Latest news with #NIL-focused
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
$1.3 Million Quarterback Makes Major NIL Move Before Freshman Season at Alabama
There's still plenty of good in the world of college football. With NIL opportunities changing the game, stories like this one are worth celebrating. Keelon Russell, the No. 2 ranked quarterback in the class of 2025 and the 2024 Gatorade High School Football Player of the Year, made headlines this week for a heartfelt gesture toward his mother. Advertisement It's a great reminder that beyond the field, these young athletes are using their platforms to support their families, give back and lead by example. The NIL-focused outlet On3 shared a photo of Russell's generous surprise: "NEW: Alabama QB Keelon Russell gifted his mom a new Mercedes Benz with NIL dollars." Russell's current NIL valuation stands at $1.3 million. His first partnership was with Panini America. He ranks 37th among all college football players in NIL valuation, and 2nd among freshmen behind Michigan's Bryce Underwood. Across all college athletes, he's currently 78th according to On3's rankings. Advertisement Russell will enter fall camp with a shot at winning the starting quarterback job under new Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer. He'll be competing with experienced returner Ty Simpson and promising youngster Austin Mack. Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell (12).Gary Cosby/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Back in February, Russell spoke with On3 Sports about his focus on staying grounded amid rising expectations and NIL attention: "The best advice was to understand what's coming towards you,' Russell said. 'Understand that your profile is your profile. Understand that your name is your name. Building that is the most successful thing that you can do, especially with how the NIL space is getting bigger. The performances of the platforms are getting way more advanced. NIL is something that takes away from the aspects of football. Somebody told me, focus on the key things." Advertisement Russell originally committed to SMU, but after a standout senior season at Duncanville High School in Texas, he flipped his commitment to Alabama. One of the key reasons? The development of Michael Penix Jr. under DeBoer at Washington, a path Russell hopes to follow. This story of Russell's gift to his mother stands out as an awesome example of how NIL is already helping student-athletes make life-changing decisions for themselves and their families. Related: LSU Football Makes Historic Academic Announcement Under Brian Kelly Related: Urban Meyer Calls for Rule That Would Get Michigan Coach Fired
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Kentucky Basketball hits record high NIL offers for 2025
If money talks, then Kentucky basketball is screaming from the mountaintop, and every other basketball program can get to walking. In the new era of college hoops, where NIL deals now rival NBA-level perks, no program is dropping more cash than the Wildcats — and they're not being subtle about it. According to CBS Sports' Matt Norlander, at least 10 college basketball programs are projected to spend $10 million or more on NIL contracts in 2025. But insiders say Kentucky is in a class of its own. College hoops veteran Jeff Goodman didn't mince words: 'I'm not sure anyone is gonna touch Kentucky's NIL payroll this season… not even BYU.' Advertisement Kentucky's aggressive approach under new head coach Mark Pope is turning heads — and turning the transfer portal into a checkout line. With the school's NIL collective operating at full throttle, they've secured top-tier transfers and high school stars, outbidding traditional powers like Duke and UNC in a financial arms race that's changing the game. After a string of postseason disappointments, Kentucky is betting big to reclaim its throne. The proof? The roster. Pope landed key talents like former Oklahoma guard Javian McCollum and former Dayton standout DaRon Holmes II — players with NBA potential who likely wouldn't have chosen Lexington without serious NIL backing. It's not just about stacking talent. It's about sustaining it. Kentucky's collective has created an environment where elite athletes don't just come — they stay. That stability, combined with Pope's up-tempo system and a renewed recruiting pipeline, has reloaded the program faster than anyone expected. Related: Bill Belichick's girlfriend Jordon Hudson working to secure three UNC trademarks, per report In a landscape where blue bloods now need green to win, Kentucky isn't just participating — it's setting the market. For NIL-focused fans and recruits alike, one thing is clear: if you're looking for the program that's putting its money where its championship dreams are, it starts and ends in Lexington. Advertisement Related: Reggie Bush gives his two cents on college football transfer portal and NIL Want to win in today's college basketball? Follow the money — and follow Kentucky. Related: Miami NIL Twin announces engagement to Dallas Cowboys star Related: Lane Kiffin trolls Carson Beck's $4 million NIL deal from Miami: 'Did they watch his game against us?'
