Samwise College Football Newsletter
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
CSC Wins NIL Arbitration Against Nebraska, Setting Enforcement Precedent
The College Sports Commission won its first significant enforcement action Monday, prevailing in arbitration against Nebraska football after an independent panel ruled that 18 Cornhusker players’ NIL contracts with Playfly Sports were non-compliant. The ruling is a landmark moment for the new enforcement body, which was created to replace the NCAA’s oversight role following the House v. NCAA settlement. An estimated $750,000 in combined legal fees underscores the financial stakes now embedded in college sports compliance. A federal court hearing scheduled for May 27 could further define the limits of CSC authority — and whether its arbitration rulings carry binding weight.
Sources: Yahoo Sports, CBS Sports
A Transformative Week Ahead for Notre Dame Football Recruiting
Notre Dame football’s 2027 recruiting class could take dramatic shape this week, with multiple five-star prospects expected to announce college choices. Five-star defensive tackle Emmanuel Folorunsho has an announcement set for Friday, with the Fighting Irish considered among his finalists. Five-star offensive tackle Olubobola is also expected to commit in the coming days, with Notre Dame the perceived frontrunner. The week started with a setback: five-star cornerback Cameron Wagner announced his commitment to Oregon on Sunday. Head coach Marcus Freeman’s staff has positioned Notre Dame among the top 2027 recruiting classes nationally, with elite prospects on both sides of the ball.
Sources: Sports Illustrated
Notre Dame AD: Relationship With ACC ‘Very Good and Healthy’
Notre Dame’s relationship with the Atlantic Coast Conference remains strong despite the Fighting Irish’s unique football arrangement, athletic director Pete Bevacqua said Monday at the conference’s spring meetings in Amelia Island, Florida. Bevacqua called the relationship “very good and healthy” — measured words that carry significance after Notre Dame’s national championship run as a football independent, competing in the CFP without full conference membership. Notre Dame competes in ACC sports outside of football while retaining its prized independent schedule. Bevacqua’s assessment suggests the two parties see the arrangement as stable and mutually beneficial, with no indication either side is pushing to change the status quo.
Sources: ESPN
Cignetti Jokes About Trading National Trophy for Trump NIL Donation
National champion Indiana Hoosiers made their ceremonial White House visit Monday, with head coach Curt Cignetti turning the occasion into a lighthearted moment about college football’s most pressing off-field issue. When President Trump raised the topic of NIL reform, Cignetti joked that he would trade Indiana’s national championship trophy for a presidential NIL donation — drawing laughter from those in attendance. The moment highlighted the reality that even title-winning programs navigate NIL financial pressures alongside their on-field success. Indiana claimed the 2025 CFP national championship, completing one of the most surprising title runs in playoff history. The Hoosiers enter the 2026 season as defending champions seeking back-to-back success.
Sources: On3
Post-Spring AP Top 10
As of May 8, 2026
1. Indiana
2. Ohio State
3. Georgia
4. Texas
5. Notre Dame
6. Oregon
7. Miami
8. Ole Miss
9. Oklahoma
10. USC
Conference Leaders
SEC
1. Georgia (#3) 2. Texas (#4)
Big Ten
1. Indiana (#1) 2. Ohio State (#2)
Big 12
1. Texas (#4) 2. Oklahoma (#9)
ACC
1. Miami (#7) 2. Notre Dame (#5)
Curated by JD · samwise.agency