MWCConnection Recruiting Roundup 6-15-26. When do schools and recruits start to talk about NIL money?

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It’s another week of the Recruiting Roundup.

A few weeks ago, The Athletic put out an article about coaches attempting to figure out when to talk to recruits about (NIL) money. Such is life in college sports in 2026. It turns out, the recruit and the school might have different preferences, but if the school wants the recruit, it has to adapt. Schools would prefer sometime in the spring, before they sign, when they begin to prepare their budget for the year, and have enough film on a recruit to evaluate them. But the recruit often wants to know earlier to figure out if they have an interest in a school.

Some interesting tidbits. For one, schools don’t want to set the market with the first offer:

You give a range, and now you kind of give away your negotiating power. If you’re truly trying to maintain your actual chips in the negotiation, then you don’t want to give your number.”

Another P4 front office staffer said: “You don’t want to be the one to put the first offer out there, but you need to be the second or close to it.”

Another, some acting as agents don’t know all the rules and are demanding lots of money:

“I’ve dealt with (inexperienced) agents who are demanding it (a term sheet),” a third P4 assistant GM said, “and I told them, it’s not like the transfer portal, you can’t do that. They didn’t even know that rule existed. (They’ll ask) ‘Well, how do they know he’s going to get the money?’ And it’s like, ‘Well, there’s nothing we can show you right now.’”

Over the past week, teams continued to stock up on commits following big official visit weekends. At the time of this writing, a combined 30 visitors have resulted in 49 commitments in the past week.

Once again, teams could find themselves on the cover photo with the weeks they had, notably Colorado State, Texas State, UNLV, and Washington State. However, this week the Rebels take the cover photo after securing ten commits in their class.

Class of 2027 Cover Photo Total:

• North Dakota State: 2
• Oregon State: 2
• San Diego State: 2
• UNLV: 2
• Air Force: 1
• Fresno State: 1
• Hawaii: 1
• NIU: 1
• New Mexico: 1
• San Jose State: 1
• UTEP: 1
• Washington State: 1

Recruiting Calendar:

For most of June, we are in the quiet period. Nothing off campus is allowed, but on-campus visits are good to go. As always, it is okay for texts, calls, and DMs.

Next College Student Athlete says:

The NCAA defines the quiet period as a time when “a college coach may not have face-to-face contact with college-bound student-athletes or their parents off the college campus and may not watch student-athletes compete or visit their high school.” To break it down, the NCAA Quiet Period is a time you can talk to college coaches in-person on their college campus. However, the coach is not allowed to watch athletes compete in-person, visit their school, talk to them at their home—or talk to them anywhere outside of the college campus. Coaches can still text, call, email or direct message coaches during this time.

Commitment Spotlight:

DB DeMarcus Mathes Jr: Air Force

“I committed to Air Force because it felt like the best fit for me. The coaching staff believed in me from the start, and I love the program’s culture, discipline, and brotherhood. Air Force gives me the opportunity to compete at a high level while earning a great education and preparing for my future.”

DL Nicholas Frazier (Colorado State)

“I committed to Colorado State because the atmosphere instantly felt like home, and coaches and players showed much love and support throughout my recruiting process.”

WR Lovell Neal (Colorado State)

I committed to Colorado State because the whole environment is a caring environment, and Coach Wilson, the receiver coach, kept my family a part of it, which is a big part to me. I know that I will be getting great development, and it is a great place to keep my mind clear and ball, and the receivers are always working and staying after getting work and keeping each other responsible. Some places don’t have that, and that shows me how dedicated they are, and I’ll come in and take after them.”

DB Tre Kennard III (Nevada)

“Looking over everything, the fit was just right for me in every way. The love there is real and genuine and I know that I will be surrounded by good people who care about me and will push me. Their scheme and how they plan to develop me, I feel like I can elevate my game to the next level and become the best version of myself. Having the ability to keep the family legacy going as well was cool to see. My dad played there as well as my grandfather who is in the UNR hall of fame. Growing up I heard a lot of stories about their time playing at Nevada, so to be able to be in this position to create my own path is a full circle moment. Truly Grateful!”

DB Jackson Cook (North Dakota State)

“I really like their program, they’ve sent a lot of players to the NFL and development is there special. All of the coaches are great and are excited to push me and get me better!”

DB Wesley Ace (San Jose State)

“SJSU felt like the right place because of the culture, the academics, and the opportunity to compete at a high level. I’ve built a great relationship with the coaches through our conversations, and they’ve been honest about their vision for me. They see me fitting into their defense as a versatile defensive back who can play corner, nickel, and safety. They like my speed, athleticism, and ability to make plays all over the field. I believe their system fits my strengths, and I’m excited about the opportunity to keep developing and contribute to the defense.”

DT Charles Egbo (Texas State)

“It felt like home, loved the program and the culture that they’re building.”

OL Aiden Williams (Texas State)

I chose Texas State because the city, school, and staff treat everyone like family. Plus, San Marcus, the city itself is a sight to see and live in.“

DL Cooper Cook (UNLV)

“I chose UNLV due to my connection to Coach Logo. UNLV has shown nothing but love, and what defensive player doesn’t wanna play for Paul Guenther? You can’t beat 25+ years in the NFL!”

DT Ladarian Bell (UNLV)

“I committed to UNLV because UNLV always treated me like family, and the coaches always keep it real with everything they say, and that’s the type of things I wanna be around.”

RB Adonyae Brown (UNLV)

“I committed to them because they made me feel welcome. Coach Q and Coach Mullen are both great coaches and believe that they can develop me into the best football player I can be.“

TE Hudson Ploog (UNLV)

“I feel like they can develop and push me to become the best version of myself possible, so I had to lock in the commitment.”

EDGE David Lee Jr (UNLV)

“I chose UNLV because of the culture and how the staff is so connected with people in other parts in life besides football, that let me know I will be in good hands and will be set up life after sports and that’s what it’s all about, to put my self in the best position to succeed.”

Visit Recap:

OL Randolph Santiago (Boise State)

“I liked the bond I built with the coaches and players. Watching Coach Danielson work out with the guys really fired me up. There most definitely shaping up to have a great season. I’ll be making a decision about my commitment on Tuesday.”

WR Maxwell Nichols (UTEP)

“I feel like a highlight of my visit to UTEP was how the staff and players interacted. Another highlight of the visit was how hype they were to have me down there.“

Recruiting Updates:

Offers:

• Air Force:
• Boise State: 6
• Colorado State: 4
• Fresno State: 10
• Hawaii: 5
• Nevada: 8
• New Mexico: 2
• NIU: 1
• North Dakota State: 1
• Oregon State: 16
• San Diego State: 17
• San Jose State:
• Texas State: 7
• UNLV: 3
• Utah State: 6
• UTEP: 6
• Washington State: 2
• Wyoming: 1

Visits

• OL Randolph Santiago: Boise State
• LB Jeremy Davis: Boise State
• LB Ryce Palepoi: Boise State
• DB John Caitlin IV: Colorado State
• TE Luke Brainard: Colorado State
• LB Grant Moser: Fresno State
• ATH Makai Gordon: Fresno State
• OL Ayden Bullinger: Hawaii
• WR Shaison Kupukaa: Hawaii
• OL Grant Gonzales: Nevada
• OL Chase Brown: Nevada
• TE Davis Lee: Nevada
• RB G’yrell Smith: Nevada
• RB Hershul Olloway Jr: New Mexico
• WR David Rushing: New Mexico
• LB Kawai Chamberlin: San Diego State
• DB Wesley Ace: San Jose State
• OL Carsten Campbell: UNLV
• DB Maxwell Miles: UNLV
• TE Hudson Ploog: UNLV
• EDGE David Lee Jr: UNLV
• DL Cooper Cook: UNLV
• DB Azavier McDaniel: UNLV
• DL Ilivai Taiese: Utah State
• OL Seth Sullivan: Washington State
• WR Jaiden Flores: Washington State
• TE George VanSandt: Washington State
• EDGE Caleb Jordan: Washington State
• QB Tucker Ingersoll: Wyoming
• QB Cache McFadden: Wyoming

Commits:

• DB DeMarcus Mathes Jr: Air Force
• DB Kason Carta: Air Force
• EDGE Kona Acedillo: Air Force
• LB Ryce Palepoi: Boise State
• WR Jeremiah Salvant: Colorado State
• EDGE Zahron Benford: Colorado State
• DL Nicholas Frazier: Colorado State
• OL Todd Nordenson: Colorado State
• WR Lovell Neal: Colorado State
• DB Blaise Burwell: Colorado State
• LB Evan Cazimero: Colorado State
• OL Robert Schein: Colorado State
• TE Luke Brainard: Colorado State
• DL Javon Rogers: Fresno State
• LB Grant Moser: Fresno State
• DB Jay Harris: Fresno State
• DB Tre Kennard III: Nevada
• DE Zade Brown: New Mexico
• LB DJ Clanton: New Mexico
• TE Collin Bellinger: New Mexico
• DB Bryce Tolliver: NIU
• WR Ja’kobi Williams: NIU
• WR Luke Potts: NIU
• DB Jackson Cook: North Dakota State
• OL Peyton Seil: North Dakota State
• DL Josiah McKee: Oregon State
• OL Logan Day: San Diego State
• RB Juelz Carter: San Diego State
• DB Wesley Ace: San Jose State
• OL Aiden Williams: Texas State
• WR Brian Manuel Jr: Texas State
• DT Charles Egbo: Texas State
• RB Daylon Gordon: Texas State
• WR Luke Frith: Texas State
• EDGE Miko Greer: UNLV
• DT Ladarian Bell: UNLV
• RB Adonyae Brown: UNLV
• OL AJ Talaoloa: UNLV
• DB Delorean Airall Jr: UNLV
• WR Donovan McNabb Jr: UNLV
• DL Cooper Cook: UNLV
• TE Hudson Ploog: UNLV
• DL Gray Longoria: UNLV
• EDGE David Lee Jr: UNLV
• WR Tomas Dixon: Washington State
• DL Tautai Meredith: Washington State
• LB Nate Obasanjo: Washington State
• DL Sonasi Maka II: Washington State
• OL Landon Guenter: Washington State

Decommits

• OL Jack Tabbert: North Dakota State
• DB Nas Eason: San Diego State
• WR Malachi Garlington: Washington State

Follow @Mike_SBN on Twitter for all the latest recruiting news and updates.

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