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The world of sports is no stranger to staggering financial figures. Player salaries escalate annually to the point where a $100 million-per-year contract in the NBA or NFL might not seem far. Since 2021, college athletes have been legally allowed to profit from sponsorships thanks to the introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights, a move widely regarded as a game-changer for the future of sports and athlete entrepreneurship.
However, Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart recently shed light on a lesser-known aspect of this new landscape: some schools are offering high school prospects compensation packages that include third-party NIL deals with monthly payments reportedly reaching up to $20,000. This underscores the evolving dynamics of college recruiting and the lengths to which programs will go to secure talent.
Smart's Insights on High School Athlete Payments
In a conversation with Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellenger, Kirby Smart discussed the practice of compensating high school athletes to secure their commitment to certain universities. "Teams that are unusually good at recruiting right now are doing it," Smart noted. He revealed that some school-d booster collectives pay prospects up to $20,000 a month to ensure they sign with their institution.
He explained that these payments come with strings attached: if a recruit decommits, they're expected to repay the money. Smart emphasized that these are high school kids getting money from a collective not d with the university but rather a group of people associated with the university. He pointed out that none of the schools involved are in the SEC, though they're actively securing upfront contracts through outside collectives.
This practice, while controversial, offers young athletes a unique opportunity. It secures a spot in college and provides an education and a substantial monthly income, regardless of their eventual athletic performance. The impending launch of the NIL Go clearinghouse is expected to regulate such arrangements and bring transparency to these deals, but for now, the landscape remains a "free-for-all."
While this approach is risky for collectives due to the possibility of recompense, it reflects a broader trend in college sports where financial incentives are becoming as crucial as athletic prowess. As the NIL era progresses, these early payments may transform the recruitment process, making it more competitive and lucrative for high school standouts.
Kirby Smart's Legacy
Kirby Smart's tenure at Georgia has been nothing short of remarkable. Since taking over in 2016, he has transformed the Bulldogs into a powerhouse. They have amassed a 94-16 record under his leadership, winning back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022. His teams have consistently ranked among the best and have a knack for dominating in the SEC, winning six division titles under his leadership. Smart's coaching prowess was evident in the 2024 season when Georgia finished with a 12-2 record.
The 2025 schedule is daunting, featuring matchups against tough opponents like Texas, Ole Miss, and Tennessee. However, Smart's track record suggests the Bulldogs are ready to rise to the challenge.