T
he Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) phenomenon has brought significant changes to the college sports landscape. The Supreme Court's ruling on NCAA rules governing athlete compensation opened a Pandora's box that will never be closed again. Suddenly, high school athletes were commanding seven-figure marketing deals from major universities, with alumni and wealthy donors jumping on board to influence their schools' success.

    However, this new era of NIL has also revealed its dark side. Many young athletes are struggling financially, spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on luxury items like cars and watches. Some have even turned their extravagance into signature celebrations. But not all athletes view NIL as a means to excess; some see it as an opportunity to build connections and achieve financial independence.

    Blake Corum, a former Michigan running back, is one such athlete who has leveraged NIL to build his future. He credits his parents' entrepreneurial spirit for inspiring him to become an entrepreneur himself. With the guidance of notable Michigan alumni like Nathan Forbes, chairman of the Champions Collective, Corum is building a real estate empire.

    Corum's story serves as a model for young athletes looking to use NIL to their advantage. By focusing on long-term growth and financial freedom, he has left a roadmap for those who follow him at Ann Arbor. With great mentors like Forbes and a powerful alumni base, Michigan can continue to attract top talent while meeting the goal of providing a transformational experience through the NIL system.