NCAA Replaces NLI with New Athletics Aid Offers, Integrates NIL Opportunities

Earlier this year the NCAA announced changes to the National Letter of Intent (NLI) program, transitioning from the traditional NLI to written offers of athletics aid. While this adjustment may appear significant, it largely represents a rebranding, as the core process and dates will remain the same.

Under the new system, written offers of athletics aid will replace the NLI, with signing dates adhering to the existing formula used for NLIs. Athletes will continue to sign on the same dates as before, maintaining consistency in the recruiting calendar.

An important shift, however, is the expanded scope of these written offers. Athletics aid packages will now include any Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreements, meaning financial compensation from NIL deals can be part of the official athletics aid offer. This change brings clarity and transparency, allowing athletes to consider all financial aspects of their commitment when signing.

This move aims to streamline the process while aligning the official athletics aid offer with the realities of today’s collegiate sports environment, where NIL opportunities play a significant role in many athletes’ decisions. It simplifies the signing process for athletes and coaches, integrating NIL within the formal recruiting structure of college sports.

Time Left on the Clock

photo6201
Image provide by http://www.pacificlegal.org/page.aspx?pid=4621

Social media has been lit up announcing hundreds of high school senior student athletes signing their letter of intent. What you need to know is that there are many more athletic scholarship yet to be filled.  Despite the early signing period arriving today, if you haven’t signed a national letter of intent (NIL) there is still time for you to get a college athletic scholarship.

Don’t be offended, but to be honest, most of the students signing today are the top 5%. These are the athletes that have been heavily recruited since their sophomore year (or earlier). Colleges have spent a lot of time and resources on these athletes. And these athletes and their family have spent a lot of time and resources on getting college exposure.

The good news, however, is that these athletes take up only fill a small percentage of the available scholarships. College coaches now have to focus on filing in the gaps with players they need. So your goal is to be one of these players!

There is still time left to be recruited. The next NIL signing day is in February. So, don’t give up. Don’t sulk because you didn’t sign. Stand up straight and go do something about it!

If want to be signing your NIL in 2016 here’s 4 things you need to do if you want to enjoy that glorious moment next Spring.

1. Increase your exposure to college coaches. Exposure is all about connections.  Use the NCAA regulations to help you know what you can and can’t do.
2. Update your video footage. Use the most recent footage. This highlight video should showcase your athleticism!
3. Start a recruiting campaign. Show coaches why you are the athlete you are looking for. Build a profile with all your stats, metrics, grades, pictures and video footage.
4. Get help. Ask your coach to make some calls. Find a recruiting organization like PrepStar to you get connected with college coaches.
5. Keep working hard! Do not slack off. Work out, get faster, get ripped, stay in shape. Be ready to show the coach who are interested in you why he/she should recruit you.

If you don’t know how to do any of these things, take to your phone and contact me. I’m glad to help you. It’s what I do!

Here’s how you can contact me. Email me at mwoosley@csaprepstar.com, call or text me at 805-622-7827, Tweet me @michaelwoosley on Twitter.