For many years there has been push back from college athletes on not receiving any type of compensation, from purchasing merchandise with their name attached, media companies broadcasting their games, and gaming companies using their names too. With the complaints heard, a change was made. 

On July 1, 2021, the NCAA passed a ruling on players profiting off of their name, image, and likeness, also known as NIL. At first glance this was considered a positive for all parties, including players, universities, fans, etc. But with little guidelines and rules surrounding NIL, it quickly became an uncontrollable issue which doesn’t only affect players, but also affects the entirety of college athletics.

As players profited off their NIL through commercials, brand deals, and merchandise it quickly escalated directly to the school they were playing for. If an athlete felt they were not receiving enough money from the program they suited up for, they found the quickest solution was to enter a transfer portal and find a new home to play for. 

This growing conflict made it difficult for schools to compete with other schools that had a wealthier set of alumni/boosters. This made it hard for less-funded schools to put a stable team together year in and year out.

One example of NIL playing a pivotal role in college athletics is Miami quarterback Carson Beck. Beck, who was previously quarterback for the University of Georgia from 2020-2024, entered the transfer portal when the season ended. While being projected to be picked in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, he decided to take a different route. The University of Miami was in need of a quarterback, as their previous quarterback Cam Ward, was the number one pick in the 2025 draft. Beck was offered to play at Miami for just over $3 million in an NIL package. This amount of money being offered is becoming fairly common across all sports in college. Many individuals have different perspectives and opinions on these athletes gaining a high amount of salary in college. 

Boston Gasway, a senior at Calabasas High School, who has played baseball throughout his four years there has mixed feelings on the subject. 

“I think there are obviously pros and cons. Obviously it’s a good thing they’re getting compensation for what they deserve, but it’s not fair it gets in the way of the process of committing. For example, if a school has more money they’re likely to get a better recruit which isn’t fair,” Gasway said.

As an athlete, Gasway reflected on how some may have different values when it comes to committing to an institution that’s right for them. 

“Some value money over the right program and fit for themselves,” Gasway said.

Athletes that favor money over a better fit in the long run are often ridiculed and given a bad reputation for their decision. But, what many people don’t know is that many college athletes come from low-income households and poverty. 

According to the National College Players Association, 86% of college athletes live right on the cusp of poverty. A lot of athletes take money that is offered to them to help support their families in need of financial support.

Max Hurlburt, a senior at Calabasas High School, who has played baseball all 4 years, plans to play at a two year college and hopes to one day transfer to a university. Hurlburt, pushed back on the notion of NIL having a tremendous impact on athletes’ four year careers.

“I don’t think it has a huge impact on where athletes choose to commit to. I think being a college athlete in general has so many benefits and perks that are good like housing, apartments, food, and etc. Yes, a salary can make a person intrigued and question his or her decision, but I think most athletes are still going to the right school for them,” Hurlburt said. 

With the debate and discussion on how NIL is being used and distributed, no one knows what its future will contain, its evolution being a severe unknown. Hurlburt has a hope for optimism, but pleads for college athletics to be responsible and accountable with NIL in the future.

“I think college athletics are forever changed because of NIL. It’s operated as a business now and money talks. I mean, NIL has been back only for a couple of years. Imagine ten years from now and the evolution of it. People can look at it in two ways, but no matter their viewpoint, players deserve to profit off their talents. I think it’s just about managing money and revenue a player can receive off their name. I hope responsibility and accountability remain in college athletics,” Hurlburt said.