In a fun twist of college football fate, Wisconsin alum Dan “Big Cat” Katz found himself settling a bet with former Alabama star Mark Ingram. The wager, made during Week 3’s *Big Noon Kickoff*, all hinged on the outcome of a Big Ten-SEC showdown between their alma maters.
Alabama took the win over Wisconsin, 38-14. Big Cat kept his word—sort of—but with a playful spin.
Instead of coughing up the agreed $10,000, he handed over $1,000 in NIL dollars to Alabama on the next week’s show. That move, light-hearted as it was, still captured the camaraderie and competitive edge that runs deep in college football.
The Wager: Wisconsin vs. Alabama
The scene was set on *Big Noon Kickoff*. Dan “Big Cat” Katz, repping Wisconsin, and Mark Ingram, the Alabama legend, put a friendly bet on the line.
The prize? $10,000 in NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) money to the winner’s school. After Alabama’s decisive win, Big Cat had to pay up—though he couldn’t resist adding his own flavor to the payoff.
Big Cat’s Humorous Twist
Big Cat showed up with a $1,000 NIL contribution on the next episode of *Big Noon Kickoff*. Not quite the full ten grand, but hey, it kept the bet alive and well.
“A bet is a bet. You guys whooped us, so fair is fair, $1,000 to the Alabama NIL [fund]. Maybe [it] goes to [head coach] Kalen DeBoer’s buyout? I don’t know,” Big Cat joked, tossing in a little jab for good measure.
Impact on College Football
This kind of moment really shows how much NIL deals have changed college sports. Now, athletes can gain something real from their name, image, and likeness, and fans get a new way to connect with their teams.
It’s not just about the money—it brings fans and alumni closer to the action, and to the athletes themselves. That connection just feels more personal these days.
The Role of NIL in Modern College Sports
NIL deals have flipped college athletics on its head. Players can finally earn from endorsements, appearances, and whatever else comes their way.
For fans like Big Cat, it means there’s a direct line to supporting their teams and favorite players. That kind of involvement? It’s a game changer, honestly.
Week 4 Matchups and Beyond
Both Alabama and Wisconsin are moving ahead in their seasons, each sitting at 2-1 after Week 3. Alabama, still shaking off that Week 1 upset by Florida State, is aiming to get back on track.
Wisconsin’s got Maryland coming up in Week 4, and they’re hoping to keep some momentum going.
Upcoming Games
Alabama gets a break in Week 4—no game, just time to regroup. Their next challenge? A huge SEC road game against Georgia on September 27.
That one’s shaping up to be a must-watch, with serious conference stakes. Wisconsin, meanwhile, needs a strong showing against Maryland to stay in the Big Ten conversation.
Big Noon Kickoff: A Must-Watch
If you’re into college football, *Big Noon Kickoff* is probably already on your radar. The show mixes sharp analysis with fun moments, like the Big Cat and Mark Ingram bet.
The next episode comes to you from Salt Lake City, featuring a ranked Big 12 clash—No. 17 Texas Tech vs. No. 16 Utah. Catch it at noon ET on FOX or the FOX Sports app. Should be a good one.
Engage with FOX Sports
If you want to keep up with all things college football, signing up for a FOX Sports account isn’t a bad move. You can follow your favorite leagues, teams, and players, and get newsletters straight to your inbox.
It’s an easy way to stay in the loop, so you never miss the latest news or stories from around the college football world.
The wager between Dan “Big Cat” Katz and Mark Ingram is honestly a great example of the passion and camaraderie that make college football so special.
Sure, the $1,000 NIL contribution wasn’t the full amount they first talked about, but it still honored the spirit of the bet. Plus, it added a bit of humor to the whole thing.
For more details on this story, you can read the full article on FOX Sports.
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