The New Game Changers: College Athletes and NIL

College sports are changing, and it's not just about the games. The Indiana University Hoosiers recently won the college football championship, but did anyone notice? The victory was huge, but it didn't get much attention. That's not the only big thing happening in college sports that people are missing. The Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rules, which started in 2021, are a big deal. These rules let college athletes make money from their personal brands. It's a big change from the old days when athletes couldn't earn anything beyond their scholarships. For a long time, the NCAA's rules kept athletes from making money, even though they were the ones bringing in billions of dollars. The idea was to keep college sports "pure. " But now, with NIL, athletes have more power. They can make deals, build their own brands, and even influence how they're recruited. This is a big shift, and it's not just about money. It's about changing the way we think about college sports and the people who play them.Companies like PeakNIL are helping athletes connect with brands. This company was started by Blake Corum, a former University of Michigan star running back. PeakNIL lets athletes make deals without needing a middleman. It's not just the big stars who are benefiting. Even athletes with smaller followings can make a big impact. This is changing the game for everyone involved. NIL is also changing the way universities think about their athletic programs. Schools are now offering courses on personal branding and entrepreneurship. This is a big deal because it's preparing athletes for life after sports. It's also making us think about what it means to be an amateur athlete and what value they bring to the table. The impact of NIL goes beyond the playing field. It's changing the culture of college sports and the way we think about education and labor. It's a quiet revolution, but it's happening. And it's not just about the money. It's about giving athletes the power to shape their own futures.