Strength in numbers? How LSUs NIL approach sets us apart in the SEC and Beyond

Hey everyone,

I wanted to dive into yes, another conversation about LSU and the NIL landscape, especially since it’s been such a hot topic with the latest coaching changes and all the buzz around Lane Kiffin coming in and the biggest question, Who pays for it all? Buyouts and players and coaches and all the new shiny toys.

One thing that makes LSU unique in the NIL space is how our support network is structured. Unlike some programs that might lean heavily on one or two mega-boosters, LSU has a broad, community-based model. Sure, we’ve got some notable names like Todd Graves from Raising Cane’s who’s been a fantastic supporter (depending on who you believe,he was a major part of the Kelly thing) But it’s not just about one or two individuals. It’s the whole network…. The TAF, a large number of alumni, local businesses, and a whole damn state of fans who all pitch in. We all contribute a part, and together that creates a really solid foundation for NIL opportunities. I dont know how many other programs have fans that follow their college team year round like it’s still football season. I’d imagine there are a few. But I still feel we are a little different shite, a huge amount of fans have never and will never go to LSU. Yet still are lifelong fans.

We might not have a single billionaire writing a blank check, but we have a whole lot of dedicated die-hards who keep the program strong. And that actually gives us a pretty resilient and consistent approach. It’s a point of pride because it reflects how much the whole LSU family is invested in our athletes.

With all that being said, I still don't understand exactly how it works the new way. Schools technically have a "salary cap", but outside of the school students can earn anything, as long as it's paid appropriately for what they do for it? Meaning, don't all deals have to be approved now? I mean that really only involves the big names anyway. Teams are not built off one huge name getting a huge deal. It's off a bunch of really good players getting competitive deals year in and year out and providing the best facilities and coaches, which adds up quick. How many coaches are we paying right now counting Kiffin? Ed, Kelly, Miles? Not sure about this. A genuine question. All at one time just so we can win? We don't seem to have to worry about one huge donor making all the shots. We have a whole state donating every year that gives us the financial flexibility to get players and actually let the play decide how we spend our money. Which is what the fans want right?

I don't really know if my take is accurate, but it's what I have gathered so far. And bc specific donations can be kept anonymous, I truly don't know the actual numbers.

All I could find was educated guesses on actual numbers. ON3 has a top 10 on NIL money spent this season

1.Texas
2. Texas Tech
3. Ohio State
4. Oregon
5. Texas a&m
6. Miami
7. USC
8. Michigan
9. Tennessee
10. Auburn

But how did they come up with that list?

"On3 surveyed 17 stakeholders across college football, including head coaches, administrators, general managers, NIL collectives, and agents, asking: Which 10 programs do you believe spent the most money to build their 2025 roster? Texas was the only school to appear on every ballot."

So not very accurate at all. So who really knows???

What do you think?
This post is all just my opinion, not fact. Based on observation and being an avid fan just like all of you.



Geaux Tigers!