Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi is currently in his third year as the quarterback playing for coach Jay Norvell at Colorado State football. It’s been reported that Fowler-Nicolosi was tempted with a compelling opportunity to join the transfer portal, and Norvell has accused Kansas State football of trying to influence their starting quarterback.
Norvell disclosed the alleged tampering incidents involving receiver Tory Horton and Fowler-Nicolosi during his press conference at Mountain West media day in Las Vegas. More specifically, Fowler-Nicolosi was apparently approached by Kansas State during the offseason.
CSU head coach Jay Norvell says QB Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi received a $600k offer from Kansas State to enter the Transfer Portalđź‘€
"He said a guy from Kansas State called him, offered him $600k because they lost their quarterback, if he got in the portal. And I’m not accusing… pic.twitter.com/RL6fppUFpA
— On3 (@On3sports) July 12, 2024
Revealing Kansas State’s 600K offer
“According to Colorado State football coach Jay Norvell, a representative from Kansas State allegedly offered Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi $600,000 to enter the transfer portal because Kansas State had lost their quarterback. Norvell emphasized that he wasn’t making direct accusations against Kansas State, but rather sharing what his player had reported, highlighting a broader issue in college football. Norvell also mentioned that wide receiver Tory Horton had informed him of multiple schools reaching out to him during the offseason.
Norvell also noted that Texas A&M football and Mississippi football were involved in trying to entice those players with similar offers. Such activities may be common in today’s college sports landscape, and it’s widely known that teams often use intermediaries to contact players and gauge their interest.
Fowler-Nicolosi had an impressive debut season with the Rams, recording 3,640 passing yards and 22 passing touchdowns but also 16 interceptions, resulting in a 132.6 passer rating. Despite his individual success, Colorado State finished the year with a 5–7 record, missing bowl eligibility for the sixth straight season.
Kansas State had to fill the void left by quarterback Will Howard, who transferred to Ohio State during the offseason. This move created a gap in Kansas State’s quarterback depth chart, albeit in the backup position. It remains to be seen whether the Wildcats would be willing to heavily invest in securing a backup quarterback.
Chris Klieman, the head coach of Kansas State, is likely to rely on sophomore Avery Johnson as the starting quarterback. Johnson, a highly regarded recruit and former Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year in high school, is expected to take over this season. The Wildcats also acquired Ta’Quan Roberson from Connecticut under a reportedly more modest NIL deal to serve as the backup quarterback for the upcoming season.
NIL deals are increasing in value, with Colorado State players potentially receiving offers of up to $600,000 from teams in the Big 12 or SEC. The specific details of these arrangements are unclear, but the head coach of Colorado State openly referenced certain programs in his statement.
Norvell’s comments add to ongoing concerns about fair play and recruiting practices within the NCAA.”
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