College recruiting for athletes has changed. Gone are the days when talented high school athletes could simply let their performance on the field speak for itself, wait for a scholarship offer and head off to college.
In today’s evolving college sports landscape, athletes and their families must now treat recruiting not just as a sport-related journey but as a high-stakes business decision.
The game is faster, the competition fiercer and the stakes much higher. With the rise of the NCAA transfer portal and the increasing dominance of name, image and likeness (NIL) deals, today’s high school recruits face new challenges and opportunities that didn’t exist even five years ago.
And for Texas athletes, everything just changed again.
On June 5, 2025, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 126 into law. This groundbreaking legislation allows Texas high school athletes who are at least 17 years old and no longer playing under the University Interscholastic League (UIL) to sign NIL deals directly with colleges.
Previously, NIL agreements could only be signed with outside entities, such as brands, businesses or collectives. Now, students can engage in direct compensation deals with colleges, though they cannot receive payment until they are officially enrolled and participating in the program.
“This shifts everything,” said Taqueta Braxton, Founder of NIL$ense and NIL Educator. “Student-athletes can now negotiate deals as early as 17 years old. But families must understand that they can’t receive money while still under UIL and they must meet all eligibility requirements.”
The impact of NIL deals is already being felt. On July 4, five-star offensive tackle Felix Ojo, a 6-foot-7, 285-pound phenom ranked No. 20 in the ESPN 300, committed to Texas Tech University and finalized a fully guaranteed, three-year revenue-sharing contract worth approximately $5.1 million—a record-setting deal for a high school recruit.
“This wasn’t something you had to think about before. Now, it’s something every family needs to consider from day one of the recruiting process.”
Taqueta Braxton, Founder of NIL$ense and NIL Educator
“This wasn’t something you had to think about before,” said Braxton. “Now, it’s something every family needs to consider from day one of the recruiting process.”
Beyond the money, families must understand the legal, financial and ethical obligations tied to these deals. With the recent House v. NCAA lawsuit settlement, schools now operate under roster limits instead of scholarship caps, a move that opens more doors for financial aid but also intensifies the battle for limited spots.
Now recruiting is more than a scholarship—it’s a contract. Colleges are no longer just recruiting athletes—they’re investing in athletes who can further their program visibly. With the transfer portal readily available, many coaches prefer collegiate-proven players over inexperienced high school talent. NIL deals can give high school recruits an edge, but only if approached wisely.
“Talent still matters — no doubt,” Braxton said. “But today’s recruiting process is also about strategy. With new roster limits and shifting scholarship structures, families need to be educated and prepared. We’ve moved from talking about full scholarships to understanding equivalency scholarships, revenue sharing and roster caps. Parents have to ask the right questions and truly understand the business side of college sports.”
For parents and athletes navigating this new recruiting world, Braxton offers 10 key questions they need to ask:
- Did your program opt in to revenue sharing under the new NCAA settlement?
- What NIL support does your University offer, including platforms, staff, collectives, or alumni-based funds?
- Does your NIL education include financial literacy and tax training?
- Can we have a third-party attorney or financial expert review this offer before we sign?
- What happens to the deal if my child transfers, is injured, or no longer plays?
- Are there behavioral, academic, or attendance clauses that can reduce or cancel compensation?
- How many full/partial scholarships are available for my athlete’s sport?
- What deliverables are tied to this NIL agreement or financial contract?
- Once my child can legally receive NIL or any payments, how will they be made?
- Is this offer a scholarship, a financial aid contract, or a revenue-sharing agreement and what obligations come with it?
Even with the promise of money, families must tread carefully. NIL agreements are legal contracts. Missteps—like signing too early or engaging with restricted companies—can threaten eligibility or future earnings.
Under House Bill 126, athletes are still prohibited from entering into deals with companies promoting alcohol, tobacco or sexually explicit content. They must also complete a financial literacy course—something Braxton believes should be a mandatory step for all student-athletes, regardless of NIL involvement.
Today, recruitment is no longer just about chasing a dream—it’s about managing a career. For Texas families, House Bill 126 opens a new frontier that demands sharper awareness, quicker decisions and more careful planning.
“If parents aren’t paying attention, they could cost their kid thousands—or worse, eligibility,” said Braxton. “We have to evolve with the times. This is not just recruiting anymore. This is the business of sports.”
