NIL

With student-athletes finally being able to earn money while in school, two years still hasn’t given a roadmap to where college athletics goes from here.

Particularly in the wake of the dismantling of the Pac-12, it is understandable that Cal fans are concerned about the future of the program. However, it is incorrect to think that the Bears haven’t had long stints of success in the past, and therefore it is not impossible for them to achieve this again.

In its immediate impact, NIL shifted critical dynamics within college sports — it gave power to the players. Two years later, it is evident that the players have advantaged that power in several ways.

My loyalty never wavered to my team. This is why when the transfer portal was launched in 2018, and rose to profound popularity in the following years, I was initially very upset.

Student athletes may feel afraid of crossing the line and engage in self-censorship due to university administrators and state legislators who are afraid of what student athletes might have to say for themselves.

If there’s any time for the Bear offense to wake up and its defense to continue stellar play, it is against a Utah team limping into Friday’s matchup.

Justin Wilcox, Chase Garbers and Kuony Deng each discussed the future of Cal football with the press at the Pac-12 media day.

Student-athletes, suddenly armed with their NIL rights, may finally make a profit off of their likeness and personal brand.