In this episode, we explore the evolving landscape of youth sports, NIL, and athlete representation with industry experts Chris Fair and Justin Brashear. They share insights on early talent identification, legal protections, the importance of education, and building a sustainable career in sports beyond the field.

About Chris-
Chris is a certified NFLPA Contract Advisor with a comprehensive background in business and law. He earned his undergraduate and MBA degrees from Bentley University before completing his law degree at Pace University School of Law. Chris passed the New York State Bar and brings legal expertise, strategic thinking, and contract knowledge directly into athlete representation.

About Justin-
Justin is a sports attorney and certified NFLPA Contract Advisor with firsthand experience as a former professional athlete. His background in both law and elite athletics allows him to guide athletes and their families through critical decisions involving contracts, NIL opportunities, and career strategy.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Trajectory Sports and Founders' Backgrounds

12:25 Navigating NIL and Recruiting Process

24:37 The Role of Family in Athlete Representation

28:19 Insurance and Financial Protections for Athletes

30:05 Understanding Contracts and Financial Structures

33:32 The Role of Social Media in Athlete Branding

37:35 Advice for Parents and Student Athletes

43:18 Opportunities Beyond Football in NIL

46:51 Building a Business Through NIL Gameplan

Trajectory Sports

Chris Fair on Instagram

Justin Brashear on LinkedIn

Brian Davidson on Linkedin

Get Started with NIL

If you're navigating NIL or supporting a student-athlete, understanding branding and strategy early can make a major difference in long-term success. Make sure to get started for free at nilgameplan.com

Discover how Darius Willis, former college athlete and founder of Scout Sync, is transforming the recruiting landscape by leveraging global exposure and technology. This episode delves into the realities of athlete recruitment, NIL's evolution, and innovative solutions for underserved athletes.

About Darius

Darius Willis is a former Under Armour All-American, D1 running back at Indiana University, and NFL tryout veteran who went on to coach the Swiss National Football Team as Offensive Coordinator. Over a 14-year coaching career spanning high school through international play, he's helped more than 1,000 athletes secure scholarships, contracts, and draft placements — and that experience exposed a broken recruiting system that leaves talented players behind every day. It's what drove him to found ScoutSync, an AI-powered platform connecting athletes with opportunities worldwide, and to build dariuswillis.com, where he offers training, recruiting consulting, and sports tech advisory services. A 2026 Mira Awards Finalist for Rising Entrepreneur of the Year and 2025 High School Football Hall of Fame inductee, Darius is one of the few people in sports who has competed, coached, recruited, and built the technology to change how it all works.

Timestamps
00:00 - Darius Willis’ background: From Indiana football star to founder
01:12 - Early recruiting process: Traveling, letters, and family pride
02:09 - Benefits of early exposure and competitive confidence
03:00 - First Under Armour All-American Bowl experience and lessons learned
04:23 - Misunderstandings about the current recruiting landscape
05:33 - How Scout Sync bridges athlete exposure gaps locally and globally
06:39 - Common mistakes athletes make: Lack of proactivity in recruitment
08:13 - Unique features of Scout Sync’s transparent, ecosystem-driven platform
09:51 - The evolving NIL landscape at high school and college levels
11:04 - The effect of NIL on opportunities, pressure, and family guidance
12:15 - Building social media presence: Focus and strategy for young athletes
13:24 - Overlooked athletes: International and non-revenue sport players
14:22 - How Scout Sync supports athletes worldwide regardless of sport
15:30 - Lessons learned in entrepreneurship from sports to tech
16:28 - Future outlook: Structure, regulation, and inclusion in NIL and recruitment
17:46 - International athletes' increasing access to NIL opportunities
18:04 - Connecting with Darius: Scout Sync platforms and future initiatives

Connect with Darius
Scout Sync

Darius Willis on LinkedIn

Follow Brian Davidson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianrdavidson/

If you're navigating NIL or supporting a student-athlete, understanding branding and strategy early can make a major difference in long-term success. Make sure to get started for free at nilgameplan.com

In this in-depth interview, Mitch Gilfillan shares his unique journey from college athlete to coach and attorney, providing expert insights into NIL, college sports law, and athlete branding. Discover how recent changes in college athletics impact athletes, families, and universities, and learn practical advice for navigating this evolving landscape.

About Mitch: Mitch Gilfillan is a nationally recognized attorney and trusted voice in college sports and NIL law. A former Division I basketball player who competed in the NCAA March Madness Tournament, Mitch combines firsthand athletic experience with his legal work advising athletes, families, universities, and organizations on NIL opportunities, athlete branding, endorsement agreements, and the evolving landscape of college athletics.

As a partner at Quinn Johnston, Mitch is a sought-after speaker on the intersection of sports and law, presenting at major universities, national conferences, and the NCAA Final Four. He has also consulted for the NBA Players Association and has been featured by ESPN, CBS, Sports Illustrated, and the New York Post for his expertise in college basketball and NIL-related issues.

Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Mitch Gilfillan and his background
01:15 Mitch's journey as a college athlete and recruiting story
02:07 Transition from playing to coaching in college basketball
02:32 Pursuing law and the intersection with sports
03:11 The emergence of NIL and its origins
04:06 How Mitch's experience shapes his advice to athletes
05:20 The long-term perspective on college sports decisions
07:04 The rapid evolution of NIL since 2021
09:14 Legal advice for high-end NIL deals and tax considerations
12:13 Difference between revenue share and true NIL endorsement
15:06 Opportunities for non-revenue sports athletes
15:54 Building athlete branding from a young age
17:36 Legal considerations for starting an LLC early
19:06 Mitch's role with the NBA and athlete education
21:26 Lessons learned from advising top athletes
22:53 Where to find Mitch Gilfillan online

Resources
Mitch Gilfillan on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchgilfillan/ Gilfillan on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gilfillin21/

Follow Brian Davidson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianrdavidson/

Get Started with NIL

If you're navigating NIL or supporting a student-athlete, understanding branding and strategy early can make a major difference in long-term success. Make sure to get started for free at nilgameplan.com

In this episode, Jeremy Evans, founder of California Sports Lawyer, dives into the complexities and legal nuances surrounding Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights, college sports structure, and the evolving legislation across states. If you're interested in how legal, educational, and industry shifts are shaping sports, this conversation is essential listening.

Timestamps

• (00:02) Jeremy Evans’ background and how he got into sports law
• (01:21) Transition from traditional legal careers to sports and entertainment law
• (02:44) The influence of baseball arbitration competitions on Jeremy’s passion for sports law
• (04:07) The importance of entrepreneurs being naive and learning as they go
• (06:40) What holistic representation for athletes should include
• (07:01) When families should start building their NIL team
• (09:09) Legal considerations for high school athletes involved in NIL
• (10:20) Key clauses in NIL agreements: payment, obligations, duration
• (12:23) How state laws are evolving and their implications
• (14:56) Structural issues in college sports: transfer portal, athletic payments, and policy reforms
• (17:36) NIL’s impact on non-revenue sports and university funding
• (19:12) State legislation responses and future legislative directions
• (20:47) The implications of NIL creeping into high school sports
• (23:28) The future of NCAA regulation and potential for organized oversight

Connect with Jeremy Evans:

California Sports Lawyer Website

Follow Brian Davidson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianrdavidson/

If you're navigating NIL or supporting a student-athlete, understanding branding and strategy early can make a major difference in long-term success. Make sure to get started for free at nilgameplan.com

In this episode of NIL Spotlight, Tom Burnett shares his journey through college athletics, the seismic shifts brought by NIL, and practical advice for student athletes and families navigating this complex landscape. Discover how NIL and revenue sharing are transforming recruiting, legal considerations, and the importance of financial literacy.

Timestamps

00:00 The Journey into College Athletics

03:03 The Impact of NIL on College Sports

05:59 Navigating State-Specific Laws and Regulations

08:39 The Role of Agents in NIL

11:20 Recruiting in the Age of NIL

14:21 Financial Literacy for Student Athletes

16:58 The Future of College Athletics

19:40 Final Thoughts and Resources for Families

About Tom Burnett-
Tom Burnett is a veteran collegiate athletics leader and former Southland Conference commissioner, where he served for nearly two decades as the league’s longest-tenured leader. He now continues to support the conference as a senior consultant, bringing more than 30 years of experience in athletic administration. Throughout his career, he has played key roles on numerous NCAA committees, including serving as chair of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee overseeing March Madness. Burnett is widely recognized for expanding media exposure, strengthening conference operations, and leaving a lasting impact on college athletics at both the conference and national levels.

Resources-

Tom Burnett's Website - https://www.tomburnett.com

NIL for Texas Parents Book - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0XXXXXX

Second Book by Tom Burnett - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0XXXXXX

Website - https://www.tomburnett.com

Follow Brian Davidson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianrdavidson/

If you're navigating NIL or supporting a student-athlete, understanding branding and strategy early can make a major difference in long-term success. Make sure to get started for free at nilgameplan.com

In this episode, Chris Krause, founder of NCSA College Recruiting and former Vanderbilt football player, shares how he’s helped reshape the path for student-athletes pursuing college opportunities. He breaks down recruiting, NIL, social media, leadership, and entrepreneurship, emphasizing family, realism, and responsible decision-making. Chris also reminds athletes that choosing a school isn’t just a four-year decision, but a forty-year one.

Key Takeaways
-Recruiting is a family decision and requires honest, realistic conversations
-Understanding a coach’s role and priorities is critical in the recruiting process
-Social media can significantly impact opportunities, positively or negatively
-NIL and college athletics are evolving rapidly, creating new opportunities and risks
-Leadership and entrepreneurship skills developed through sports have lifelong value
-Choosing a college is a long-term life decision, not just a short-term commitment

Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Chris Krause and NCSA
01:29 The Family Dynamic in Recruiting
05:16 Understanding the Role of Coaches
08:51 Common Mistakes in Recruiting
10:30 Evolution of College Athletics and NIL
13:19 The Impact of Social Media on Athletes
19:04 Entrepreneurship and Leadership in Sports
24:26 Legacy and Leadership Development

About the Guest
Chris Krause is the founder of NCSA College Recruiting and a former Vanderbilt University football player. He built NCSA into a leading platform connecting student-athletes with college programs, helping hundreds of thousands navigate the recruiting process and unlock opportunities through sports.

Resources & Links
NCSA College Recruiting: https://www.ncsasports.org/
Athletes Wanted (Book): https://www.amazon.com/Athletes-Wanted-How-Get-College/dp/...
Built to Win (Book): https://www.amazon.com/Built-Win-Leadership-Legacy-Transformation/dp/...
Chris Krause Leadership Symposium: https://vanderbilt.edu/leadership-symposium

Follow Chris
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriskrause/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chriskrause
Website: https://chriskrause.com/

Follow Brian Davidson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianrdavidson/

If you're navigating NIL or supporting a student-athlete, understanding branding and strategy early can make a major difference in long-term success. Make sure to get started for free at nilgameplan.com

In this episode, Rachel Maeng, a former athlete turned NIL strategist, breaks down how student-athletes can build sustainable personal brands and navigate the evolving NIL landscape. She shares insights on making smarter recruiting decisions, leveraging social media, and creating long-term value in college athletics. Rachel also explores how NIL is changing opportunities across sports and what the future holds for athletes in this new era.

• Your personal brand is a long-term business asset, not just a social media presence
• Athletes should start building their brand and online presence early
• NIL opportunities vary widely across sports, with growing potential for women and non-revenue athletes
• The transfer portal adds complexity to decision-making and requires strategic planning
• Schools and collectives are evolving rapidly, creating both opportunities and risks

00:00 Introduction to Rachel Maeng and her NIL expertise
01:10 Rachel’s recruiting journey and athletic background
01:56 Transition from athlete to NIL strategist
03:07 Evolution of NIL rules and technology
04:21 The importance of personal branding
06:07 Should athletes form an LLC?
06:45 Common social media mistakes
10:39 Opportunities for women and Olympic sports
13:37 NIL in recruiting conversations
15:57 Transfer portal and athlete decision-making
19:05 Future trends in NIL and college athletics
22:28 Risks of transferring and academic planning
26:39 Building brand ecosystems for athletes

Rachel Maeng is a former athlete and NIL strategist who helps student-athletes build personal brands, navigate NIL opportunities, and make strategic decisions in college athletics.

Rachel Maeng on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-meng
Rachel Maeng on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachel_maeng/
Brian Davidson on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianrdavidson/

If you're navigating NIL or supporting a student-athlete, understanding branding and strategy early can make a major difference in long-term success. Make sure to get started for free at nilgameplan.com

• NIL has shifted recruiting from relationship-driven to more transactional dynamics
• Misinformation is one of the biggest challenges in the NIL space
• Schools are building in-house NIL programs to better support athletes
• Personal branding is now essential, starting as early as high school
• Non-revenue sports may see new opportunities through NIL growth

00:00 Introduction to NIL and Brendan Hill
03:10 How recruiting has evolved in the NIL era
06:14 Early NIL challenges and building trust
09:07 Inside San Diego State’s NIL approach
12:12 Supporting athletes day-to-day
16:00 Common misconceptions about NIL
18:44 Advice for high school athletes
21:57 The future of NIL and college sports

Brendan Hill is the Assistant Athletic Director at San Diego State University, where he focuses on NIL strategy, student-athlete development, and navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of college athletics.

“Misinformation is a major hurdle in NIL.”
“Build your personal brand early.”
“We had to build a team of experts to navigate NIL.”

NIL Gameplan: https://nilgameplan.com
Brendan Hill on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendenhill/

If you're navigating NIL or supporting someone who is, check out NIL Gameplan.

Just visit NILGameplan.com to get started for free.