We're starting to see some patterns in how different teams approach NIL. I'm wondering if we're starting to see a "best way to do it" or if it's still unknown (or if it might be different for different teams).

1 - Recruiting splash method - This is seen by giving big recruits big NIL deals. An example of this was Tennessee giving Nico Iamaleva that huge deal out of high school, but other schools have done similar.

2 - Transfer splash method - Big deals for a transfer who's the "missing piece" for a team. An example of this is Miami paying huge amounts for Carson Beck.

3 - Transfer volume method. - No headline deals, but huge turnover in the off season for incremental improvements at any position. Sacrifices a consistent roster from year to year in favor of any talent improvement. I think Kiffin at Ole Miss was an example of this.

4 - "Recruit/retain/replace" method. Recruit without huge deals. Increase NIL deals (including to "huge" status) to reward guys who perform in order to retain them. Offer good but not huge deals for transfers to replace guys transferring out or graduating without a solid replacement ready. I think this is what Kirby Smart at UGA is doing.

I think #4 is the "right way"... but that may only be right for a school like UGA who has enough draw on their own not to overpay players often. Maybe the others work better for programs at different places.