Shockwaves are rippling through Provo as multiple BYU Cougars football players have come forward alleging they were abruptly cut off from promised NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, leaving them without financial support and uncertain about their future with the team.
According to reports from The Salt Lake Tribune and player social media posts, at least three athletes claim they were told by the university or associated collectives that NIL agreements were being slashed or canceled, with little warning or explanation. Some players say they were counting on those deals for housing, food, and even tuition-related expenses.
> “We were left stranded,” one anonymous player said. “No plan, no support—just a text saying it was done.”
The controversy has raised concerns about the structure and transparency of NIL funding at BYU, and sparked debate over how schools are managing these player partnerships. While the university has not issued a full statement, sources close to the program suggest that changes in donor funding or collective restructuring may be behind the cutbacks.
For a program that has prided itself on family values and player support, this incident could leave lasting damage.
In an era where college athletes are finally being paid, some BYU players feel left behind.
