Universities & NIL With LSU’s Taylor Jacobs | NIL Series #3

03/16/22 • 30 min

In the constantly evolving landscape of NIL, understanding university guidelines as well as the resources that are available is paramount for success. From understanding state laws and NCAA rules, to what activities are allowed, or even how to manage taxes, there are several important topics that every student athlete should know.

In this episode of AWM Capital’s NIL Podcast Series, Taylor Jacobs, Compliance Coordinator at LSU, talks with Will McGuffey about how to effectively participate in the NIL marketplace. Taylor shares her insight on how student athletes and their families should prepare for and participate in NIL, navigating agent relationships, and how NIL can make a positive impact in their life. This episode is a great starting point for understanding how universities work with their athletes to effectively participate in NIL activities.

While there are still a lot of uncertainties and unknowns that surround NIL rules and regulations, this episode should help settle some of those worries by giving listeners an inside look at how universities are helping prepare their student athletes. With more and more schools implementing similar policies and educational programs, Taylor’s advice will help athletes at all schools feel more confident in where to turn for guidance as they prepare to enter the world of NIL.

Episode Highlights

1:00: A look at Taylor’s responsibilities with NIL at LSU.
1:50: The evolution of NIL from its inception.
3:30: A discussion about what NILSU is and how schools are helping educate athletes and businesses.
5:43: Common questions that athletes and businesses have about NIL.
8:45: What type of disclosure is required for NIL agreements?
10:48: Agents and NIL, what is allowed?
12:57: Agent registration with the university and the state.
15:43: Rules about the length of NIL contracts.
18:47: How athletes can use NIL to prepare them for life after sports.
19:30: A look at resources available for high school athletes to help understand NIL.
21:56: A beginner’s look at taxes and money education for athletes.
25:02: The effects of possible changes in state laws and NCAA rules.
28:12: Important advice for anyone who wants to participate in NIL.

If you have any questions or would like to reach out to Will or Taylor directly, please email them at:

Taylor Jacobs – [email protected]

Will McGuffey – [email protected]

Episode Highlights

1:00: A look at Taylor’s responsibilities with NIL at LSU.
1:50: The evolution of NIL from its inception.
3:30: A discussion about what NILSU is and how schools are helping educate athletes and businesses.
5:43: Common questions that athletes and businesses have about NIL.
8:45: What type of disclosure is required for NIL agreements?
10:48: Agents and NIL, what is allowed?
12:57: Agent registration with the university and the state.
15:43: Rules about the length of NIL contracts.
18:47: How athletes can use NIL to prepare them for life after sports.
19:30: A look at resources available for high school athletes to help understand NIL.
21:56: A beginner’s look at taxes and money education for athletes.
25:02: The effects of possible changes in state laws and NCAA rules.
28:12: Important advice for anyone who wants to participate in NIL.

If you have any questions or would like to reach out to Will or Taylor directly, please email them at:

Taylor Jacobs – [email protected]

Will McGuffey – [email protected]

Previous Episode

Navigating NIL for College Athletes with Matchpoint Connection’s Jonathan Pixley | NIL Series #2

As a college athlete interested in NIL deals, how can you connect with potential partners?

With NIL being such a new concept, there are several ways outside of the traditional models of procuring endorsements that are showing up as options for student athletes. One of these new platforms is MatchPoint Connection, which is a two-way marketplace that helps student athletes and other social media influencers connect for endorsement purposes. Through their web-based app, student athletes can connect and partner with brands both locally and nationally to earn money through various types of endorsement deals.

In this episode, Jonathan Pixley, Vice President of Athletic Operations at MatchPoint Connection, sits down with AWM Capital’s Will McGuffey and Zach Miller to discuss what MatchPoint Connection is as well as the current landscape of NIL for college athletes. In what is a constantly evolving marketplace, Jonathan shares his insight on what the NIL marketplace looks like, and the direction that it is trending. One point that Jonathan believes that all athletes should understand is that while making money with current NIL opportunities is important, the focus should always be placed on being a good person and your preparation and performance on the field.

With many student athletes not knowing how to capitalize on the NIL opportunity, Jonathan gives our listeners valuable insight into the processes that have been successful for student athletes so far. Whether it is a proper valuation, understanding your marketability, or tips into curating and maintaining a successful brand, Jonathan, Will and Zach discuss how athletes should be looking at the NIL opportunity.

Episode Highlights

2:05: What is MatchPoint Connection?
4:30: Why was Matchpoint Connection founded and what services does it offer student athletes?
5:35: What does the NIL landscape look like for a student athlete?
6:57: Are there any changes to NIL rules for NCAA athletes that are on the horizon?
8:30: A discussion on current trends in the NIL marketplace and what are athletes able to earn.
10:10: How should student athletes value themselves in the NIL marketplace?
11:50: What should a student athlete do when managing their brand and image.
13:35: NIL as a recruiting tool for college athletics.
15:58: Discussion on how NIL will impact the future of NCAA sports.
19:00: How to succeed on and off the field with NIL.

If you have any questions or would like to reach out to Will, Zach, or Jonathan directly, please email them at:

Jonathan Pixley – [email protected]

Will McGuffey – [email protected]

Zach Miller – [email protected]

Next Episode

Brand Building Using NIL With Former MLB Pitcher Anthony Ranaudo | NIL Series #4

There are several questions that constantly come up when we are having conversations with athletes and business owners like:

What should a “deal” look like from both sides of the table?
How should an athlete think about branding themselves?
How are businesses utilizing their newfound ability to participate in NIL?

In this episode of AWM Capital’s Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) series, we are joined by Anthony Ranaudo. Anthony is a College World Series champion, 1st round draft pick, and former MLB player. Today, Anthony is the owner and founder of Cards and Culture, a store and social platform in the collectibles, art, memorabilia, and lifestyle business that is utilizing NIL deals to help promote his business and the athletes themselves.

Anthony has a unique perspective as both a business owner utilizing NIL, and a former professional athlete who understands the brand building opportunities that come with being a high-profile athlete.

In this episode, Anthony gives us an insight into what athletes should be thinking about in terms of building their brands through NIL opportunities. He and Will discuss the importance of building a network, understanding the marketplace, spotting the right deals, staying present and humble, and more.

Episode Highlights

1:50: Perspective on the evolution of NIL in the first year.
4:08: How Anthony is utilizing NIL for his business.
5:20: Ways for athletes to take advantage of the NIL opportunity.
7:40: General perception of NIL versus reality.
12:30:What roadblocks are currently present for businesses entering into the NIL space?
13:50:Business and athlete use of trademarks and logos.
15:45:How and why athletes build brands and networks as a college athlete.
21:35:Social media presence as a high school athlete.
25:20:What kind of deals should an athlete look to enter into?
28:25:The future of NIL and what the landscape will look like in the coming years.
31:25:The importance of educating yourself on how to best utilize NIL

If you have any questions or would like to reach out to Anthony or Will directly, please email them at:

Anthony Ranaudo – [email protected]

Will McGuffey – [email protected]