Minnesota Coach Fleck Stresses Impact of NIL: "It's NFL Free Agency"

Gophers' P.J. Fleck knows how important NIL funds are to keep team intact, grow roster

The Minnesota Golden Gophers fell to 5-5 overall and 3-4 in Big Ten play following a 49-30 road loss against Purdue last weekend. Days after the game, P.J. Fleck spoke on a number of topics, including NIL. 

With NIL compensation changing rosters across the country at a rapid pace and with no end in sight, Fleck knows how important it is to adapt and hop on the fast-moving train.

When asked about the resources Minnesota has for NIL and whether they were non-existent, he spoke at great lengths about it, per Joe Nelson of Brings Me The Sports. 

"I wouldn't say non-existent. I think we have so many donors and boosters and friends of our program and alumni who care so much about us that have done a great job of donating to NIL. But in the new NIL world, if you're not the leader in NIL and not have the NIL funds, 1) you're not going to be able to keep your team intact and 2) you're not going to be able to bring anyone in. That's the facts of it. It's NFL free agency with no salary cap and no rules. That's the simple fact of it." 

With the offseason drawing near, Fleck also knows the transfer portal will be buzzing, and a big factor will be the NIL funds the program can offer to the players. 

But, he knows the athletic department will do their best: 

"And people are stacking up and loading up on their rosters with massive NIL. I think [athletics director Mark Coyle], our athletic department, have done a great job of making people aware of it. This year was definitely better than last year in what we've been able to raise with NIL, our collective is doing a great job. That's the No. 1 most important thing right now in holding onto your roster and creating a roster right now as this whole new era of college football shapes into the future."

Minnesota plays Ohio State and Wisconsin to end the year, so there is a chance they finish bowl-eligible, but Fleck knows how important it is to play the NIL game, especially with transfer portal season right around the corner.