In College Info

Transfer Portal — centralized online database and compliance tool that allows college athletes to officially declare their intent to transfer and be legally contacted by coaches from other schools

1. Entry Windows: Athletes cannot enter the portal at any time. They must notify their school's compliance office and submit their paperwork during officially designated "transfer windows" specific to their sport (e.g., typically following the end of a season)

2. Recruiting Access: Once an athlete's name is in the database, coaches from other colleges can contact them directly

3. Eligibility Rules: Athletes who remain academically eligible can transfer an unlimited number of times without needing to sit out a year before competing

4. Not a Binding Agreement: Putting your name in the portal does not force you to leave. Athletes can withdraw their names and potentially remain at their original school, though the original coach is not required to keep them on the roster or honor their athletic scholarship

Redshirting — strategic decision where a student-athlete sits out an entire season of competition to preserve their four years of NCAA eligibility. Athletes and coaches utilize redshirting for a few primary reasons:

1. Physical Development: Gives younger athletes time to gain strength, size, and adjust to the speed of college-level play.

2. Academic Adjustment: Allows freshmen to focus on academics and transition to college life without the intense demands of game travel and competition.

3. Roster Depth: Used when a team is deep in a specific position, allowing the athlete to develop for a year rather than sit on the bench.

Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) — the rights of student-athletes to monetize their personal brand through avenues like social media endorsements, autograph signings, paid appearances, and merchandise

• Head to the NIL Store to find how you can obtain an NIL deal yourself!

• Financial Literacy — student-athletes and professionals should emphasize the importance of treating money management with the same discipline as athletic training

  • NIL Fin Lit partners with athletic departments, coaches, professional organizations and athletes to deliver the financial education today's sports landscape demands

  • Opendorse provides technology and services to the athlete endorsement industry. They serve the full lifecycle of supporting athletes: educating, assessing, planning, sharing, creating, measuring, tracking, disclosing, regulating, listing, browsing, booking, and more

  • Core Pillars to Master

    • NIL Taxes: Because NIL income is often classified as self-employment, deals over $400 require federal tax returns. A general rule of thumb is to set aside 30% - 40% of every check for local, state, and federal taxes

    • The 50-30-20 Rule: A common, effective budgeting strategy that splits income into three buckets: 50% for needs (housing, equipment, insurance), 30% for wants (entertainment, lifestyle), and 20% for savings and taxes

    • Contract Review: Athletes should always review potential deals with trusted professionals or their school's compliance office to flag red flags and predatory clauses before signing