National Signing Day has always been a huge deal for high school athletes. It’s the day when they finally lock in their college futures and step into a new chapter.
But things aren’t quite what they used to be. The rise of NIL (name, image, likeness) agreements has totally shaken up college football recruiting.
This post takes a look at how NIL is changing National Signing Day. There are insights from industry folks and some real stories from Central Florida athletes and coaches.
The Impact of NIL on College Football Recruiting
These days, NIL is a major factor for student-athletes. Before, decisions were mostly about academics, athletic programs, or maybe just the vibe on campus.
Now, the money from NIL deals is right there in the mix. It’s hard to ignore that kind of potential.
Student-Athletes’ Perspectives
Take Lake Mary High School quarterback Noah Grubbs, for example. He’s had plenty of NIL offers thrown his way, but he picked Notre Dame.
He says he chose the school for its culture and tradition. The program’s values mattered more to him than any cash on the table.
Grubbs has racked up over 10,000 passing yards in high school. That alone makes him a top target for colleges everywhere.
Still, his Notre Dame commitment shows that sometimes, what a program stands for can outweigh the financial perks.
Coaches’ Insights on NIL
UCF head coach Scott Frost hasn’t held back about the NIL situation. He’s called the system “broken” and shared stories of players and agents asking for money right after he took over.
It’s a bit of a mess, honestly. Frost’s experience points to how unpredictable things have gotten.
The Need for a Unified System
Sports agent Drew Rosenhaus, who’s negotiated some massive contracts in his day, thinks there needs to be more structure. He’s floated the idea of a collective bargaining agreement, like what the NFL has.
He figures that would help calm things down and make it fairer for everyone. It’s tough to argue with that logic.
*The Athletic* reports that for quarterbacks heading to Power Four schools, the going rate is usually between $100,000 and $300,000. For some big-name athletes or top programs, it can even top a million.
Even at smaller Division I schools, players are making thousands. NIL’s reach is pretty much everywhere now.
The Local Scene: Central Florida
Central Florida is packed with talented high school athletes. NIL’s influence is clear in the choices these young players are making.
Some local athletes have to weigh big financial offers against their own goals. Grubbs picking Notre Dame over more lucrative deals is a story that’s getting a lot of attention around here.
UCF’s Strategy
UCF signed more than a dozen players on National Signing Day. Coach Frost knows NIL brings its own set of headaches, but he’s still focused on building a solid team culture.
He’s looking for a balance—using NIL where it helps but not letting it take over. That’s easier said than done.
Frost has talked about his first year back at UCF and how complicated NIL has made things. Players and agents asking for payment right away is a new reality.
Even with all this, he’s sticking to his guns and wants to create a good environment for his team.
The Future of NIL in College Football
NIL has changed college football in ways nobody could’ve predicted. It’s opened doors for athletes to make money, but it’s also made recruiting way more complicated.
Moving Forward
The landscape keeps shifting, and honestly, no one can do this alone. Stakeholders really need to work together if we want a more equitable system.
That means setting clear guidelines and, maybe more importantly, bringing some real transparency to NIL deals. Otherwise, it’s just too easy for things to get muddy.
With better support, student-athletes can make choices that fit their goals—on and off the field. Isn’t that what this should be about?
If you’re looking for more stories and perspectives straight from Central Florida athletes and coaches, check out the full article on mynews13.com.
Stay tuned for more updates and some honest takes on what’s next in college football recruiting and NIL agreements. It’s all changing fast, so who really knows what’s around the corner?
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