Texas set to launch new NIL platform for Longhorns student-athletes

On3 imageby:Tyler Mansfield•04/04/22•

TMansfieldMedia

As the Name, Image and Likeness era of college sports continues to evolve, more and more college athletic programs are building their own NIL platforms for student-athletes. That’s exactly what Texas is doing, as the Longhorns are launching a new official NIL marketplace titled “Leverage Lineup,” per On3’s Eric Prisbell.

According to Prisbell, Leverage Lineup will allow for easier access in assisting, aiding and maximizing Texas athletes’ NIL opportunities. The new NIL platform will also allow fans, vendors and companies to access the profiles and pitch them for sales – which could be a game-changer for Texas players that are building their brands.

Looking at On3’s College Football NIL Rankings, Texas sophomore running back Bijan Robinson ranks No. 31 in the college football top-100 with a NIL valuation of $221,000, so a platform like Leverage Lineup could help maximize his opportunities.

Alongside Robinson, Longhorns freshman wide receiver Xavier Worthy has an NIL valuation of $149,000, which ranks him at No. 59 in the college football top-100.

Texas running back Bijan Robinson provides injury update

Texas running back Bijan Robinson provided an update on the dislocated elbow which affected him during the 2021 season, saying that he continues to improve through the spring. With spring practice and scrimmages underway, the offensive star looks to build on his first two years with another big season.

“Things have been great,” Robinson told reports, via Inside Texas’ Joe Cook. “Elbow’s awesome.”

According to Robinson, at one point last season, he attempted to pop the dislocated elbow back into place while on the field but was unable. He also revealed that after allowing the injury time to heal, he was fully cleared about a month ago to resume activities.

Over 10 games in 2021, Robinson ran for 1,127 yards on 195 attempts with 11 touchdowns. He also caught 26 passes for 295 yards and four touchdowns.

On3’s James Fletcher III contributed to this report.