Over half-a-billion dollars of NIL money will flow to the players at Power 5 football schools next season. And while coaching and facilities and success have long dictated recruiting at that level, NIL deals are playing an increasingly bigger role. That’s why coaches like Penn State’s James Franklin are appealing directly to the school’s alumni and donors to contribute money for more NIL spending.
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Penn State went 11-2 last season, finishing No. 7 in the country, but third in the Big 10. This season, the Nittany Lions are ranked No. 10 in the ESPN preseason poll. Coach Franklin is focused on off-field issues, though, as well as on-field ones to keep the program strong and keep up with the Joneses (and Sabans) down in the SEC.
Franklin took to Twitter on Wednesday to ask his Penn State faithful to contribute more money toward the NIL cause:
Every game week we call for our #107kstrong. TOGETHER we are locked in, committed & show the tremendous power of the Penn State Community.
— James Franklin (@coachjfranklin) July 5, 2023
We need EVERYONE locked in on being 1-0 in the NIL race. There is power in our #750kLivingAlumni & we need everyone to take PRIDE & COMPETE…
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Franklin has told media outlets that the Penn State athletic department has been slow to embrace NIL deals, and the school’s donors and alumni have been hesitant, too. That was what is behind this direct appeal.
Penn State currently isn’t one of the top 10 NIL football programs in the country, although Big 10 rival Ohio State is. That’s why, despite Franklin having the program in a good spot right now, that could change quickly if the school doesn’t improve its NIL situation.
