Five-star OT Michael Fasusi shares why NIL won't be deciding factor

Michael Fasusi released a list of the top seven schools in his recruitment at the beginning of April, but in his opinion, that list is really down to five.

The five-star offensive tackle and top-15 player in the 2025 cycle told On3 this week at the On3 Elite Series that he’s been in constant contact with Texas, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Oregon and Missouri. A lengthy month of visits kicks off Friday with his arrival in Columbia for an official visit with the Tigers.

Speaking with On3 at this week’s On3 Elite Series, he broke down where NIL ranks in his commitment decision.

“With NIL, it’s for sure a factor in it [his decision],” the 6-foot-5, 299-pound offensive tackle said. “But at the end of the day, I’m putting development and education at the top because I do think that’s what’s going to — that’s the long-term goal. You feel me? NIL it is going to mean a little bit, but I’m all for the long-term money and that’s my goal.”

Fasusi previously said he’s currently eyeing an August commitment ahead of his senior season, but those aren’t concrete plans. He’ll take as long as he needs to come to the correct decision — which at this rate, could take some time, given the amount of top-notch programs he’s currently attempting to sift through.

He’s currently the No. 3 offensive tackle in the nation and No. 5 recruit from Texas. Fasusi admitted that he’s received some jaw-dropping financial packages. He’ll have to figure out how much time he wants to spend negotiating. Sources have identified the top offensive tackles in the high school recruiting and transfer portal ranks are commanding north of $400,000 annually.

“NIL for me just going to be a resource for me to take care of my family,” Michael Fasusi said. “That’s what I see it as, I don’t see it as a deciding factor. I do have a lot of schools that, you know, they want to pay me a lot. But at the end of it, I don’t even know if I will negotiate. A lot of people talk about making their decisions over NIL, and I try to tell them, you want to go to the league.”