Many, if not all, are fans of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). Yet, almost all admit that the authorities must resolve some issues to get the most out of NIL.
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart is closer to the game and feels both the pros and cons of NIL. Thus, he warned about the chaos surrounding NIL and its impact on college sports. Is NIL due for reform?
Kirby Smart Says College Sports Could Suffer Major Cuts if NIL Isn’t Fixed Soon
In reality, NIL has helped college athletes earn money through endorsements and sponsorships, improving their financial stability. While players benefit from NIL, it has been causing significant problems for college sports, and coaches are now voicing their concerns. With coaches speaking out, pressure is mounting on authorities to take action.
Kirby Smart on NIL:
“I just want to be able to have a freshman come in and not make more than a senior and I’d like for other sports to be able to still survive. You know, we’re on the brink of probably one to two years away from a lot of schools cutting sports.”
(via… pic.twitter.com/LxLhawddR5
— On3 (@On3sports) May 15, 2025
Smart is one of the concerned voices. He is not against players earning money, but he is worried that the current situation is not sustainable for colleges.
“I just want to be able to have a freshman come in and not make more than a senior and I’d like for other sports to be able to still survive. You know, we’re on the brink of probably one to two years away from a lot of schools cutting sports,” Smart stated.
Not all fans agreed with his comments. Some feel he is speaking out because he can no longer exploit the system. Others argue that teams in the SEC have been paying players for a long time, and now that the competition is tougher, they are complaining.
Hence, while his concerns may be valid, critics feel he only complains because it no longer benefits his team.
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On the other hand, some fans agreed with his concerns. Looking ahead to the future of college sports, they acknowledge that change is necessary. Otherwise, many teams may soon struggle to compete. While fans may take issue with the messenger, it’s the message that matters most.
Authorities need to listen directly to the concerns of those impacted by NIL. Coach Smart’s complaint is well-timed, and the NCAA—or potentially Congress—must establish a framework to ensure NIL reforms promote fairness and sustainability.
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