NIL deal is a big positive for Michigan football linebacker

Originally posted on Blue By Ninety | By Chris Peterson | Last updated 3/28/24

Some Michigan football fans are probably sick of talking about and hearing about NIL. Yet, it’s hard such a huge impact on the sport, it’s hard to ignore it.

NIL was a hot topic of conversation on Wednesday as Michigan football players met with the media. Cornerback Will Johnson talked about the role it played in keeping players on the roster.

Johnson, of course, has a few NIL deals including one that has to do with EA Sports College Football 25. This isn’t the standard $600 bucks and a copy of the game NIL deal. Johnson was one of the college football players selected to help promote the game. The fact that he’s a Michigan football player clearly didn’t hurt though.

The Wolverines have one of the biggest brands in the sport, as well as being the defending national champions. However, Johnson won’t be the only Michigan football player in the EA Sports College Football Game.

NIL deal is a positive sign for Michigan football

Ernest Hausmann was the latest to confirm he’ll play in the game by posting the NIL agreement between him and EA Sports (on X) we have seen so many others do.

I’m in the game #CFB25 @easportscollege #EAAthlete pic.twitter.com/Zh1M6NR73l

— Ernest Hausmann (@Ernest_Hausmann) March 28, 2024

It matters for Michigan football because Hausmann has been talked about as a transfer portal departure. Nebraska people, understandably, are obsessed with it. His departure is a frequent topic of conversation.

Yet, when he’s in line to start for maybe the best defense in college football, you can see why Hausmann is going to stay. If you need more proof, the fact he posted that he’ll be in the game as a Michigan football player is a positive sign.

Could that change? Sure. But it doesn’t seem likely. I take this announcement as a sign that Hausmann is nearly guaranteed to be on the Michigan roster as their starting linebacker to open the 2024 season.

This article first appeared on Blue By Ninety and was syndicated with permission.

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