Lane Kiffin explains why new Texas law protecting schools from NIL enforcement is 'conference issue'

With there being little regulation over NIL usage, more states have begun to implement their own laws in order to bring some balance to the situation for their high school players and collegiate institutions. Texas is one of the states to recently amend NIL laws and propose new legislation on the subject matter.

However, Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin is not a fan of what the state of Texas is doing. According to him, the state’s new NIL laws could provide an unfair advantage to universities residing within its borders when it comes to recruiting. 

“That’s a conference issue because now you have states making rules that the conference can’t govern it,” said Kiffin. “And now, for those coaches, that’s good. But that’s really not good for the conference because that’s a major issue. You have this collective group of the SEC presidents, athletic directors, and coaches that forever have been competitive but also work together on rules and how we’re doing things. And now, you’re going to have completely different rules. That’s a big issue.”

Kiffin has recruited well within the state of Texas, both at the high school level and within the transfer portal. But when it comes to the high school level, the new laws set to go into effect for the state are likely to greatly benefit the two SEC-tied universities that reside within the state: the University of Texas and Texas A&M.

Still, what is more concerning is if other states across the country enact laws similar to ones in Texas, it will undoubtedly change the landscape of collegiate sports and make it difficult for other states such as Mississippi to compete on a grand scale. And as Kiffin said, that would be a big issue.

Texas legislature set to send transformative NIL bill to governor

Last week, House Bill 2804 was passed in the Texas Senate after previously flying through the Texas House in late April. The bill was sent back to the House for a few minor changes. But it’s expected to quickly land on Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk.

Political observers in the Lone Star State project Gov. Abbott to sign the bill, especially since both Texas, Texas A&M and other state school officials played a major role in shaping the legislation. Members of both parties also supported the bill. If it gets Abbott’s signature, it’ll go into effect on July 1.

“Since we passed our law two years ago, the college landscape on this issue continues to evolve,” Rep. Brandon Creighton said last week while discussing the legislation. “And as a result, Texas must ensure that its name, image and likeness law remains competitive with other states.”