Maryland Coach Locksley Expresses Frustration with NIL

Terrapins' Mike Locksley shares honest thoughts on the NIL landscape in 2024 and beyond

College sports have changed drastically over the past few years and that's expected to continue with NIL deals in place. Some coaches are for it, while others aren't the biggest fans of it.

For the athletes, it gives them an opportunity to make money, something they should've been able to do many years ago.

However, student-athletes have high demands and are looking for serious money to stay at a school or commit to their next school.

Maryland's head football coach Mike Locksley expressed his frustration with some of the demands, saying his third-string running back was looking for $100,000 or he was going to hit the portal.

Athletes often overvalue themselves in these talks as they look to land more money than they might be worth. He added that instead of looking to take the next step, athletes came into his office and were looking for more money. 

He had the following to say in an interview with SiriusXM.

“I’m never one to complain about the amount of work, but I can tell you for the first time in 33 years of coaching, I went home and said, ‘Am I really gonna have enough energy to do this for the long haul?’” Locksley said. “My hope is that we can put a guardrail around the NIL and the transfer portal stuff and create more accountability in terms of knowing."

Locksley's words are heard, and, at times, warranted, but this isn't any different than him negotiating the contract that he signed through the 2027 season. Athletes have to do what's right for them and their families, just as Lockley did.  

This is all still relatively new to athletes, schools, coaches, and brands. When everyone starts to learn more about NIL and how to value each student-athlete, things will change.

There's no denying that NIL funds help schools recruit. In fact, it's one of, if not, the most important part of recruiting in 2024. Locksley will have to get with the program or deal with losing players.