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Elite linebacker Tyler Atkinson, a standout from the 2026 class, has inked a groundbreaking NIL deal with a leading sneaker giant. This major move signals a new era of athlete-brand partnerships in college football.

If NIL deals had existed since 2000, legendary college football stars like Vince Young and Tim Tebow would top the earnings charts, blending athletic dominance with marketing savvy to redefine collegiate sports wealth.

LeBron James fiercely critiques the chaotic world of NIL deals, labeling them “lawless.” He urges stakeholders to unify and establish clear, fair regulations to protect athletes and preserve the spirit of the game.

NIL money is rewriting the NBA draft playbook. With lucrative college deals, fewer top prospects rush early entry, while rising stars reconsider leaving, reshaping the league’s talent pipeline and future drafts.