LSU is totally leveling up in the game of college sports, and they’re doing it with a major style. The Tigers are riding the wave of epic changes in NIL and NCAA money moves, and they’re not here to play by the old rules. With a fresh mindset and a clear mission, LSU is setting itself up to be the GOAT in this next-gen college sports era.

In a move that’s as bold as it is lit, LSU just snagged Keava Soil-Cormier for an NIL-related role in its athletic department. Check it: Matt Zenith, the national college football reporter for CBSSports/247Sports, dropped this on January 31st: “LSU is set to hire Baylor’s Keava Soil-Cormier in an NIL-related role within its athletic department, sources tell @CBSSports/@247Sports. She previously worked at LSU as assistant director of recruiting operations for LSU’s football team, including the 2019 national title team.” Soil-Cormier’s back on deck to help LSU smash it in the NIL arena, and that’s straight-up next level.

Meanwhile, the NCAA is throwing down some major cash vibes with a $2.78 billion settlement following those antitrust lawsuits. This game-changing deal lets Division I schools drop an extra $20 million per year to athletes—on top of their scholarships—and it’s set to kick off in fall 2025. LSU’s athletic director, Scott Woodward, summed it up with some real talk: “We’re going to thrive in the way it is.” LSU isn’t just surviving this wild new world; they’re about to own it.

On top of all that, LSU’s cash flow is looking hella strong. Their football program pulled in $105.7 million in the 2023 fiscal year—that’s $40.7 million from ticket sales, $27.9 million from donations, and $15.1 million from media rights. And with the SEC’s new $300 million ESPN deal starting in 2024 plus an expanded College Football Playoff that’s set to drop $20 million annually per SEC school from 2026, LSU is stacking that paper for the long haul.

LSU is the new strategy savvy

LSU is keeping an eye on how to excel in every sport as the new age develops. The Tigers must manage the intricacies of Title IX and maintain the NIL collectives locked for each of their teams, in addition to the football craze. With a fire new playoff system and mad media revenue coming in, LSU is primed to support all 16 of its athletic squads and keep that competitive glow-up on point.

The fresh SEC media deal is a total game-changer. Bringing in $300 million a year, it’s all about boosting LSU’s clout to upgrade facilities, pay athletes, and secure dope coaching staff. It’s not just about the gridiron—LSU’s got to balance out all sports in a way that’s fair and fire. Soil-Cormier’s savvy in the NIL space is gonna be a key asset as LSU rides this new wave.

And let’s not sleep on LSU’s Nike contract, which is throwing down $5.75 million per year until 2026. But wait, this is only one element of LSU’s master strategy to remain at the forefront of this bizarre new world of collegiate athletics. Every step LSU makes, from calculated hiring to creative revenue strategies, shows they are prepared to take over and reshape what success looks like in the contemporary period. What do you say? Fill the comment box with your insights. Let’s go!