Nov 11, 2022; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats former player Desmond Ridder during the first half in the game against the East Carolina Pirates at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Cincinnati Bearcats Legends Could Benefit From House Settlement Ruling Involving NIL Backpay

Originally posted on Cincinnati Bearcats on SI
By James Rapien | Last updated Jun 8, 2025 9:06 AM ET

A recent House settlement not only set the stage for college athletes to get paid by their respective schools, but it also will pay thousands of former athletes that didn't play during the NIL era.

Athletes that played from 2016-24 will make a combined $2.8 billion in backpay from lost NIL compensation.

It's safe to say that some Bearcats legends fit the bill.

It starts with Desmond Ridder, Ahmad" "Sauce" Gardner and Coby Bryant. The trio led the Bearcats to a 13-0 regular season record in 2021 and Cincinnati qualified for the College Football Playoff.

More than 85,000 athletes have filed claims for NIL backpay. For more on how it could impact the current college football landscape, go here.

The House settlement will pay thousands of former athletes that paid from 2016-2024 a combined $2.8 billion in backpay from lost NIL compensation. pic.twitter.com/EM4BiXbNeZ
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) June 7, 2025