Florida State has used its money wisely to retain its players for its respective teams across sports and to lure the best talents from the transfer portal. It is a massive boost in college football’s competitive structure and dynamics, which, fair to say, has caught attention. This kind of financial power is exactly what Nick Saban was relishing when he was talking about the trend to his supporters. 

Nick Saban’s words from college gameday ring louder than ever in the world of college football: “You gotta pay the right players.” The Seminoles have reportedly named its NIL collective “The Battle’s End”, which has committed $18m for the 2024-25 academic year. The Battle’s End, led by Ingram Smith, was founded with a clear mission in mind: to use NIL money to keep Florida State competitive. Since its creation in December, the collective has been revolutionary. Currently, also, per data from Pete Nakos of On3, the collective is ranked a respectable No. 7 across all college sports for NIL. According to Nakos, “The Battle’s End has been one of the most aggressive in the NIL space by committing big dollars to roster retention and the transfer portal.”

The reported $18 million has been committed for distribution to different sports, including golf. The Battle’s End has evidenced that indeed, they are not just playing the game, they are transforming it. But, as Nick Saban said, there has to be a plan. Smith’s strategy focuses on the notion that college football is free agency controlled by the National Football, and the key to this is money. 

The impact of  “The Battle’s End” on Florida State’s success

With a pat on the back, NIL dollars are becoming a significant driver for attracting and retaining talent, and The Battle’s End is well-placed. This way, they are considering two major aspects – the players already present on the roster and the new players from the transfer portal, which helps Florida State to stay relevant. The Seminoles have benefited from Smith’s vision and plan as they provided great performance and improvement.

Looking at the future of college sporting activities, The Battle’s End provides a perfect example of how NIL money has the potential to be channelled for wins. The large $18 million budget is much more than just a large number, here it is about the right investment at the right place. 

As other programs start to take heed or mimic collectives such as the Battle’s End, then effectiveness will only increase in the future. For now, though, Florida State fans have all the reason to look to the future, especially with the financial clout, that continues to redefine college sports.