In this past recruiting class, the biggest story was Bimbo Fisher hauling in, what many said, was the top rated class ever signed. I don’t know all the in’s and outs of how every program is handling the NIL dealio, but many reports are that some are setting up these “collectives”, wherein boosters, donors etc. can simply contribute to the fund and you’re basically paying players from it. Whatever A&M is doing, big money programs are sure to follow.
I think it’s too early to tell, but the question is whether or not this will somewhat even the playing field. Here’s the thing. I’ll go ahead and be Captain Obvious in saying Bama is where they are because they have been paying whatever it takes to get whoever they want since Lord Saybinz got there. Yes, everybody cheats. Everybody is looking for an edge. But according to one of Bama’s long time staffers, neither the NCAA or SEC wants to police their activities, because having that juggernaut, that dynasty, is reeeeaally good for business. And when the Auburn recruiting coordinator asks me for a $30K donation because, “We don’t have the resources to pay what Coach Saban is paying for players”, that kind of confirms that. I told him I didn’t have $30K to spare, but I would pick up lunch.
But things changed in an instant. Now, there are no rules. Now, just flat out paying players is legal, and there’s nothing to police. All the Bag Men are out of work. So, if Bama will offer a $500K “NIL Deal” for a 5* wide receiver, he may wind up at LSU because they can go $750K. If you’re a program with stupid rich boosters who love em’ some good ole State U Football, there’s no reason you can’t load the wagon with equal talent to anybody in the country.
But, I do question if it really will level the playing field, because after hearing some back and forth on sports talk this morning, I don’t believe the Crimson horde will allow it. The topic was when Lord Saybinz retires, who would replace him. What I gleaned from the conversation was that unless Lord Saybinz could clone himself as a younger Lord Saybinz, nobody could possibly take that job. One of the hosts said the Bama Nation doesn’t want Dabo because he’s got to prove he can win. He’s fallen off. (They were 10-3 last year) But Bama, it doesn’t matter who the coach is anymore. You sold your souls to the devil when you hired Saban. They’ve given him every resource possible to get to the top and stay there. They feel it’s their birth right to be Nayshunal Champeens year in and year out. They will accept nothing less. So, now that everybody is playing by the same rules, or lack thereof, are they simply going outbid everybody?
Wait, so you’re saying LSU offered a $750K deal? How about $1.25 million?
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