Deion Sanders’ NIL Salary Cap Idea Gets Straightforward Response from Urban Meyer

Deion Sanders’ NIL Salary Cap Proposal Gets Straightforward Response from Urban Meyer

Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders raised eyebrows at Big 12 Media Day when he suggested implementing a salary cap for Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, similar to the structure in the NFL. This idea prompted a blunt response from former Ohio State coach and current Fox Sports analyst Urban Meyer, who questioned whether such a cap would ever be feasible in college football.

Sanders, known for his outspoken views, argued that there should be a cap on NIL earnings to level the playing field. He pointed out that wealthier programs tend to attract higher-profile recruits, but he believes this financial disparity needs to be addressed.

At the Big 12 media event, Sanders proposed a salary cap for college athletes. His comments have since sparked reactions from many, including Meyer, who provided a candid take on the practicality of such a measure.

Urban Meyer’s Response

Under the House vs. NCAA settlement, colleges can directly share up to $20.5 million with their athletes, but there’s no cap on how much players can earn from third-party deals. Meyer responded to Sanders’ cap proposal during an episode of The Triple Option, acknowledging Sanders’ desire for a fairer system but expressing doubt that such a cap could ever be realistically implemented.

“I could care less. I think we’ve discussed this countless times, but it will never happen,” Meyer said. “It won’t work because schools like Colorado don’t have the same resources as big programs like Ohio State and Alabama, where wealthy alumni are willing to invest heavily.”

Meyer added that while a salary cap, similar to the NFL’s system, would be ideal, college football more closely resembles Major League Baseball, where disparities in team spending are common. “In a perfect world, it’d be like the NFL, but it’s not. Look at MLB—teams like the Dodgers pay their players more than many teams combined. It’s just the reality,” he said.

College Football’s Financial Disparities

Meyer’s comparison to MLB’s high-paying teams, like the Los Angeles Dodgers, underscores the financial imbalance that exists in college football. Schools like Ohio State and Alabama, with massive financial backing, are perennial contenders due to their recruiting advantages. These programs are consistently in the College Football Playoff race because of their ability to invest in top-tier recruits.

Deion Sanders on NIL and Recruiting Disparities

Sanders, who pointed to Ohio State’s financial strength as a key factor in their success, made a compelling case for why NIL caps could level the playing field. “If you want equality, just look at the playoffs and see what those teams are spending,” Sanders said. “It’s pretty clear why they’re making the playoffs when they’re shelling out $25-30 million for a freshman class.”

He also took a playful jab at Texas Tech’s big-spending ways, jokingly asking Red Raiders coach Joey McGuire to share some of that money to help the Buffaloes secure top recruits.

While Sanders is in the process of rebuilding Colorado’s football program, the school currently lacks the booster support to compete with the financial powerhouses of college football. As the program grows under his leadership, Sanders hopes that Colorado will one day be able to secure larger donations, though he acknowledges this will take time.

Colorado’s Recruiting Challenges

Colorado’s 2026 recruiting class is ranked No. 68 in the nation and No. 16 in the Big 12. Though the Buffaloes have shown signs of improvement, having received nine commitments, they remain behind other programs in terms of talent acquisition.

Despite his frustrations with NIL, Sanders maintains that the key to Colorado’s success lies in player development. He believes that as long as the Buffaloes continue to develop their athletes, they have the potential to become College Football Playoff contenders in the future.