Just In: Sam Pittman comments on Arkansas’s NIL

Coach Sam Pittman of Arkansas feels that his team has resources for name, image, and likeness (NIL), but he does not think the Razorbacks are at the same level as some other SEC programs in terms of player compensation, even without hard data. Pittman is all in favor of legislation of some kind to level the playing field and increase transparency. Undoubtedly, Arkansas’s efforts in the transfer portal would benefit from more funding.

Pittman said, “I think everybody wants more money,” at the press conference on Wednesday. “What they want is a fund that collectives can contribute to improve your program and increase your competitiveness nationally. We don’t discuss things in detail very much.

That primarily relates to the NIL department, but we need to increase that budget given the available funds. Upon achieving that, it goes without saying that we can step up our recruitment game.

Without a doubt, Trey, I believe we have the means and everything. Finding out everyone’s budget is difficult. Knowing every budget is difficult. Our budget doesn’t seem to be as large as that of many SEC schools, in my opinion. But since you don’t really know, it’s difficult to know that. To be completely honest with you, you have no idea how much NIL can do for other kids, and you only know what other kids know when they come in for recruitment.

The current state of affairs bothers me greatly,” he declared. “If we want to be a team like the NFL, we should definitely take a look at how the NFL handles its incoming players and cap situation. Since some of the guys on the team, Trey, honestly, didn’t have a single point. Therefore, the NIL plays a significant role in hiring. Additionally, some of the guys on your team may have just started out.

“It’s just like the NFL where they had a starting left tackle, and then the rookie — a long time ago (before the rookie pay scale) — came in and made a lot more money than he did,” he explained. “To tell the truth, this moment is crazy. In law, something has to give.

“I recall that two or three years ago, Texas kids who played offensive line were eligible to receive $20,000 in NIL endorsements or other benefits. And I recall thinking, “Man, we can’t recruit at all,” at the time. You know, that’s just a drop in the ocean.

“It’s rising quickly. Money isn’t monopolized here. Since real money is being distributed rather than Monopoly, I believe that the NCAA as a whole is in trouble. Yes, I would support anyone imposing certain limitations on it.”

Arkansas, which is currently 3-7 on the year, will play host to FIU on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. in Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. ESPNU will televise the game.