the NIL structure of college athletics is built. The long term effect it will have on coaches like Harbaugh trying to recruit players to their schools still remains to be seen.