Unprecedented Rejection: Georgia Bulldogs TE Oscar Delp Turns Down $6.5 Million NIL Deal From USC
In a college football era increasingly defined by Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and massive financial incentives, Georgia Bulldogs tight end Oscar Delp made headlines for a move that defies current trends. According to reports, Delp rejected a staggering $6.5 million NIL offer from the University of Southern California (USC), choosing instead to remain at Georgia out of loyalty to his team and program. The decision has sparked widespread admiration across the college football world and is being hailed as a rare example of principle over profit.
Delp, who has been a standout at Georgia, is regarded as one of the top tight ends in the nation. With elite pass-catching ability, blocking strength, and a high football IQ, he has attracted significant attention not only from opponents but also from boosters and NIL collectives around the country. USC’s lucrative offer, reportedly structured to include endorsements, personal branding opportunities, and performance incentives, was one of the largest NIL proposals ever made to a college player in his position.
However, for Delp, loyalty to the Bulldogs meant more than money. According to those close to the situation, he was never seriously tempted to leave Athens. His bond with teammates, coaches, and the Georgia fan base proved stronger than any financial offer. Delp is said to believe deeply in the culture head coach Kirby Smart has cultivated—one centered around discipline, teamwork, and long-term success.
This decision stands in stark contrast to the growing number of college athletes who are entering the transfer portal in pursuit of higher NIL payouts. While players are rightly taking advantage of their earning potential, Delp’s rejection of such a massive sum underscores that for some, the college football experience is still about more than the business of the sport.
Reactions across social media have been overwhelmingly supportive. Former Georgia players, NFL analysts, and fans praised Delp for his character and commitment. Some even likened his decision to the old-school loyalty seen in previous eras of college football—a rarity in today’s monetized landscape.
From a strategic standpoint, Delp’s choice may also pay off in the long run. Staying with a top-tier SEC program like Georgia allows him to continue developing against the best competition in college football, maintaining a strong path to the NFL. Additionally, his integrity and team-first mentality could enhance his draft stock and marketability at the next level.
This moment is also a message to the broader college football community: NIL is a powerful tool, but it’s not the only one. Team culture, personal values, and leadership still matter. Oscar Delp’s decision may not be the most financially advantageous in the short term, but it reinforces the idea that loyalty and legacy can still drive decision-making in college sports.
In the end, Oscar Delp didn’t just reject $6.5 million—he reasserted what college football can still represent: commitment, unity, and belief in something greater than oneself.
