re: NIL money being pulled, or adjusted? Is playing time the scapegoat?

This only makes sense that no matter your star-ranking from high school, you have to progress.

The coaches all know who in their position group is showing promise and who is not. Therefore, by the end of each season, they have their #1, #2 & #3 guys at CB, S, DT, etc. If you fall outside of that, your NIL is eliminated or reduced, or you are just led to the door for entry into the portal.