1) $500k ain't cutting it and that's not close to what I'm typing about on this one.
2) Texas isn't getting beaten by anybody because of NIL, but if those numbnuts post something up front that rivals anything ever done in the bag game, and that's the concern, that's a different thing altogether.
3) If all things are close to equal, he will not be picking ATM.
Since I've perpetuated some of that buzz, let me just update and say that there is validity to some of the buzz about the payouts, but there has been money that has changed hands for sure. It's not real clear what the short is and to whom, but there are ongoing issues.
Part of the issue is apparently exactly what we've discussed as something that could logically happen - guys that did not get paid now want to know why.
They're going to have issues if they're not ready to sort compensation out for a whole bunch of guys. Texas has faced NIL issues through the learning curve when it comes to key guys feeling right about their situation. I think every school is facing that. Ohio State for sure is another example. I'm guessing that right about now USC is having to put some work in for guys worth keeping.
The trick is, you have to have the money to make it make sense. Corporate density is and will remain key on that front. Part of how Bijan Robinson got comfortable was the Lambo deal, which wasn't a collective and is the purest kind of NIL use. I am guessing USC will find plenty of corporate support if they start winning. That's a much bigger problem for every program that isn't in a growth center like Austin or Columbus or a massive MSA like Los Angeles.
Being the biggest city in the country without a big 4 professional team is going to be a massive fucking advantage for Texas. There is legitimate corporate appetite for UT players locally in part because they are some of the biggest celebrities in the entire region.
I'm seeing UH players landing real deal NIL work in Houston. Not aggies. It's interesting to see all of this develop in real time.
Anyway, the other big thing for the aggies with what they've done is the overstack at some key positions. They have 15 guys thinking they should be starting in the opener on the DL and in the secondary for 8 positions. Every single one of them knows they can transfer to another big brand school and get paid or paid again if they don't like how the season goes. Not saying it's the worst problem to have. It's just a problem.