For College Athletes, NIL Starts with Reputation

LAS VEGAS, Nev. / CRWE Press Release / August 6, 2026 — For decades, college athletes could not profit from the commercial use of their own name, image, or likeness. Name, image and likeness (NIL) rules changed that, and the shift has reached athletes well beyond the highest levels of the sport. For players in junior college and prep programs, NIL introduces both an opportunity and a set of responsibilities most have never been taught to manage.

The first of those responsibilities is reputation. Before any sponsorship conversation begins, businesses decide whether an athlete represents something they want associated with their own brand, and that evaluation starts with trust, visibility, and public reputation.

Reputation as a Factor in NIL Value

That point was the focus of a recent episode of The Drip Sports Show, the National Junior College Prep Football League's podcast covering recruiting, player development, and football culture. Hosts Sam Lutui and Shaun Hartman noted that a player's public reputation forms before he becomes aware it is being evaluated.

"When you become a college athlete, you're a brand, you're a product," Lutui said.

Hartman addressed decisions athletes make away from football, including the accessibility of sports gambling, and the effect those decisions can have on opportunities.

"Talent can open doors but one poor decision or one bad accusation can roll everything downhill," Hartman said.

Both hosts described the responsibility as beginning before an athlete reaches college, citing advice from their own fathers regarding the family name. Lutui also referenced the era when Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush played at USC, describing stands filled with their jerseys while neither player received proceeds from those sales.

Where Development Meets Visibility

While national stars attract the largest deals, NIL opportunities at smaller levels tend to come through local businesses, and the visibility an athlete builds now carries into conversations with four-year programs later. For athletes, another season also means another opportunity to build both current game film and a public reputation before pursuing opportunities at the next level. NJCP games are recorded and livestreamed, with film available to college coaching staffs at all levels.

For today's athletes, talent still matters. But reputation increasingly travels alongside it. Long before an NIL opportunity arrives, coaches, schools, businesses, and fans have already begun forming an impression.

Athletes and families interested in learning more about NJCP, available teams, and opportunities for the 2026 season can visit www.njcpfootball.com.

About The Drip Sports Show:

The Drip Sports Show is a weekly podcast powered by the National Junior College Prep (NJCP) Football League. Co-hosted by Sam Lutui and Shaun Hartman, the show delivers updates on league developments and covers recruiting, player development, football culture, and current topics affecting student-athletes. Episodes feature guest interviews, including conversations with league founder Shawn Jones.

The full episode, titled What Student-Athletes Need to Know, is available on YouTube : The Drip Sports Show Episode 6.

About NJCP Football League:

The National Junior College Prep Football League is the first national system for junior college prep football, designed to organize, showcase, and develop overlooked football talent across the United States. Built by former NFL athletes and veteran coaches, the NJCP provides a platform for player development, media exposure, and community impact for athletes across the nation.

For more information, please visit www.njcpfootball.com or follow @NJCP_Football on our official social media channels:

YouTube: NJCP Football

X (Twitter): @NJCP_Football

Instagram: @njcp_football

Facebook: NJCP Football League

For media inquiries or partnership opportunities, contact:

National Junior College Prep Football League

admin@njcpfootball.com

(435) 922-3335