The pros and cons of the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal have been a recurring theme of discussion in the college football periphery. While some might consider it a huge distraction in young athletes’ careers, luring them from one program to another in a mindless rush, others may see it as an opportunity. But it’s not just the players. Rather, NIL became a core deciding factor for the coaches as well. Norfolk State hired their new head coach, former NFL superstar Michael Vick, in a trademark move. Does he have enough NIL strength to look up to in the new school? Let’s dig out deeper.

The NFL biggie reportedly turned down Sacramento State with over $50 million NIL fund to take the job off the Virginia coast. He joined forces with the Spartans after the removal of Dawson Odums, who guided the Spartans for four seasons before leaving after a 15-30 record. Vick shares a deep history with the state of Virginia. He took Virginia Tech to a breakout season and earned them a national championship appearance during his storied tenure in the late 90s. So, it’s a sweet homecoming for the pro-bowl player. But what does the NIL scenario stand at the HBCU?

Well, we don’t have a specific figure for you, but we can help you arrive at that figure. Norfolk State is a G5 school and an HBCU. From the 2025-26 academic year, the school would have a revenue-sharing cap of around $20.5 million, as per the proposed House vs. NCAA settlement. Moreover, the cap is set to see an annual increase of around 4%. That puts into perspective why Vick chose Norfolk State.

Moreover, you may think that being an HBCU and outside of the glamour of SEC and B1G programs, Norfolk State athletes may not get NIL recognition. Well, think again. There is a Rayquan Smith out there, who is like, ‘hold my beer’.

King of NIL, the Norfolk running back, hasn’t hit the six figures yet, but he’s expanding his lessons and experiences, for that matter. While his start was slow, he expanded his brand, basing it on his social media presence. Nothing is off limits; that is the power of social media. He’s penning deals up to t $500 up to $1,500 or even $2,500 with the promise of being the promotional agent on social media platforms for the elite brands. Have something to promote? Here is the invoice for a post. Simple, yeah! That has led him to over 100 NIL deals. Just mad stuff!

”Initially, I became involved in NIL by creating promotional videos, starting with campaigns for movies and shoe promotions with Rayquan Smith. As I gained confidence, I ventured into more opportunities, eventually speaking at conventions and securing 23 deals and counting,’‘ Smith’s agent explained his slow and steady strategy to live up to the RB’s self-acclaimed moniker.

Smart Cups, which makes an energy drink in a bioplastic container, was the first company to sign Smith, who posted a video for the brand on July 9. But his path has not been easy so far. NIL itself possesses a lot of intricacy in it. It becomes even worse when you represent Historically black colleges and universities. But consistency and self-belief are changing the reality for his fellow athletes and the school as a whole.

Rayquan Smith is scaling up the NIL fund for the Spartans

Smith has consistently been aiming for the stars. His inquisitive mind spotted some upcoming shakeups while in the business brands and the marketing process while scrolling Instagram. He did his homework to understand the crux better. Once he started to feel a bit at home with metrics, he confidently took some bold action. He started to reach out to companies and products that were his priorities: Skittles, Crocs, Hi-Chew, etc. But none of them really bought his effort or idea. But Smith didn’t give up. He took that failure as a stepping stone to tomorrow’s success and kept fixing his knowledge and capabilities to attract better offers.

It’s a process of resilience for the Spartans. ”NIL transformed my life, shaping both my character and opportunities. I’ve had the privilege of speaking at the NCAA convention in Arizona and will attend more conventions this year in Las Vegas, North Carolina, and USC,” Smith noted how relentless efforts turned around his fate from the NIL perspective.

Smith not only improved his NIL performance but also influenced his co-athletes and created a chain of NIL-aware players on the line.

Gathering NIL funds is still a challenge for a black-representative school. But it has a different side as well. Brands who want to connect with Black consumers for some societal upliftment may find the HBCU student-athletes a great catch.

Currently, Spartans NIL Exchange co-partnered with INFLCR, which is the top brand-building and NIL business management app popular among 270 elite collegiate and professional sports organizations. While they are not the leader in the NIL community for obvious reasons, it is safe to say Michael Vick gets a pitch to bat, at least.