No NIL for Freshman/1st Year Players: Big-Time CFB Coach Makes Stand in New Era

Danielson raised eyebrows when he made it seem like freshman and first-year players would not be able to get NIL money at all if they were to come to Boise State.

It was later clarified that Danielson wasn’t, and legally couldn’t, enforce strict prevention of players getting paid from NIL deals.

Danielson said in an article from On3 that the type of players he wants coming to play for him at Boise State.

“If you’re looking for the easy way and you’re looking for a handout, don’t come to Boise State,” Danielson said according to Adam Engel of the Twin Falls Times-News.

Spencer Danielson and the Boise State Broncos aren’t the only ones taking a stand against NIL

In a recent interview, LSU Tigers head coach Brian Kelly explained that he and his coaching staff are approaching the modern era of college football in a way that is different from most teams.

Kelly went on to explain that the LSU Tigers are “not in the market of buying players.” This particular aspect of the quote could be interpreted in many different ways.

Kelly could just be saying that he is not interested in players who are not football-oriented, meaning he does not want to bring in players who are only chasing massive NIL deals. It would be hard to believe that Kelly is in favor of completely abandoning any form of NIL as the head coach of one of the most prominent teams in the SEC.

Other high-level teams are going all-in when it comes to attracting players with NIL funds

While Danielson and the Broncos are trying to take a stand against NIL and avoid players who are all about the money, other teams across the country are doing just the opposite.

According to Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule, the Ohio State Buckeyes spent $20-25 million in NIL money while fielding their roster this offseason.

One of the most notable acquisitions made by the Buckeyes this offseason was that of former Alabama Crimson Tide cornerback Caleb Downs. On3’s NIL valuation of Downs alone was just under $1 million. Former Alabama head coach Nick Saban explained how special of a football player Downs is in an On3 article.

“I think what impresses me most about Caleb Downs is his maturity,” former Alabama head coach Nick Saban said in December.

“He’s a very instinctive football player, but this guy, there’s no arrogance about him, being one of the best players in the country at his position. He’s very focused, he’s very coachable. He wants to know everything that you can ever tell him about how he can play his position better. He takes coaching well when you talk to him about what he did or didn’t do.”

The Buckeyes also managed to keep a plethora of NFL-ready players from leaving with NIL money. Not only can it help with acquiring players from the transfer portal, but it can keep experienced, top-tier players who are often essential to team leadership. Those players for Ohio State include:

• Defensive tackle Tyleik Williams
• Safety Lathan Ransom
• Defensive end Jack Sawyer
• Defensive tackle Ty Hamilton
• Cornerback Denzel Burke
• Offensive line Donovan Jackson
• Cornerback Jordan Hancock
• Wide receiver Emeka Egbuka
• Defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau
• Running back TreVeyon Henderson

Kelly may have a difficult time competing at the highest level of college football if he refuses to adapt to NIL, but there is a chance that his principled approach could result in long-term success with players who are fully bought in.