Quote Originally Posted by R2Dawg View Post
Somewhat true. IP has operations in MS and is headquartered in Memphis but they greatly support engineering schools at MSU. Why? Because that is where the return on their investment is at. They don't give $$$ to Memphis sports because they reside in Memphis.
I think it cuts both ways. The flagship universities are going to have complete teams every year, because they can buy a shovel-ready solution at every position. And will continue to have top recruiting classes. Both fueled by NIL advantages.

But these rub against each other - it will be hard to break into these squads for first time starters. And they will not t be able to stockpile depth anymore, because a tier 2 team (for ease just define the top half of the SEC in ath. dept. revenue is tier 1, the bottom half is tier 2) is lurking to give a starting position to second string player. The tier 1 NIL package for player 30 will not be able to beat the tier 2 NIL pacakage for position 10, and the modern college athlete is not going to wait years to play.

And the tier 2 team can also pick off experienced P5 players to plug holes.

The tier 1 team has an advantage but it is fragile. A few injuries or player recruitment busts (especially at qb) and you are struggling. In the past the tier 2 teams would have gaps or perennial weaknesses at positions like cb, ot, de. Now they can plug those holes with near-tier 1 players.

The margins are thinner for everyone - Coaching, injuries, player scouting and development, portal recruiting will be the difference.