During a comprehensive hour-long presentation to the USC Board of Trustees, new South Carolina Athletic Director Jeremiah Donati covered a wide range of topics including the renovation of Williams-Brice Stadium and the Garnet Trust NIL collective. A particular concern raised by a board member was how USC would allocate its $20.5 million revenue-sharing cap, especially in light of speculation that nearby rivals might invest it all into their football programs.
However, the majority of questions from the trustees revolved around the valuation of upcoming name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals. “Any NIL deal initiated after July 1 must adhere to fair-market value guidelines, which include a suitable compensation range, with $600 being a key figure,” Donati explained. Essentially, if a business wanted to offer an NIL deal worth over $600 to a South Carolina student-athlete, a clearance process would ensure the deal aligns with fair-market standards, and failure to comply could endanger the athlete’s eligibility.
To further clarify this complex and evolving issue, board member Dan Adams provided an example related to a recent recruitment situation. “We competed for a linebacker,” he said, indicating that South Carolina was prepared to offer $400,000, while Mississippi ultimately secured him for $800,000.
Donati responded, “But you’re navigating unpredictable territory there,” emphasizing the challenges post-July 1 regulations would bring.
Adams did not disclose any player names or sources for the financial figures mentioned, but it’s known that Ole Miss recruited three linebackers from the transfer portal this season. The linebacker in question may have been Andrew Jones from Grambling State, who initially committed to South Carolina before switching to Ole Miss just two days later. According to a team source, the claim of a $400,000 offer was exaggerated and incorrect. Typically, specific details about NIL agreements are not made public.
