If you’d told a student-athlete ten years ago that staying in school could be more profitable than going pro, they’d have laughed you off the practice field. But now after the 2025 NFL draft, it may have given us the first glimpse of how NIL may create more reasons to stay than to go.

This is true for any level of college sports, and really for anyone trying to figure out what they plan to do after college. The case is building for the idea that staying in school will benefit you, your career, and your income.

The Big Picture: Education Matters

For most players, life after college does not include going pro. Staying in school not only offers more time to play the sport you love, but to develop your skills, build a loyal fanbase, connect and network within the community and finish your degree. The average length of an NFL career is only 3.3 years, NBA 4.5, MLB 5.6. Everyone will have to do something else, and staying in school helps you be prepared for that day to come.

The Wild Card: The Transfer Portal

Today athlete’s have more control over where they play than ever before. When you combine NIL with the transfer portal, you create an immense amount of leverage that athletes can use to generate income. Every year of eligibility can be maximized to generate the most income possible. This approach looks at NIL and your sport like a business: you’re building a business plan and executing it, skills that will benefit you in the future regardless of what you choose to do.

Stay Put, Stand Out

How building Your Brand at One School Can Pay Off

It’s getting hard to keep track of who plays where. There are more and more stories of athletes playing at 3,4,5 even 6 schools during their playing career. NIL money is flying around, the portal magically teleports players around the country until it makes your head spin.

So it would make sense that you might look around and ask yourself, “Why am I still here?” The answer might staying put might actually be your best move.

The Power of Consistency

Let’s talk about what brand-building really means. Your brand is your reputation. It’s how people see you, talk about you and trust you.

And you know what? Trust doesn’t happen overnight.

When you stay at one school, you’re showing character, commitment, and leadership. You become the face of the program, the person the fnas grow to know and the player businesses want to work with. That kind of consistency builds credibility, and in the world of NIL, credibility = value.

Community

Maybe a bigger stage gets you a few extra followers. But staying at one school with a tight-knit local community gives you something very powerful: Roots.

When you stay, you build real life relationships with local businesses, alumni, and campus leaders. They see your work ethic, what motivates you to succeed and are invested in your success. Not only will this turn into partnerships, but long-term support as well.

A Brand That Outlives the Game

By staying put, you’re playing the long game. You’re building something that doesn’t disappear when your eligibility runs out. Maybe it’s a local training brand. Maybe it’s a podcast. Maybe it’s a community organization you support. Whatever it is, you’re creating somehting that lives beyond your jersey number.

And don’t forget-sticking around also means you’ll finish your degree, build a professional and academic network and position yourself as more than an athlete. You’re building a brand that will be appealing to employers, investors or any potential future business partner.

Just remember, the grass isn’t always greener.

Before you jump ship for a “bigger” opportunity make sure you ask yourself one question: What if I stayed?

Worth a Listen

Are College Athletes Cashing In and Killing the Game?

On this episode of The Assignment with Audie Cornish, she talks with gymnast Savannah Schoenherr and Washington Post writer Jesse Dougherty about the impact of NIL.

No Draft? No Problem

NIL is giving athletes at smaller programs a reashon to stick around-and cash in

For most athletes the draft is a dream more than a destination. But now the draft is no longer the sole definition of success. For many athletes in FCS, D 2 & 3, or NAIA NIL is making their programs the place to be.

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