Ross Bjork reveals the biggest question schools have about the future of NIL

As we get closer to the two-year anniversary of NIL, it’s something that still raises a lot of questions for some. That also includes people at the schools and athletic departments which it impacts.

In a recent appearance on ‘The Paul Finebaum Show’ at the SEC Spring Meetings, Texas A&M AD Ross Bjork says university involvement is still the biggest question for officials when it comes to NIL. However, based on how things have gone since it started, he says the answer has become obvious considering what is at stake for the individuals, the programs, and the schools as well as how it’s being presented as a state by state issue.

“The biggest question has been how much should the universities be involved? And, two years ago, we would say we’re hands off. That’s between the market and the individual student-athlete, the individual player,” Bjork said. “Now what we’re saying is that the institutions need to be involved.”

“There’s too much at stake, I think, for the athlete and for the institution where we can’t take a hands-off approach. So the state laws that are now being enacted allow us to be more involved. Until there’s, again, national uniformity? That’s the place it has to be,” said Bjork. “It lives state by state. I know our commissioner doesn’t like that, I think athletic directors don’t necessarily like that. But it’s the only path way for now until we can get some national uniformity.”

NIL laws on a national level has been the biggest consistent ask since its inception. The route that it has taken as far as states has led some places in the United States to have a far better advantage over others. That’s the biggest reason why these universities are wanting the lawmakers to equal the playing field at a national level.

At points, decision-makers are still trying to feel NIL out. Considering all things, though, Bjork says he’s looking for more school involvement and, in turn, uniform laws that will allow them to better do that.

Ross Bjork: Texas A&M wants to play Texas ‘as soon as we can’

After deliberation at SEC spring meetings in Destin, the conference decided an eight-game schedule will take place in 2024. Commissioner Greg Sankey says one of the determining factors for each team will be traditional rivals. That means Texas A&M may be back on the field with Texas in the very near future.

That’s at least how Aggies athletic director Ross Bjork would have it. He said A&M wants to play Texas ‘as soon as we can’ once the league officially expands to 16 teams. If the SEC grants their wish, we will have a Lone Star Showdown during the 2024 season.

“When the league expands we prefer to play Texas as soon as we can,” Bjork said via Brett McMurphy of The Action Network.