In the evolving world of college football, the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era has added a whole new layer to the sport. It’s shaking up everything from how teams operate to how they recruit.
As coaches and players try to figure out this new landscape, money is becoming more and more central. NIL deals are now a huge part of the conversation, changing the way programs compete and even how games play out.
This article takes a closer look at how NIL stats are shaping college football. Recent games and candid coach comments offer a window into the growing financial gaps and the new tactics schools are using to keep up.
The Rise of NIL in College Football
Since NIL rules came into play, college athletes can finally cash in on their personal brands. It’s a massive shift, giving players more control and putting pressure on schools to keep up in the race for top recruits.
Now, in the fifth season of NIL, the money on the table is bigger than ever. The gap between programs with deep pockets and those without is getting harder to ignore.
Financial Disparities Among Programs
The money divide is probably the most obvious part of the NIL era. Southern Mississippi coach Charles Huff didn’t hold back after losing to Mississippi State, calling out the $15 million spent on their offensive and defensive lines.
It’s a pretty stark reminder that, in some conferences—especially the SEC—cash can translate directly to wins. The more you spend, the more you win? That’s the vibe.
And it’s not just one-off comments. The back-and-forth between Oregon and Oklahoma State’s coaches got everyone talking about budgets. Mike Gundy, from Oklahoma State, threw shade at Oregon’s $40 million roster, comparing it to his own $7 million spend over three years.
Dan Lanning at Oregon pushed back, saying you need to spend if you want to compete. It’s a debate that’s not going away, and it really highlights how some schools are playing in a whole different league financially.
Impact on Non-Conference Scheduling
The money side of NIL is even starting to mess with non-conference games. Gundy floated the idea that team budgets should help decide who plays who outside the conference.
It’s not a terrible point—when a loaded program schedules games against a school with less cash, the imbalance is pretty obvious. It makes you wonder what non-conference matchups will even look like in a few years.
Penn State’s Strategic Moves
Penn State’s been making some interesting moves lately, too. The big one? They’re dropping Nike and teaming up with Adidas for their merchandise, starting July 1, 2026.
After more than 30 years with Nike, that’s a pretty bold change. Adidas has been throwing big money at college deals—just look at what they did with Tennessee—so it’s clear Penn State wants a piece of that action.
On the field, coach James Franklin’s recent comments shed some light on the team’s inner workings. He gave backup quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer a nod for his performance against Nevada, even though practice has been up and down.
There’s also been a switch at punter—Gabe Nwosu is in, Riley Thompson is out. It’s another sign that the team’s still fine-tuning things as the season rolls on.
Coaching Philosophies and Team Dynamics
Franklin’s approach to coaching is always interesting. He’s big on discipline, especially when it comes to penalties before the snap and after the whistle.
He also owned up to a failed 2-point conversion against Nevada, saying it was all about getting ready for bigger challenges down the road. It’s a bit of a gamble, but that’s how he rolls.
The Tight End Legacy
Penn State’s “Tight End U” reputation just keeps growing. Guys like Tyler Warren, Pat Freiermuth, Mike Gesicki, Brenton Strange, and Theo Johnson have all made their mark in the NFL.
The current group, with Andrew Rappleyea and Khalil Dinkins, is keeping that pipeline alive. Franklin even called Dinkins the most complete tight end in the country—maybe a bit of coach-speak, but you can tell he means it.
Looking Ahead
The NIL era is shaking up college football in ways we couldn’t have predicted even a few years ago. Money is a big deal now, and it’s not going away.
Team budgets vary wildly. Coaches and programs are getting creative—sometimes even a bit cutthroat—just to keep up.
Programs like PSU are making bold moves with branding and money. Honestly, it’s almost dizzying how fast things are changing.
If you’re curious and want the nitty-gritty details, check out the Altoona Mirror.
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