The preliminarily approved settlement in the House v. NCAA lawsuit has potentially opened the door for student-athletes to receive compensation of unprecedented levels. This landmark case could distribute roughly $2.8 billion in name, image, and likeness (NIL) backpay, while also establishing a future revenue-sharing framework, holding significant implications for college football recruiting.

As coaches, administrators, and student-athletes grapple with the potential consequences of this historic settlement, the dust begins to settle. The influx of funds directly to athletes could dramatically reshape the recruiting process, as schools with deeper pockets gain a significant advantage in attracting top talent.

This means that college recruits’ decision-making process will likely involve a more significant financial component. This change could widen the gap between the haves and have-nots, with power conference schools potentially pulling even further ahead of their Group of Five and FCS counterparts.

As the financial side of college athletics faces down this potential change, coaches and administrators may need to adapt their recruiting strategies accordingly. Coaches will need every advantage to identify and target the most promising recruits. 

Platforms like scoutSMART, which use predictive analytics to provide insights into a player’s potential fit and capabilities, will become even more valuable in this new age.  Advanced technological tools excel at providing insights, especially those surrounding new athletes’ recruiting and the associated financial impact.

Those who embrace more strategic forms of decision-making and the latest technology will be best positioned to succeed. It will be increasingly vital in helping coaches cut costs and to establish working relationships with their athletes.