Jameson Williams Files Lawsuit Against NCAA, Big Ten, SEC

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Jameson Williams Files Lawsuit Against NCAA, Big Ten, SEC

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Apr 28, 2026 4:10 PM ET

Jameson Williams filed a noteworthy lawsuit that numerous other former college athletes may watch closely.

According to the New York Post's Edward Lewis and Jeremy Louwerse, Williams filed a lawsuit against the NCAA, Big Ten, and SEC in Los Angeles County on Monday. The Detroit Lions wide receiver is seeking compensation for the money those entities gained from his name, image, and likeness.

The lawsuit accuses the defendants of violating the Cartwright Act, Unfair Practices Act, Sherman Antitrust Act, and Lanham Act.

“To date, Williams has received no fair compensation from Defendants for the full commercial value of his name, image, and likeness," the lawsuit read. "Defendants continuously financially benefit from Jameson Williams’ name, image and likeness rights, wille also doing so without proving him with just compensation."

More on Williams lawsuit

Dec 22, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) celebrates after a reception against the Chicago Bears during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images© Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images

Williams played at Ohio State in 2019 and 2020 before a Supreme Court ruling allowed student-athletes to profit off their name, image and likeness in 2021. He transferred to Alabama, where he broke out to the tune of 1,595 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Had he begun his collegiate career later, Williams might have made significant NIL money. An ACL tear during the National Championship Game jeopardized his future earnings, but the Lions still drafted him with the No. 12 pick in 2022.

Williams followed a breakout 2024 by tallying a career-high 65 catches and 1,117 receiving yards last season. As he flourishes professionally, Williams accused the NCAA, Big Ten, and SEC of continuing to leverage his likeness for profit through TV highlights and social media posts.

"Plaintiff received less — zero — than he otherwise would have received for the use of his name, image, and likeness in a competitive marketplace, and was thus damaged, and seeks to recover those damages," Williams' lawsuit claimed.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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