Mike Gundy Understands Value of NIL in College Football

The landscape of college football has been changed in major ways across two major events -- both involving money. First, there's conference realignment, which is about putting together the best football conferences. 

Then, there's Name, Image and Likeness (NIL), which allows players to get paid through endorsements or using their name and following presence that athletes carry.

NIL has become a tool for recruiting, as teams with huge collectives often are able to land the best recruits. It's similar to getting the top facilities many years ago, as it's what's going to separate programs from other programs. 

It seemed as if Oklahoma State has been behind in this department for some time, but it seems as if Mike Gundy is up to speed with what works nowadays. During his Monday media luncheon, for the second week in a row, Gundy was asked about the matter.

“Don’t build it, put the money in the bank,” Gundy said of choosing between NIL and new facilities. “Put the money in the bank and spend it on NIL. That’s just the future, and I’m not saying I agree with it. I only know the sign of the times."

This is a fine and fair answer from Gundy. He doesn't have to agree with NIL, but being ignorant of the fact that it's both important and here to stay will only drag a program in the wrong direction. 

“Players used to want to go somewhere for shiny new facilities and new uniforms and things like that — they still want to go somewhere where they win, but they also want the other stuff," Gundy continued. "I’m going to hypothetically build a situation: If you brought in 50 of our players and said we’ll NIL you $50 to $60,000 a year cash or we can build you a new weight room and meeting room, which one do you want? They’re gonna take [the money], right? That’s what kids do nowadays.”

Fortunately for the Cowboys, they've got a great collective to work with in Pokes With a Purpose, and Oklahoma State NIL collective. Players like Alan Bowman and Ollie Gordon, among others, are actively promoting and speaking about Pokes With a Purpose.

“I think what our administration is doing, tied in with Pokes With A Purpose, is they’re trying to find ways to get these people to come together and make sure we’re not trying to squeeze blood from the same turnip all the time,” Gundy said.

As the Cowboys enter a new era with a new-look Big 12, that is without Oklahoma and Texas, the conference is up for grabs when it comes to dominating the competition on a yearly basis, and Oklahoma State is a good candidate to be the school that thrives. 

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