Will top high school athletes stay in Texas without NIL deals?

TEXAS (KAMR/KCIT) — Texas is widely known for doing things bigger and better in several aspects than other states including high school football which could change in the near future.

Texas is one of 12 states that prohibits high school athletes from monetizing their name, image, likeness before enrolling at a university. This can lead to talent born in the state, leaving the state at an early age to capitalize on their NIL in high school.

Hope was presented for young Texas athletes to monetize their NIL after Texas Rep. Giovanni Capriglione introduced House Bill 1802.

House Bill 1802 reads, “No individual, corporate entity, or other organization may: (1) enter into any arrangement with a prospective student athlete relating to the prospective student athlete’s name, image, or likeness prior to their enrollment in an institution of higher education.”

After a court ruling regarding the bill, that would have allowed athletes in the University Interscholastic League to be involved with NIL deals. The proposal required athletes to be at least 18 years old and maintain a grade requirement.

According to ON3 NIL, the bill never made it out of the Public Education Committee and was not heard before the legislative session ended.

The bill will be available to be reviewed again in 2025 and implemented in 2027 if the bill is passed.

A official with the Texas High School Coaches Association said the change will impact a lot of people and really good athletes. The official added that Texas is observing other states and the NCAA before making its decision, questioning how long it will be around.

A five star athlete, Tre Johnson, has already left the Lone Star State to finish his high school career in Missouri. Johnson was attracted to a high school in Missouri by a multi-year NIL deal with Panini America according to ON3 NIL.

After leaving Texas for Missouri, Johnson commits to the University of Texas which is a testament to the topic of athletes leaving the state for NIL deals.

Will officials focus on retaining talented athletes in Texas and keeping the high school football tradition alive or will they value protecting high schools from NIL deals that could potentially ruin high school athletics.

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