Game-Changing College Football Podcasts You Need to Follow: The New Frontier of NIL

In the rapidly evolving landscape of name, image, and likeness in college sports, athlete podcasts are emerging as a powerful tool for personal branding and fan engagement. Taking cues from the Kelce brothers' $100 million "New Heights" deal, college football stars are now stepping into the podcasting arena, elevating their NIL game and redefining athlete brand partnerships. Let's dive into some of the most compelling college football podcasts that are changing the game.

Shedeur Sanders' "2 Legendary": Colorado’s Sensation

Colorado's quarterback sensation, Shedeur Sanders, is making waves both on the field and in the podcasting world with his show "2 Legendary," produced by Overtime. 

Key Highlights:

- Sheduer averages an impressive 932K Reel Plays, showcasing his massive social media reach

- Title ties in with his apparel line, SS2LEGENDARY, demonstrating savvy brand integration

- Features diverse topics beyond football, offering fans a broader perspective

- Includes guests like Cam Ward and Deion Jr., expanding the show's appeal

NIL Impact:

- Attracts Shedeur's substantial audience to Overtime's network

- Extends Sanders' personal brand beyond his on-field performances

- Provides a platform for authentic, in-season reactions and insights

Alabama's "New Wave Podcast": The Crimson Tide's Rising Stars

Ryan Williams and Jaylen Mbakwe, both five-star recruits in Alabama's 2024 class, are making their mark with the "New Wave Podcast," produced in-house by Alabama athletics.

Key Highlights:

- Ryan Williams has seen a 115% growth on Instagram in 2024, with a 19% engagement rate

- Offers insider perspectives on playing for the Crimson Tide

- Features guest appearances from program alumni who've played in the NFL

NIL Impact:

- Delivers innovative, in-house content for Alabama's athletic department

- Builds media skills for the young athletes while showcasing their personalities

- Creates additional revenue streams through potential sponsorships

The Power of Athlete Podcasts in Sports Marketing

These podcasts represent a new frontier in sports marketing and athlete brand partnerships:

Authentic Engagement: Podcasts allow athletes to connect with fans on a more personal level, sharing insights and experiences that go beyond game-day performances.

Brand Extension: Athletes can leverage podcasts to expand their personal brands, creating new opportunities for NIL deals and sponsorships.

Media Training: Hosting podcasts helps athletes develop valuable communication skills, preparing them for future media engagements and potential broadcasting careers.

Content Diversification: For athletic departments and media companies, athlete-hosted podcasts provide fresh, engaging content that appeals to younger demographics.

Sponsorship Opportunities: Podcasts offer new avenues for brands to partner with athletes, creating more targeted and intimate advertising experiences.

Why Brands Should Pay Attention

For companies looking to engage in athlete brand partnerships, these podcasts offer unique advantages:

Targeted Audience: College football podcasts attract dedicated fans, providing a focused demographic for brand messaging.

Authentic Integration: Product placements and sponsorships can be naturally woven into podcast discussions, feeling less intrusive than traditional ads.

Long-Form Engagement: Unlike brief social media posts, podcasts offer extended periods of engagement, allowing for deeper brand storytelling.

Measurable Impact: Podcast analytics provide clear data on listenership and engagement, helping brands assess ROI.

The Future of NIL and Athlete Podcasts

As name, image, and likeness opportunities continue to expand in college sports, we can expect to see more athletes launching podcasts. This trend is likely to:

• Diversify NIL opportunities beyond traditional endorsements

• Provide fans with more intimate access to their favorite athletes

• Create new revenue streams for both athletes and athletic departments

• Influence recruitment, as media presence becomes a factor for top prospects

A New Era of Athlete Engagement

The rise of college football podcasts hosted by star players like Shedeur Sanders and Alabama football players Ryan Williams and Jaylen Mbakwe marks a new chapter in athlete brand partnerships and sports marketing. These platforms not only offer unprecedented access to the lives and thoughts of college athletes but also present innovative opportunities for NIL deals and fan engagement.

For fans, these podcasts provide a window into the world of college football that goes beyond the sidelines. For brands, they represent a fresh, authentic way to connect with a passionate audience. And for the athletes themselves, podcasting is a powerful tool for building their personal brands, developing new skills, and maximizing their NIL potential.

As we move forward, expect to see more college athletes stepping up to the microphone, changing the game one episode at a time.