When The NIL Deal spoke with MOGL Co-Founder Brandon Wimbush following the NCAA Convention, he mentioned his biggest takeaway was the untapped potential for NIL at the Division II and Division III levels.
“A lot of people approached us and mentioned ‘We don’t have any room for NIL, we’re Division II, we’re Division III,’” Wimbush told The NIL Deal back in January. “Our biggest takeaway was the need for Division II & III schools, administration and athletic directors to understand that there was an opportunity to provide ample resources for their athletes in regards to NIL.”
With a presence already at the Division II level at Winona State and with Junior College Southern Nevada — both of which have marked huge strides for NIL availability at the non-Division I level — MOGL is now expanding into the Division III ranks and shifting the NIL landscape once more. On Wednesday, the company announced a partnership with Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee.
In a press release obtained by The NIL Deal, MOGL is teaming up with Clean Energy Smoothies to provide products to over 150 Rhodes student-athletes in a first-of-its-kind partnership with a Division III institution.
This campaign is another great example of the value that all college athletes provide to brands looking to market their products and services,” Ayden Syal, CEO and Co-Founder of MOGL, said in a statement. “While Division III athletes may not always have the same level of national recognition, they possess a unique combination of drive, dedication, and on campus influence that makes them incredibly attractive as marketing partners and brand ambassadors. We’re excited to help Clean Energy and Rhodes College athletes work together to unlock the full potential of NIL.”
“At Rhodes College, we are committed to providing our student-athletes with the resources they need to succeed both on and off the field,” Athletic Director Jim Duncan said. “We are proud to be at the forefront of this shift in the NIL landscape, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our student-athletes and the broader Rhodes community.”
With expectations to break the $1 billion threshold according to the press release, MOGL’s focus on the Division II and III ranks means a significant opportunity for both the company and the athletes.
While brands typically focus on top-tier institutions at the Division I level, lower-level athletes tend to get the cold shoulder. An opportunity, such as this one with Rhodes College, now opens the door to significant opportunities for not just Rhodes, but more programs at the Division III level.
“Our ability to touch athletes at any level, conference, division is pretty unique,” Wimbush said. “NIL is way more than just a social media presence and what sports you play at what school.”
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