The Oklahoma football program will start its journey into the hyper-competitive SEC next season. In the era of the transfer portal and name, image, and likeness, having money to pay players is of utmost importance. The Sooners aren’t hiding that money helps gain and retain some of the best college athletes. Per the Oklahoma Sooners official Twitter (also known as X) page, the university is asking people to join Crimson & Cream’s $2 million NIL challenge.
Oklahoma Sooners: Asking for Help with NIL
The Sooners’ official Twitter page asks fans to make a difference by donating to Crimson & Cream’s name, image, and likeness challenge. Powered by Student Athlete NIL, Crimson & Cream is a collective of OU fans who partnered with the university to push NIL empowerment.
Sooner Nation, now is the time to join @CrimsonCreamNIL's $2 Million Membership Challenge!
More info » https://t.co/k20uA8hLuS pic.twitter.com/GcenIBEuZj
— Oklahoma Sooners (@OU_Athletics) January 24, 2024
Through the Supreme Court’s decision in NCAA v. Alston (2021), college athletes can now earn compensation for their name, image, and likeness. The NIL frenzy has caught significant steam in football, with USC Trojans Heisman quarterback Caleb Williams estimated to have made $3.2 million in partnerships last season. Former Oklahoma football gunslinger Dillon Gabriel looks to make $1.3 million with the Oregon Ducks next fall, according to On3 Sports.
Current Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule said late last year, “Make no mistake: a good quarterback in the portal costs $1 million to $1.5 million to $2 million right now.” With LSU Tigers gymnast Livvy Dunne estimated at $3.5 million worth of NIL deals, name, image, and likeness doesn’t just stop at football.
Oklahoma Football: NIL rich 2024 Roster
Per On3 Sports, USC transfer and offensive lineman Michael Tarquin will net $117 thousand in name, image, and likeness value next season. Maryland edge rusher Caiden Woullard owns an NIL value estimate of $214 thousand, while quarterback Casey Thompson sits at $140 thousand.
The Sooners will also need to pay current players on the roster, like former five-star quarterback Jackson Arnold. The Texas native has an estimated annual name, image, and likeness value of $601 thousand per the recruiting site. Incoming freshman Taylor Tatum must also earn compensation through NIL, regardless of how much he plays in 2024.
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