2026 Michigan Season Thread

[MikeDeTiger]

That brings up a question about NIL.  If somebody like Bryce Underwood doesn't pan out, is their 4 million per year negotiable each year, or is it guaranteed?  In general, I mean.....I guess any one player's specifics might not be definitely known, but I figure there's likely some overall standard here.  

[847badgerfan]

It's all loose these days. Until there is legislation, nothing will change. The courts are doing the legislating right now, because the NCAA F's up everything it touches.

[SFBadger96]

[the NCAA also has next to no regulatory and enforcement power without a collective bargaining agreement--otherwise it's all likely just a restraint of trade, particularly because the member institutions don't want to be regulated; they want their labor pool regulated.]

[847badgerfan]

[the NCAA also has next to no regulatory and enforcement power without a collective bargaining agreement--otherwise it's all likely just a restraint of trade, particularly because the member institutions don't want to be regulated; they want their labor pool regulated.]

So says the courts. 

The NCAA had its chance and shit the bed. And here we are.

[MikeDeTiger]

More to the point--if Bryce Underwood keeps riding the pine, is he making $4 million next year or what?  

[847badgerfan]

My understanding?

Player underperforms => still gets paid

Player overperforms => gets paid more or goes elsewhere

[Cincydawg]

I presume the contracts are negotiated by agents who would obviously push for multiyear contracts.  Maybe the option for the player is something like:

$4 million, one year

$3 million, guaranteed each year for two years.

Or something with a buyout clause.

[Mdot21]

Bryce Underwood should be a cautionary tale for schools using NIL to recruit 5* hot shot #1 players in HS. But it won't be. 

[ELA]

My understanding?

Player underperforms => still gets paid

Player overperforms => gets paid more or goes elsewhere

Depends on the contract

[MikeDeTiger]

Bryce Underwood should be a cautionary tale for schools using NIL to recruit 5* hot shot #1 players in HS. But it won't be.

Or at least it should be a cautionary tale for NIL deals with no performance clauses attached.  

If this is how BU plays and I'm one of the major donors ponying up for his $4-mil/yr. and I'm stuck with that for the next two years, given what he's done so far, I'm pissed.  

[FearlessF]

My understanding?

Player underperforms => still gets paid

Player overperforms => gets paid more or goes elsewhere

yup,  Rhule has stated that SEC teams are talking to Colandrea and top QBs will be paid $7 million next season

[Brutus Buckeye]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UX-GdjG4D3g

[MrNubbz]

Michigan's offense is puzzlingly bad. Hard to make sense of it.

Also, it won't take much to fix it and make Michigan a juggernaut again. The rest of us just need to enjoy it while it lasts.