Below are the top NIL headlines from April 14th:

Maxx Crosby: From EMU Star to Assistant GM

In a groundbreaking move, former Eastern Michigan University defensive end and current Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby has been named the Assistant General Manager for the EMU football team. Crosby, now the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history with the Raiders, will bring his unique perspective and expertise back to his alma mater. This move is the first of its kind that involves an active NFL player having a role with helping there school with NIL related work. It is the same concept as the role that Steph Curry is involved in with Davidson and Trae Young with Oklahoma.

A Multifaceted Role for Crosby

Crosby will be involved in evaluating potential high school recruits and transfer portal targets, managing the team's NIL and revenue-sharing budget, and navigating the financial complexities of modern college sports. His duties will also extend to fundraising, alumni relations, and providing support to current student-athletes, leveraging his own experiences to guide the next generation.

Crosby's Deep Connection to EMU

For Maxx Crosby, this appointment is deeply personal. He credits Eastern Michigan University as being instrumental in his personal and athletic development. This new role, coupled with another seven figure donation from him and his wife Rachel to get the naming rights to the field which is now called “Crosby Field”, shows his commitment to creating opportunities for future EMU athletes. 

Immediate Impact Expected

Eastern Michigan Head Football Coach Chris Creighton expressed immense enthusiasm about Crosby's involvement, anticipating an immediate positive impact on the program. Creighton highlighted Crosby's passion for mentoring and developing players, viewing his return as a "full-circle moment." With the spring transfer portal opening, Crosby is expected to quickly get to work, aiming to elevate the EMU football program after their 5-7 season in 2024. His involvement signals an ambitious outlook for the team's future success in 2025 and beyond.

Navigating the NCAA's Transformation: Settlement, Congress, and the Transfer Portal

The Weight of the House Settlement

The proposed House settlement, a legal agreement between the NCAA and power conferences and athletes, aims to resolve disputes over compensation. Judge Claudia Wilken is currently reviewing this landmark settlement for approval. Her concerns, particularly regarding the implementation of roster limits, are central to the ongoing discussions.

Roster Limits Under Scrutiny

A key component of the settlement is the introduction of roster limits across sports. While the agreement also allows for expanded scholarship opportunities, the roster caps are expected to lead to a reduction in the number of Division I athletes, impacting walk-ons and partial scholarship recipients significantly. Judge Wilken has suggested phasing in these limits to ease the transition for current athletes.

NCAA's Stance on Roster Limits

Despite the judge's recommendation, the NCAA and power conferences appear firm in their decision to implement the roster limits as agreed. They argue that these limits are a necessary part of the overall settlement, balancing scholarship expansion with cost management and aiming to prevent future legal challenges related to scholarship restrictions.

Congressional Intervention on the Horizon

As the House settlement awaits judicial approval, there is a parallel push for federal legislation to provide a more stable regulatory framework for college sports. A bipartisan group of senators are actively negotiating a bill that could offer limited antitrust protection, define athletes' status, and standardize NIL rules nationwide.

Key Elements of Potential Federal Law

The proposed federal legislation is expected to address critical areas. It aims to codify aspects of the House settlement, clarify whether athletes are considered students or employees, and establish a consistent set of NIL regulations that would override the current patchwork of state laws. The success of these legislative efforts remains uncertain despite ongoing negotiations.

Saban's NIL Warning Echoes in Iamaleava Transfer Saga

The news of Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava's impending transfer portal entry has reignited discussions about the complexities and potential pitfalls of the NIL era in college football. This development will likely come as no surprise to those who recall the prescient warnings issued by then-Alabama coach Nick Saban back in 2022.

Saban's Early Concerns About "Buying Players"

Even as NIL provided new opportunities for his players to earn money, Saban voiced concerns about the long-term sustainability and ethical implications of the evolving model. He bluntly stated that NIL could create a scenario where programs essentially "buy players," both in recruiting and through the transfer portal. Saban worried that the increased power given to players regarding their playing location, driven by financial incentives, could fundamentally alter the landscape of college football.  

The Intertwined Rise of NIL and the Transfer Portal

Saban's prediction about the transfer portal becoming a tool for players seeking better financial opportunities appears to be materializing. The rise of NIL has coincided with a significant increase in transfer portal activity, with Nico Iamaleava being the latest high-profile example of a player whose contract demands seem to be a primary driver in his decision to seek a new program. 

Saban's Continued Critique of Unsustainable Spending

More recently, in a 2024 interview, Saban elaborated on his earlier concerns, highlighting the rapid inflation of NIL deals. He pointed to the exponential growth in the collective NIL value of his rosters at Alabama, questioning the financial sustainability of this trajectory. Saban's remarks underscore the broader anxieties within the college football community about the lack of regulation and the potential for an unsustainable financial arms race fueled by NIL.