Pac-12 assistant coach: 'Oregon has the best NIL setup, and it’s not even close'

The Ducks signed the highest rated recruiting class in the Pac-12 earlier this month

The Athletic's Antonio Morales interviewed three Pac-12 assistant coaches, three Pac-12 recruiting staffers and one analyst from the conference asking about recruiting in the 2023 cycle and NIL. The group provided their answers anonymously. 

When Morales posed the question "who do you think has the best NIL setup in the league?" one Pac-12 assistant responded:

"Oregon has the best NIL setup, and it’s not even close. Oregon is the only school in the Pac-12 that’s to be feared from a national standpoint because Oregon can go to whatever region it wants to and come out victorious. That’s the bogeyman in the league. That’s Pac-Man in the Pac-12 from an NIL standpoint. Everybody else is child’s play."

The Ducks signed the highest rated recruiting class in the Pac-12 earlier this month. The group was headlined by California defensive lineman Matayo Uiagalelei and cornerback Rodrick Pleasant, two prospects USC wanted but missed out on, which led to speculation that NIL played a role. 

Back in December, Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley admitted that USC lost out on some recruits due to NIL deals saying "Of course we did," when he was asked about the subject. 

HOW CAN USC CLOSE THE GAP?

Earlier this month, a new NIL collective supporting USC Athletics called The Tommy Group launched. 

According to a press release, the group, which is spearheaded by USC legend Keyshawn Johnson, "aims to align the needs of aspiring athletes with the interest of brands and businesses looking to cement their presence within the collegiate sports realm, driving mutually beneficial opportunities for all parties."

While the Tommy Group won't get directly involved in recruiting, the hope is that the collective can help the USC football program close the gap with Oregon as well as the country's blue blood programs by facilitating business opportunities once athletes sign their LOI's.