Ducks Going the Distance? Oregon Alum Phil Knight Supplying Unlimited NIL

Originally posted on Mike Farrell Sports | By Beck Silver | Last updated Jul 12, 2024 6:49 PM ET

By Beck Silver

Phil Knight is not playing around. Nike founder and Oregon Alum (class of 1959) has decided he is tired of waiting to see his alma mater win a national championship, as they currently hold zero in the modern era.

According to an interview with Rick Neuheisel on SiriusXM, in order to help the Ducks get their championship Knight is supplying them with any NIL resources and funding they may need. Although Knight hasn’t publicly confirmed anything himself, the Ducks have pulled off an impressive recruiting class this year, ranking in the top five for many sources.

Sep 9, 2023; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Phil Knight, co-founder and chairman of Nike on the sidelines in the second half during the game between the Oregon Ducks and the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Jones AT&T Stadium and Cody Campbell Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY SportsMandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

This headline comes shortly after the NCAA settled and allowed colleges to begin paying athletes via revenue sharing. While this is a good start, at the moment colleges are capped at 20 million dollars, meaning most top programs will have to continue turning to alumni donors and collectives. Additionally, this likely won’t go into effect until the fall of 2025.

Inside NCAA Headquarters located in Indianapolis on Friday, March 10, 2023.© Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Knight aside, the Ducks are gearing up for what some expect to be a national championship run this season. Returning Head Coach Dan Lanning , the Ducks have continued to build a strong program backed by a strong culture, reinforced with key additions from the portal . After finishing 12-2 on the season last year, and potentially missing the College Football Playoffs by a three point loss to the Washington Huskies in the PAC 12 Championship, the Ducks are ready for their moment.

Dec 1, 2023; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Washington Huskies cornerback Jabbar Muhammad (1) celebrates after making a play against the Oregon Ducks during the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium.© Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

This year is, however, going to look a little bit different for the Oregon Ducks as it marks their first year in the Big 10 Conference. The Ducks are diving directly into the deep end with a tough schedule as they'll face Michigan (away), Ohio State (home) and Washington (home). This season will come with change and challenges from every direction for the Ducks; will the NIL be enough to overcome that?

This article first appeared on Mike Farrell Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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