Collegiate athletes celebrated across the world. They could now be paid for their talents. On July 1, 2021, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) approved Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), meaning that college athletes could receive compensation from 3rd party sources for their performance or brand. After decades of not receiving a share of the revenue that goes to the athletes’ respective institutions, many saw this as a necessary change. “I believe that everyone is entitled to compensation for their work, including their ‘NIL,’” Michigan alum and French Instructor Valerie Yoshimura said. “It was always an arbitrary distinction, it seemed to me, that college kids were excluded, especially given the immense amount of money that top universities earn from their football programs.” And on this specific date, Michigan, and USC stood far from the peak of their programs. The Trojans had recently finished the season with a losing record, the first one in over 20 years. But that would soon change with the advent of NIL, the unleashing of money from each respective program, and key personnel changes. WORDS by DAVIS OHANIAN & MASON SIEGEL GRAPHIC by DIONNE PETERSON After decades of disappointment, sanctions, and negative experiences with the tumultuous coaching carousel, classically successful football programs, such as Michigan and the University of Southern California, are enjoying great starts to the season thanks to a variety of factors. “It was amazing to see [Michigan win a national championship.],” Yoshimura said. “The last decade [has] reminded me what Michigan football is about.” Fresh off of a national championship, the Wolverines are poised for another successful season. According to various Michigan blogs and Wolverines Wire, the Wolverines have a nearly $10 million NIL budget that will benefit players. The Trojans have a budget of around $12 million for this season according to Luca Evans of the OC Register. Dean of Students, USC alum, and an avid fan, Blake Dorfman is optimistic about USC’s future prospects, but he is a bit disappointed thus far, even as head coach Lincoln Riley is performing much better than his predecessor. “I am enjoying the start to this year although we don’t quite look like a National Championship contender yet,” Dorfman said. Despite this, the Trojans embodied the standard of USC football during Dorfman’s tenure as a student. “Sitting at 4-4, the Trojans are nearing the AP Top 10 after barely missing the college football playoff in 2022. NIL opportunities aren’t far away for Laguna graduates either. Senior, football team captain, and recruited athlete, Carson Stewart, is beginning to cautiously explore this space. “I looked at schools that not only had strong athletic programs but also ones that had good support for NIL deals,” Carson said.” But there are downsides to this, especially in big-time college football. “We have student-athletes transferring from one school to another every season for multiple seasons,” Dorfman said. “USC’s star quarterback could end up playing for Notre Dame next year depending on where the paycheck is.”