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By Nilay Upadhyayula
Published November 1, 2025
Welcome back to The NIL Mindset. We break down the biggest moves, trends, and shifts happening in the NIL world so you can stay informed. Here’s what’s been making headlines:
Latest in NIL Regulation:
The NCAA Football Oversight Committee has proposed and approved a single 15-day transfer portal window (Jan 2–16), replacing the current two-window system. This will take effect starting in 2026.
What it means for college football players:
- Less time to decide: Instead of a 30-day combined window, players will have just 15 days to make transfer decisions.
- More roster stability: Teams will know sooner who’s leaving and can adjust recruiting and scholarships quickly.
- December is now a dead period: No in-person recruiting contact, letting athletes focus on postseason and bowl prep.
- Written offers move later: Prospects won’t get official written offers until November 15 of their senior year, tightening timelines for high school recruits as well.
This change is designed to simplify the calendar and give programs stability, but it also means athletes will need to have a plan and be ready when the short window opens.
Building a Brand: NIL Success Beyond the Field
Consistency Wins: Post regularly: highlight your training, daily routines, recovery, and even non-sports content.
Local Roots: Collaborate with local businesses or community projects to build authentic connections.
Tell Your Story: Share your academic goals, passions, and behind-the-scenes of your daily journey.
Know Your Numbers: Track engagement (followers, views, demographics) to strengthen NIL negotiations. Know what you bring to the table.
Expand Platforms: Build a presence across TikTok, Instagram, Etc. This allows more people to see who you are.
Financial Times
U.S. Job Growth Slows
The August jobs report showed just 22,000 new jobs (well below expectations) with unemployment rising to 4.3%. This weak labor market has economists predicting that the Federal Reserve will likely cut interest rates soon.
Why it matters for you:
- Borrowing money may get cheaper (think car loans, credit cards, business loans).
- Signals economic cooling, which could affect job markets for graduates. Plan ahead!
- Budgeting and saving become even more important when the economy slows.
Finance Word of the Week: Credit
Credit is the ability to borrow money now with the promise to pay it back later.
Why it matters:
- Building good credit (by paying bills and credit cards on time) shows lenders you’re trustworthy.
- Good credit = lower interest rates on loans (car, apartment, even future business ventures).
- Bad credit = higher costs and fewer opportunities.
Tips:
Using a credit card responsibly is helpful. Doing things like using the credit card to buy groceries and then paying it off each month helps build a strong credit score. That score can save you thousands of dollars over time.
This content does not constitute legal, tax, accounting, financial, or investment advice. Any opinions expressed above are subject to change at any time without notice; you should conduct your own review and seek professional advice prior to making any investment. We do not make any warranties as to accuracy or completeness of this information, do not endorse any third-party companies, products, or services described here, and take no liability for your use of this information. Investments are not suitable for all investors, are not guaranteed, and involve risk. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
