Provo, Utah – BYU’s football program has turned the name, image and likeness (NIL) landscape into a recruiting advantage while staying true to its Church‑affiliated mission, NFL legend Steve Young said in a recent interview.
Winning on the field and in the NIL market
Since the NIL rules took effect in 2021, the Cougars have risen to the top ten in total wins, tied with Boise State, and currently sit at No. 7 in the AP poll after a victory over Notre Dame and a recent win against No. 3 Utah. Young noted that many expected the new compensation model to hurt BYU, but the opposite has occurred.
Leadership focused on culture, not cash
Keith Vorkink, BYU’s vice president of advancement, told OutKick that the university embraced NIL as a way to broaden its recruiting reach while adhering to existing policies. “We’re grateful for the avenue that opened up for us to participate in that space and do so in compliance,” he said.
Vorkink emphasized that BYU does not aim to dominate the NIL market. Instead, the school wants student‑athletes to be attracted by the university’s distinctive culture, which is rooted in the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints and the campus honor code.
Coach Kalani Sitake’s role
Head coach Kalani Sitake has been highlighted by Young as the architect of BYU’s cultural continuity. “He’s built something in a very complex environment that works away from pure financial incentive,” Young said. Sitake’s approach blends competitive compensation with a clear emphasis on spiritual and academic development.
Players staying for more than money
Vorkink cited several high‑profile athletes who chose BYU over potentially richer offers. Five‑star freshman forward Bruce Branch and quarterback Bear Bachmeier both remained at the school despite NIL offers elsewhere. Former NBA No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa, now a top prospect, also praised BYU’s environment, noting that the program’s support helped him thrive.
Honor code as a recruiting draw
BYU’s honor code requires abstaining from alcohol, tobacco, coffee, tea, vaping, marijuana and sexual relations outside of marriage between a man and a woman. Young argued that this distinctive standard can actually attract recruits seeking a clear moral framework. “When you lead with the honor code, you lead with the uniqueness of BYU,” he said.
Calls for greater NIL stability
Both Young and Vorkink believe the NIL system would benefit from clearer federal guidance. Vorkink suggested that legislation could provide a stable framework for compensating student‑athletes while protecting the economic value they bring to universities.
Young echoed this sentiment, stating that Congress is uniquely positioned to balance the interests of paying athletes, preserving academic integrity, and maintaining a free‑market transfer system.
Looking ahead
Despite the challenges of a “wild west” NIL environment, BYU’s leadership remains confident that the program can continue to compete while upholding its religious mission. “We’ll compete, but we’ll do it the BYU way,” Young concluded.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
