Tori Ortiz is a small town girl from Illinois that loves her two cats. Their “government names” she says, are Princeton Duke Ortiz III and Boots Edwards McGee Ortiz. She also happens to be a successful college athlete that is blazing a trail on and off the track for future athletes and influencers to follow. She wants to be remembered, and she’s not taking any shortcuts on her path to success. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://youtu.be/ArldMJrQZdc">Ortiz recently sat down with TPL’s Chandler Hayden on her show “Off Track”</a> before taking time with me to share how she’s building a brand and committed to staying true to herself in the process.<blockquote>“Make a name for yourself. Not the place you go, and not the thing you do. I was Tori before I was an athlete…and I’m still going to be Tori after.”</blockquote>You might expect the pride of Oklahoma State University’s Cowgirl Cross Country &amp; Track team to have had her choice of scholarships, but that wasn’t the case for Ortiz. Despite setting seven school records during her senior season, a torn hamstring forced many universities to evaluate her performance from much of her sophomore campaign, delaying many of her scholarship opportunities. That wasn’t going to dissuade the future All-Big 12 athlete from achieving her goals. “I was a walk on to a small D-1 track school," Ortiz said. "I worked so hard, and now I’m living out my dreams, doing things I never thought I would.” After two successful seasons at Illinois State, it was time for a new challenge at Oklahoma State.<h2>Ortiz Heads West For The BIG 12</h2>Since arriving at Oklahoma State, she’s received numerous awards and All-Big 12 honors across multiple events. Leveraging her success on the track, Ortiz has established a massive presence on social media with more than 15,000 followers on Twitter, 157,000 followers on Instagram, and a staggering 614,000 followers on TikTok. Rapidly approaching the one million mark across all platforms, Ortiz says that her formula for social media success comes down to consistency and finding ways to relate to people.<blockquote>“Hop on the trends. Post ten times a day. One of those videos is going to go viral. People love to see reactions to other people’s videos, so just interact! What’s going to make people cheer loud for you?”</blockquote><h2>NIL Powerhouse in Women's Track &amp; Field</h2>Ortiz’s strategy worked, and in a big way. Her ability to grow her audience has made her one of the most marketable athletes in college sports through NIL. She ranks #1 nationally for NIL across women’s college track &amp; field and has inked deals for everything from Amazon merchandise, to Gatorade campaigns, to skin care. Not only was she Tyreek Hill’s first signed athlete for Soul Runner, but Ortiz was selected as one of fifteen student-athletes from fourteen schools and seven different sports to sign with the WWE as part of their “Next In Line” NIL program. “When I was at the NIL Summit, I watched the WWE hype video and thought, ‘I can do this’,” Ortiz recalled.Despite the meteoric rise of her popularity on social media, Ortiz remains grounded. She’s a self-described people pleaser that in her words, would “change the way the earth rotated to make people happy” if she could. Her friends and family describe her as a caring, hardworking, and outgoing person that loves meeting new people. When it comes to her drive, she draws motivation from her friends and family and values those relationships the most.<blockquote>“My inspiration is my family. I just want to make them proud and show them that I’m capable of achieving anything I say I can.”</blockquote><h2>Last Lap At Oklahoma State</h2>In her final year of collegiate track, Ortiz has her sights set on the future and is preparing for what comes next. Having laid the groundwork and establishing a platform as a social media influencer, adapting to the freedom of other opportunities is something she’s looking forward to.<blockquote>“I’m excited for the limitations to be gone. When you’re doing NIL through a university, there’s a lot of things you can’t do, and rules you need to abide by. It will be fun to have different opportunities and to transfer more over into a social media influencer.”</blockquote>In just a few short years, Tori Ortiz has helped lay the blueprint for both male and female athletes who want to leverage their athletic success and popularity amongst fans to build their brand effectively. According to Ortiz, this journey has revealed that longevity is found in authenticity. “The most impactful lesson I’ve learned while building my brand is to stay true to who you are," Ortiz said. "At the end of the day, you’ll be yourself before you’re anything else." &nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://youtu.be/ArldMJrQZdc">Watch: For Chandler's Hayden's "Off Track" episode featuring Tori Ortiz click here.</a>

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Walk On to Influencer: You Can’t Catch Oklahoma State’s Tori Ortiz 

When Tom Brady thinks about Malcolm Mitchell, he likely recalls the pivotal 4th quarter of Super Bowl LI when the Georgia product caught all five of his targets, converting four of them into first downs to help New England secure the largest comeback win in Super Bowl history.&nbsp;When Aaron Murray thinks about Malcolm Mitchell, he probably remembers that back-shoulder fade that went for six to put the 2012 Georgia Bulldogs (No. 10 BCS, No. 12 AP) on top of the Florida Gators (No. 2, No. 3) for just the fifth time in 23 years. In a defensive battle in which Georgia force six turnovers that day, it was the 45-yard game-clinching touchdown from Murray to Mitchell that put them ahead 17-9 to help send Mark Richt’s Bulldogs to the SEC Championship game. Mitchell sat down with his former quarterback, TPL’s Aaron Murray, and shared what he was feeling during one of his most memorable touchdowns.<blockquote>“You were perfect at putting the ball on that outside shoulder. I had enough electricity in me to light up an entire city. When you threw me that ball, I said nothing in the world is going to stop me in this moment from catching it. I am willing to do whatever it takes.”</blockquote>After the catch, Mitchell would break out of Loucheiz Purifoy’s tackle attempt and head straight for the endzone. “After I caught the pass, all I remember is seeing Artie Lynch come across the middle of the field. I split two defenders and after that we just celebrated,” Mitchell said with a smile. “It’s one of the plays that I remember most. Not because of me scoring the touchdown, but how hard we prepared that week, how committed we were as a team that year, and we really needed that game to get into the SEC Championship. That was a big play. It was all that coming into one that made it a very memorable moment for me.”<h2>Aaron Murray &amp; Malcolm Mitchell Talk Back-Shoulder Fade</h2>Let’s face it. The back-shoulder-fade-offense was in its prime when Aaron Murray was under center for Georgia. When the former UGA signal caller talks about it, his eyes light up. “Usually a hitch is at six yards. You put the brakes on at eight (yards), the defensive back has to make a decision,” Murray explains. The timing, the trust, the execution. It takes a talented quarterback and a skillful receiver to pull it off consistently.<blockquote>“For me, what made the back shoulder fade a good pass is if it was put on my back shoulder as I was still running downfield,” Mitchell explained. “Most people have to stop completely. If you go back and watch any highlight films, Aaron is putting it on our back shoulder as we’re moving down the field which is extremely hard to do. That’s what always made the back shoulder from Aaron special because it did not fully stop my momentum. I could catch the ball, still have momentum, make a move, and get upfield."</blockquote>When it comes to the pass and its execution, Mitchell doesn’t hesitate to give credit where it’s due, doling out the highest of praise for his former teammate. “I’ve played with some great quarterbacks. I consider (Brady) the greatest of all time, and you by far have the best back shoulder fade of any quarterback I’ve played with,” Mitchell told Murray.<h2>Mitchell on The G.O.A.T.</h2>If you ask Malcolm Mitchell about his time with Tom Brady in New England, he recalls his commitment to the game the most. “I’ve never met anyone more disciplined that he is as a competitor. Most people play the game. He lived it. When people were looking for opportunities to get time off, he was looking for opportunities to get better,” Mitchell recalls. “Whether it was developing mental toughness, whether it was enhancing his routine, every aspect of his career; he was still looking for ways to improve.”Mitchell believes Brady could still compete at a high level physically had he chosen to do so. “For most people it’s the physical that begins to decline, but in this scenario, I think it was the opposite. Most people retire when they physically can’t go, and that’s not what he did,” Mitchell said. “I think at some point when the game starts taking more than it gives, you have to think about it.”Mitchell recalls what it was like having to make his own decision regarding his future in the NFL. “My decision came down to, ‘can I continue to withstand the challenges that this is placing on me physically and mentally.’ From there you make the call and you live with whatever choice you make. I can guarantee you for anybody that makes that choice, it is not easy."<h2>Memories at Georgia &amp; Culture from Athens to Foxborough</h2>Malcolm Mitchell will always be remembered for his playmaking abilities and as a top-10 all-time wide receiver at Georgia, but he was originally recruited out of Valdosta High School in Valdosta, Georgia as a safety his junior year. When he switched to wide receiver during his senior year, the offers to play at the college level only increased. When asked about a favorite memory at Georgia, he recounts the opportunity to play both offense and defense once again.<blockquote>“If I played safety, I’d still be playing football today, but I wouldn’t change it. My mom really enjoyed watching me catch the ball, and that’s why I decided to stick with receiver, because it brought so much enjoyment to me and my family. I have no regrets.”</blockquote>A team-first player, Malcolm Mitchell provided his services wherever needed and whenever called upon. When asked about the culture in New England and how it might relate to a possible '3-peat' for Georgia, the Super Bowl Champion remembers the sign on the door in Foxborough.&nbsp;<blockquote>“Every day when we walked in the building, there was a sign on the door. Put the team first, be attentive, do your job, and ignore the noise. If you can do those four things, you can maintain the winning culture. I think Georgia has an opportunity to create a dynasty if they can keep the culture the way it is at this very moment.”</blockquote>Culture is certainly something that the former Brady-led Patriots and the reigning back-to-back National Champion Georgia Bulldogs have in common, but according to Mitchell it takes a group of selfless athletes to get the job done. “You have to have an exceptional leader, which Coach Smart is, and you have to have players that commit to those principles,” Mitchell said. “Putting the team first is always priority number one. No single individual has ever won a football game.”<div class="page-break" style="page-break-after:always;">&nbsp;</div>After retiring from the NFL, Malcolm Mitchell created a youth literacy initiative called “Read with Malcolm” and established the “Share the Magic Foundation” to transform lives through literacy, having authored three children’s books of his own. Malcolm speaks on topics including the power of literacy, overcoming adversity and teamwork. Learn more and find out how you can support Malcolm’s efforts by visiting www.ReadWithMalcolm.com.

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From Georgia football to the New England Patriots: Malcolm Mitchell’s championship mentality

As college football adjusts to the transfer portal era, it is rare to find a highly touted quarterback who hasn't recorded a single start headed into his fourth season in the same program.That's exactly the situation that Georgia quarterback Carson Beck finds himself in as the Bulldogs prepare to defend back-to-back national title seasons, while looking for a new signal caller after the departure of Stetson Bennett to the NFL.Beck spoke with former UGA quarterback Aaron Murray in an exclusive interview with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Y2hUdDz5fE">The Player's Lounge</a> about the new expectations as the Dawgs begin spring practice.&nbsp;<blockquote>"I feel like there's a lot expected of me. So like in meetings, you know, questions are directed at me, I'm expected to know that in a workout. I'm expected to lead and do things the right way. And, you know, show others by example, during runs, I'm supposed to finish through the line show people how it's done... it's it's a lot of fun. And I think I'm trying to accept the role as it comes."</blockquote><h2>Carson Beck waited his turn&nbsp;</h2>The Jacksonville, Fla., native came to Athens as a four-star recruit rated as the No. 9 pro-style quarterback and the No. 250 recruit overall in the 2020 recruiting class, according to 247Sports rankings.&nbsp;Beck redshirted the 2020 season after appearing in one game. In 2021, Beck moved up to third on the depth chart behind Stetson Bennett and J.T. Daniels. In four appearances, Beck completed 10 of 23 passes for 176 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions.&nbsp;2022 was a season of new responsibilities for Beck, who was tasked with backing up Bennett during the Bulldogs' 15-0 perfect season that culminated with a second consecutive title.&nbsp;Beck appeared in eight games, including extended action in the national championship game win over TCU, and completed 26 of 35 passes for 310 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions, while adding 43 yards on seven carries on the ground.&nbsp;<h2>Clear intentions</h2>According to a study done by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://theathletic.com/4148781/2023/02/02/quarterbacks-college-football-transfer-portal/">The Athletic</a>, more than 70 percent of the top 50 high school quarterbacks who signed with FBS programs in the recruiting classes of 2017 through 2020 have transferred during their time in college.Beck could have easily entered the portal for a chance at early playing time.&nbsp;<blockquote>"I came here for a reason. And obviously the situation didn't work out the way I wanted to, but it's not my plan. And at the end of the day things are gonna work out the way they're supposed to. And I feel like the knowledge that I've been able to gain and watch two really good quarterbacks and Stetson, who have been really good the two last years, kind of just develop underneath that and make sure that when I do finally get my chance that I'm fully ready and capable for anything that might be thrown my way."</blockquote><h2>New expectations, new Georgia Bulldogs play caller&nbsp;</h2>Quarterback won't be the only new face on the Georgia offense in 2023 after the departure of former offensive coordinator Todd Monken to the NFL.&nbsp;Former Bulldogs offensive coordinator Mike Bobo (2007-2014) is back after serving as an offensive analyst in 2022.&nbsp;Beck spoke highly of Bobo, a former Georgia quarterback, after working hands on leading up to the national championship.<blockquote>"I really like Coach Bobo. And whenever coach Faulkner left last year, whenever he went to [Georgia] Tech. Bobo worked with us for a few days leading up to the national championship. And I was like, I really liked this guy, he worked the hell out of us."</blockquote><h2>Beck, Brock Vandagriff, or Gunner Stockton?&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;While Beck has the upper hand in terms of seniority and on-field experience, rising redshirt sophomore Brock Vandagriff and rising redshirt freshman Gunner Stockton will also battle for the keys to the offense.&nbsp;Vandagriff, a former five-star recruit in the class of 2021, served as the third-string quarterback in 2022 and appeared in three games completing one pass for 7 yards.&nbsp;Stockton, a former four-star recruit in the class of 2022, is coming off of a redshirt freshman season in which he served as the Bulldogs primary scout-team quarterback.&nbsp;When asked about the quarterback competition, Beck responded with focus on his own play.&nbsp;<blockquote>"You can fall into that trap of comparing yourself and being so aware of others around you. And obviously, it can be detrimental at times. And that's something that I definitely try to stray away from and just focus on myself and the plays that I'm going in for, how can I run this play and execute this play the best play, the best that I can, in this moment? I feel like that's been my biggest focus, just growing and getting older and being in the system, and understanding the game of football itself, that you don't have to do anything really spectacular, you just have to be yourself. And for me, that's making the right play at the right time"</blockquote>The quarterback battle will be front and center as spring practice gets underway culminating with the annual 'G-Day' spring game in Sanford Stadium scheduled for April 15.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Y2hUdDz5fE">Watch: For the full interview with Aaron Murray and Carson Beck click here.&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Georgia football QB Carson Beck embraces new role: 'I came here for a reason’ 

<h2 class="MsoNormal">Kelee Ringo Shines Bright at 2023 NFL Combine&nbsp;</h2>Former University of Georgia start defensive back Kelee Ringo turned heads at the 2023 NFL combine with his impressive performance, which is sure to affect his draft stock positively. The young athlete has been garnering attention since his early days at UGA, and it appears that his hard work and dedication is about to lead to big pay day.<o:p></o:p>Ringo ran the 40-yard dash in an impressive 4.36 seconds, putting him in the top five of all defensive backs at the combine. He also performed well in the vertical jump, reaching a height of 33.5 inches, and the broad jump, landing at 10 feet, one inch. His performance in is likely to solidify him as a top pick in the upcoming NFL draft.<h2 class="MsoNormal">Where Will He Land<o:p></o:p></h2>The former UGA DB's performance at the combine has caught the attention of several NFL teams, with analysts suggesting that he could be a good fit for teams such as the Dallas Cowboys, the Pittsburgh Steelers, or the Baltimore Ravens. These teams are known for their strong defensive lineups, and Ringo's speed and agility could make him an immediately valuable addition to their rosters.<h2 class="MsoNormal">NFL Hall of Fame Mentor&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></h2>Aside from his impressive combine performance, Ringo's relationship with former NFL cornerback Richard Sherman has also been making headlines. The two have been training together, and Sherman has been mentoring Ringo throughout his journey to the NFL. Sherman has been vocal about his belief in Ringo's abilities, and his guidance has undoubtedly played a role in Ringo's success.<h2 class="MsoNormal">The Best of the Best&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></h2>Ringo's talent has not gone unnoticed by his peers either. Tennessee wideout Cedric Tillman recently referred to Ringo as the toughest cornerback he faced in college. This is high praise coming from Tillman, who is considered one of the top wide receivers in the college football scene. Tillman's comments serve as further proof of Ringo's skill and potential in the NFL.<o:p></o:p>In conclusion, Kelee Ringo's performance at the 2023 NFL combine has undoubtedly put him on the radar of several NFL teams. His impressive showing in the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, and broad jump is sure to boost his draft stock, and his potential as a valuable addition to any team's defensive lineup cannot be ignored. With the guidance of Richard Sherman and the respect of his peers, Ringo is poised for a successful NFL career.<o:p></o:p>

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Former Georgia Bulldogs DB Kelee Ringo Impresses at the NFL Combine 

The University of Georgia football program has long been known for its rich tradition of success on the field. But what many may not realize is that the program also has a unique and admirable commitment to taking care of its own. This commitment can be seen in the number of former players who have returned to serve on the coaching staff, a trend that sets Georgia apart from other football programs across the country.&nbsp;From former players turned head coaches to assistants and analysts, the Georgia program has fostered a culture of family and loyalty that extends beyond the playing field.&nbsp; Bulldogs' coaching staff is also made up of a group of former UGA players.<o:p></o:p>Kirby Smart, Mike Bobo, Will Muschamp, and Bryan McClendon all played for the Bulldogs during their college careers, and now they're all back at UGA, coaching the next generation of Bulldawgs. This is a unique situation that not many other football programs cannot boast, and it's a testament to the strength and dedication of the UGA football program and the amazing college town that is Athens, Georgia.&nbsp;<h2 class="MsoNormal">Kirby Smart Leads the Way&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></h2>Kirby Smart is a name that needs no introduction in the world of college football. The former defensive back at the University of Georgia went on to build an impressive coaching career at various universities, including Valdosta State, Florida State, and most notably, Alabama. As the Crimson Tide's defensive coordinator, he helped lead the team to four national championships in his nine-year tenure.&nbsp;Smart returned to his alma mater in 2016 to become the head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs, and he quickly made his mark on the program. Since returning to Athens, he has continued to build on his success, leading the team to multiple SEC titles and back-to-back National Championships in 2021 and 2022.&nbsp;With a strong recruiting pipeline, a star-studded coaching staff, and an extensive track record for developing players, Smart has established himself as one of the if the not the top coach in college football with an opportunity to etch his name amongst the game's all-time great coaches.<h2 class="MsoNormal">Mike Bobo Resumes His Play Calling Duties in Athens &nbsp;<o:p></o:p></h2>Mike Bobo is a highly respected football coach with a successful career spanning over two decades. His expertise in offensive strategy and the development of players has made him one of the most highly sought after coach in the college football world.&nbsp;After starring at QB for the dawgs from 1994 to 1997, he began his coaching journey in 2001 as a graduate assistant at Georgia and worked his way up to become the offensive coordinator in 2007. Bobo's work as offensive coordinator was instrumental in Georgia's success, helping the team to win two SEC East Division titles, including an SEC Championship in 2005.&nbsp;Mike Bobo made a triumphant return to the University of Georgia's coaching staff in 2020, when he was hired as the team's quarterbacks coach. His impact was immediate, helping lead the team to a historic season that culminated in an appearance in the national championship game.&nbsp;In 2023, Bobo was promoted to offensive coordinator, a role that he is sure to excel in given his wealth of experience and expertise as an offensive master mind.<o:p></o:p><h2 class="MsoNormal">Bryan McClendon, From Player to Talent Guru and Coach &nbsp;<o:p></o:p></h2>Bryan McClendon, UGA's wide receivers coach, played wide receiver for the Bulldogs from 2002 to 2005. He since become highly regarded coach in college football with an impressive career spanning over a decade. He began his coaching journey at Georgia, where he spent ten seasons in various positions, including wide receivers coach and offensive coordinator.&nbsp;During his tenure, McClendon developed a reputation as one of the greatest recruiters in college football, consistently bringing in top talent and helping Georgia secure some of the nation's top recruiting classes. His recruiting prowess has helped bring a myriad of the nation's most promising high school recruits to Athens over the years, including names such as Todd Gurley, Nick Chubb, Sony Michel, Keith Marshall, Isaiah Crowell, Lorenzo Carter, and many, many more.&nbsp;What makes him so special?&nbsp;<blockquote>"BMac is a unicorn in that he is one of the most authentic individuals I had the fortune of playing for. Through the highs and lows of my career, he never wavered and stayed true to the commitment he made to me and my family when I committed to play for the University of Georgia." - says former UGA running back Keith Marshall. &nbsp;</blockquote>With statements like that, it is easy to see why players from all over the country line up to play for McClendon and why he's cemented himself as one of the most valuable position coaches in the country.<h2 class="MsoNormal">Welcome Back From the Darkside Mr. Muschamp</h2>Will Muschamp, UGA's defensive analyst, played safety for the Bulldogs from 1991 to 1994. After his playing days were over, Muschamp went on to become one of the most successful defensive coordinators in college football, working at LSU, Auburn, and Texas before becoming head coach at Florida (we forgive you coach) and then South Carolina. Muschamp's experience as a former UGA player and coach gives him a deep understanding of what it takes to drive success in Athens. Over the last two years, he has been a fundamental component in what has been heralded as one of the strongest defensive units in college football history.&nbsp;<h2 class="MsoNormal">The Georgia Way</h2>The fact that UGA's coaching staff is made up of so many former players is a testament to the strength and dedication of the Bulldog football program. These coaches are not only highly skilled and experienced in their respective areas of expertise, but they also have a deep understanding of what it means to be a Georgia Bulldog. This gives them a unique ability to connect with their players and motivate them to perform at their best for all of dawg nation.&nbsp;The dedication and passion these coaches bring to the program every day is contagious, and likely the very reason the Georgia Bulldogs sit atop of the college football world.<o:p></o:p> As some would say, there must be something special in the water in Athens, Georgia.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

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Georgia Football Takes Care of Its Own 

National Champion Georgia Bulldogs safety Chris Smith is optimistic about the future of the program due to the pipeline of talent being developed. Speaking in a recent interview, Smith highlighted the impressive depth and quality of players coming through the system."We have a lot of young guys that are really talented and just waiting for their opportunity," Smith said. "It's really exciting to see the talent that we have and the potential that they have to contribute to the team."Smith himself had been a key contributor to the Bulldogs' 2022-2023 success, playing in all 15 games last season and recording 45 solo tackles and 3 interceptions. He's currently at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, hoping to raise his draft prospects.<h2>Next Man Up Mentality&nbsp;</h2>Smith is also excited about the younger players who will be joining UGA football. He singled out the safety talent pipeline, highlighting Dan Jackson, Joenel Aguero, and Malaki Starks."You have to know they're special talents to be at the University of Georgia," Smith said. "All of them can play anywhere. There's plenty of names that are going to battling for a position in that secondary"The Bulldogs have long been known for their ability to recruit top-tier talent, and it seems that trend will continue in the coming years. Head coach Kirby Smart has built a program that consistently competes for conference and national titles, and that success has attracted some of the best young players in the country.As Smith noted, the key now is for those players to develop and contribute to the team's success on the field."It's all about putting in the work and taking advantage of the opportunities you get," he said. "I think we have a lot of guys who are ready to do that and help us continue to win at a high level."With other talented veterans leading the way, and a pipeline of young talent waiting in the wings, the future looks bright for Georgia football.

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Former UGA All-American Chris Smith Confident in Next Generation of Dawgs 

<h2 style="line-height:2.4;margin-bottom:0pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr">Changing The Game&nbsp;</h2>The Classic City Collective has become a premier brand at the forefront of name, image, likeness partnerships for college athletes under CEO Matt Hibbs. With NIL being introduced two years ago, Classic City Collective works with the University of Georgia and creates partnerships in territory that is still unknown to many.&nbsp;“It’s been a complete game changer,” said Hibbs. “NIL is still new and a lot of people don’t understand it and they don’t understand the difference between what Georgia can do and what the (Classic City) collective could do. To be able to get up there with him (Josh Brooks, the athletic director of UGA) and have a consistent message to the fans and donors is massive.”<h2 style="line-height:2.4;margin-bottom:0pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr">The Future of NIL&nbsp;</h2>With the influence NIL has had on the college football world, many wonder if NIL could become connected directly with universities. As of right now, NIL is connected to athletes through partnerships between collectives and universities.“I think ultimately that’s where we’re going to end,” Hibbs said. “I don’t know if that’s one, two, or three years down the road. There are a lot of legal hoops to jump through to get to that point (like) employee status (and) what that whole thing looks like if it even triggers employee status. I don’t know, that’s way above my pay grade, but at the end of the day, we’re all trying to get to the same place. We’re all trying to make the experience at the University of Georgia the best it could possibly be for the athlete, the fan, and everyone involved.”&nbsp;Hibbs concluded this idea by stating, “It just makes a ton of sense for it to be a part of the athletic department in some facet.”<h2>The Challenge&nbsp;</h2>NIL has created opportunities for athletes to be compensated but there are still many hurdles that collectives and universities must go through to make sure it's done the right way.“Our biggest hurdle here at Georgia and the (Classic City) collective is really trying to change the perception of NIL,” stated Hibbs. “I think there were a lot of really big, juicy stories that came out early and painted somewhat of a negative picture of what NIL is and that’s a tiny, tiny fraction of what’s going on. I think (our biggest hurdle is) trying to educate our fans and donors on how beneficial it is for the athletes and that it's not just a couple guys making 2-3 million dollars.”Some fans routinely express disagreement with NIL on social media, with dissenting opinions including only star players being paid or others earning money before they’ve done enough on the field.&nbsp;“I think that rubs a lot of older fans the wrong way,” said Hibbs. “(We’re) really trying to get (it) out there that that’s not what we’re doing here. We’re providing opportunities to athletes and they’re able to make a lot of money. We have players from this team earning a lot of money, but we’re not just handing it out which I think is a concern that I’ve encountered with a lot of fans, so it's trying to paint that accurate picture for them.”With the introduction of NIL and the transfer portal becoming increasingly active, hundreds of players seek to change programs each offseason. One reason includes the opportunity to make more money elsewhere in addition to a fresh opportunity in the sport they play.&nbsp;“I think in a lot of those cases it is (because of NIL),” Hibbs said. “I think it’s really a ‘testing the waters’ process. I think some guys at smaller schools want to throw their names in the portal just to see what dollar values are out there for them and if it’s worth the jump. They might be happy where they are (with their) playing time and the coaching staff, but they just want to see their options, and the only way to find that out is to put (their) name in the portal and see what pops.”&nbsp;<h2>Only Up from Here for the Classic City Collective&nbsp;</h2>Entering the third year with NIL means brands like the Classic City Collective have more experience with how partnerships work. This poses the question of what is on the horizon for the Classic City Collective.“We’ve worked with every single sport at the University of Georgia with the exception of two (and) we are finalizing deals with those two now because we really wanted to be able to say that we have done something with all 21 sports,” said Hibbs. “(On) our website we’re going to start doing more auctions of player items where the money goes back to the athlete. We’re just a lot more organized.”Fans of UGA athletics have many things to look forward to with the partnership between UGA and the Classic City Collective.“Now that we are more organized we’re going to be doing a lot more fan interactions with players (of all sports),” Hobbs said. “Whether that’s tailgates at baseball games or other types of fan interactions we’re definitely going to key in on that.”

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A look toward the future of NIL partnerships for UGA and the Classic City Collective

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