Just In: Boise State football’s Spencer Danielson clarifies controversial comment about freshmen not getting NIL money

Boise State Football Coach Stresses Earning NIL Opportunities Over Handouts
The Boise State football team, under the guidance of head coach Spencer Danielson, is taking a unique approach to NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities for its freshmen players. Unlike some other schools that guarantee NIL money to recruits, Boise State is focusing on earning these opportunities through individual efforts rather than promising them as part of the recruitment process.

In a recent statement, Danielson emphasized that Boise State does not promise NIL or collective money to freshmen recruits. Instead, he encourages athletes to pursue NIL opportunities on their own, whether through their local community or at the university. This approach aligns with the original intent of NIL, which was to allow athletes to monetize their own brand rather than relying on handouts from schools.

Danielson’s stance is a departure from some other schools that use NIL money as a recruitment tool, guaranteeing freshmen a certain amount of money for committing to play for them. Boise State, however, is committed to a developmental program that focuses on the athletes’ growth and competition rather than promising specific financial benefits. This approach allows freshmen to earn their own NIL opportunities based on their individual performance and marketability, rather than relying on promises made during the recruitment process.