$20 million. That’s what the House v. NCAA settlement has agreed on. This will allow college programs to distribute that amount across their student-athletes for the first time starting in the fall of 2025. But is that all? Questions are arising if that multi-million dollar deal is going to pave the way for more dough to flow into college athletes. After Xavier Lucas’ controversial situation, anything could happen.

“How high will the payroll cost for college teams ultimately get?” This is the main question surrounding the January 25 episode of the Cover 3 Podcast. Can the numbers rise up to a potential $100 million? According to DK, that’s a possible scenario, as he stated, “It would not surprise me that that thing by within five years gets to $100 million. Their new TV contracts coming.”

DK also brought in Xavier Lucas’ situation saying, “If you look at the Xavier Lucas’ case, there are two aspects where players are going to be getting, they’re going to double dip, one from the revenue agreement and one from the collective.”

Take the case of the former Wisconsin DB who transferred to Miami despite his two-year commitment with the Badgers. The main concern surrounding Xavier Lucas is whether or not the revenue agreements with schools are on par with the impending House v. NCAA lawsuit settlement.

The whole thing began when Lucas requested a transfer because of his father’s serious illness after spending one season in Wisconsin. The school denied his request, citing that his two-year revenue-sharing agreement is binding. Another thing was that Lucas had also signed a separate deal with the school’s NIL collective. 

Wisconsin failed to enter Xavier Lucas’ name in the transfer portal within two days following his request. Per a school statement, “Badger student-athletes who have signed these agreements expect Wisconsin Athletics to honor the terms. In turn, Wisconsin Athletics relies on the student-athlete representations in signing these agreements that they will do the same.”

The school’s inability to grant Lucas’ request led to an unceremonious parting as he unenrolled from the school and ultimately signed with Miami. But this only depicts the unseen struggle of college athletes with the impending House settlement.

A problem of the impending House settlement

For the first time in college sports, this year will allow schools to sign revenue-sharing contracts with their players. But while the gist is laid down, it isn’t fully in force until the final approval of the House settlement takes place. Per the NCAA’s statement to Yahoo Sports, “NCAA rules do not prevent a student-athlete from unenrolling from an institution, enrolling at a new institution, and competing immediately.” So the case of Xavier Lucas depicts the uncertainty and confusion leading up to the House v. NCAA lawsuit. 

Last week, another development crept up regarding revenue sharing. According to the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, the revenue sharing will be subjected to Title IX. This would mean that the schools would have to “proportionately” split the $20 million between male and female college athletes.

Still, John Talty of CBS Sports noted the dilemma of the present situation, saying, “Disregarding the guidance could open to athletic departments to lawsuits, but then again so could following it.” He also added, “Why? Because football and men’s basketball players could potentially sue a school for not giving out a share proportional to the revenue those schools generate.” 

Until the House settlement comes to a final decision on April 7, things look hazy and uncertain. The concern is still there, though. Can the settlement wipe out all this confusion for good? Or would it bring more opposition?