Importance of having NIL contract on paper

Beginning this Friday morning in Tampa, the top 7-on-7 teams will vie for victory in the annual OT7 Finals hosted by Overtime.

Highly-rated five-star safety Trey McNutt, ranked among the top 30 prospects in the 2025 recruiting class, will be absent from the competition. Instead, he will be in Gainesville for an official visit to the University of Florida. Despite this, participating in OT7 has always been a dream for the second-ranked safety in the 2025 recruiting cycle.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the event, McNutt shared, “So, 7-on-7 for me, like I grew up watching like OT7 and all that… I’ve always wanted to do that.”

This passion led him to take part in OT’s 7-on-7 tournaments earlier this spring with the Fast Houston team. However, this decision conflicted with the regulations set by the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA), which only permitted athletes to engage in 7-on-7 activities between May 15 and July 31. As a consequence, McNutt risked facing suspension from games during the ensuing fall season.

Contemplating the possibility of playing his final high school football season out of state due to this predicament, McNutt’s stance on playing 7-on-7 earlier sparked discussions. Notably, the OHSAA eventually reconsidered its rule following McNutt’s actions.

Reflecting on this challenging situation, McNutt remarked, “I definitely just had to stay confident through it… Believe what I believe in… And really, I knew what I had to do.” He remained resolute and trusted in his decisions, guided by his faith and determination.

Even in the face of potential repercussions, McNutt exhibited a steadfast resolve. He emphasized the fundamental importance of standing up for what one believes in, especially when it concerns pursuing a passion like football.

Trey McNutt’s actions have reshaped the future prospects for Ohio football talents

His defiance against the OHSAA’s regulations marks a significant shift in opportunities for top recruits from Ohio. Many of the nation’s premier skilled prospects engage in 7-on-7 competitions, which are renowned for showcasing abundant talent during the recruiting process.

Following the reversal of the OHSAA rule, upcoming Ohio athletes will now have the chance to participate in such events, potentially garnering more attention and exposure.

Expressing gratitude for McNutt’s impactful initiative, five-star Ohio State quarterback recruit Tavien St. Clair, hailing from Bellefontaine, Ohio, remarked, “That was huge for us… I don’t think people realize what he did.” St. Clair emphasized the importance of McNutt’s actions in pushing for change, highlighting their shared desire to elevate Ohio’s football prospects and provide them with opportunities on par with athletes from other regions. McNutt’s advocacy has opened doors for aspiring talents across the state.

McNutt’s primary focus this June and throughout the summer revolves around identifying the ideal college for his football career

Recently, he toured USC and is presently visiting the Gators, with Oregon and Texas A&M emerging as frontrunners to secure official visits in the upcoming months.

Among his considerations, in-state Ohio State remains in contention, while Georgia has also captured his attention as a potential prospect. Reflecting on his impressive performance in the 2023 season, McNutt amassed noteworthy statistics on both defense and offense, showcasing his versatility and impact on the field.

In a statement to On3, the highly rated safety emphasized that the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) aspect will not be the deciding factor in his commitment choice. McNutt acknowledged that while NIL opportunities could indicate a program’s level of interest, his decision is not driven by financial incentives. He emphasized his focus on selecting a school based on the opportunity to contribute and excel as an athlete.

Attending the recent On3 Elite Series in Nashville, McNutt emphasized the importance of comprehending NIL contracts

The seminar aimed to educate top 2025 high school football recruits on aspects like NIL, entrepreneurship, and preparing for life beyond football.

During the event, On3 conducted an anonymous survey among the top 2025 recruits to gauge their insights into the NIL landscape. Notably, recruits expressed concerns about broken commitments and deception in the industry, referencing past incidents like the Jaden Rashada controversy.

McNutt stressed the significance of cultivating trust with individuals and identifying genuine intentions when navigating NIL agreements. He underscored his ability to discern authenticity in interactions and highlighted the necessity of thoroughly reviewing and understanding any contracts before endorsement. McNutt emphasized the critical need to document agreements and thoroughly examine the terms to ensure transparency and clarity.