College sports have changed a lot over the last decade, and one of the biggest recent additions has been the introduction of name, image and likeness opportunities for student-athletes.
Players are now able to use their star power to sign deals with companies and earn money. Florida quarterbacks Anthony Richardson and Emory Jones both signed with Outback Steakhouse in 2021 and had signature meals at local restaurants. Richardson also inked a deal with Gainesville Dodge that gives him a new Durango R/T each year until 2023.
Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin spoke about the importance of staying at the forefront of NIL developments on the Gator Talk radio show Thursday evening. He called it the most dramatic change the sport has seen since the NCAA’s formation and recognizes that it adds another layer to the recruiting game.
“It’s a fascinating, really dynamic time and space,” Stricklin said. “I do know one thing. Whatever it is, the University of Florida has a chance to be really good at it. We want the best. We want a championship experience with integrity for our athletes. We want to do things the right way.”
To make that vision a reality, Stricklin is looking for people who are able to adapt to the new world of college sports. The Gators’ new football coach Billy Napier is a prime example of the kind of what he’s looking for. Napier is one of the best recruiters in the south, and it’s largely because he’s willing to add anything to his arsenal to land what he considers championship-caliber talent. The includes hiring staff specifically to focus on the players’ NIL opportunities.
Stricklin also bragged about the Gator Collective, which he believes to be the first formalized fan interaction group that utilizes NIL. Led by former Gator Eddie Rojas, the Gator Collective offers members direct access to student-athletes through arranged interviews and live Twitter Spaces. The group has grown to almost 1700 members and is bringing in $210,000 in recurring revenue for NIL deals.
This is only just the beginning of NIL in college sports, but the Gators are off to a running start compared to most programs. It’ll take some serious winning to step up to the very top of the list, but Stricklin seems determined to get it done.
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