USC's Branch Brothers Make History as First College Football Players to Sign with Jordan Brand

Former NCAA Athletes Can Now File Claims in $2.8 Billion Settlement

Former NCAA athletes are now eligible to file claims as part of the $2.8 billion settlement in the House v. NCAA case. The settlement compensates athletes who missed out on NIL revenue between 2016 and 2024. Power Five football and basketball players could receive up to $135,000 in back pay. The final approval is set for April 2025, with payouts starting in May. This historic decision reshapes the college sports landscape, ushering in a new era of athlete compensation and revenue sharing.

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WR Malachi Toney Reclassifies to 2025 Class, Set for Final Season at American Heritage

<span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Miami commit Malachi Toney, a 5’10” 4-star wide receiver, has reclassified to the 2025 class, fast-tracking his journey to the collegiate level. The American Heritage (FL) standout is poised to make a huge impact in his final high school season, solidifying his status as one of the top WR prospects in the nation. Toney’s move strengthens Miami’s recruiting class and puts him on the fast track to becoming a key offensive weapon for the Hurricanes.</span>

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In a groundbreaking development in college sports, USC's Zachariah and Zion Branch have become the first college football players to sign NIL deals with Jordan Brand. This historic partnership underscores the growing influence of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) in college athletics and the increasing value placed on young, marketable athletes.

Zachariah, a sophomore wide receiver, and Zion, a sophomore safety, are set to be major contributors to USC's success this season. Zachariah is expected to have a breakout year as the team’s starting slot receiver, following an impressive freshman season where he earned All-American honors as a kick returner. Zion, despite being hampered by injuries in previous seasons, is poised to be a significant part of USC’s defensive lineup.

The Branch brothers' deal with Jordan Brand not only provides them with exclusive apparel and gear but also aligns them with a brand that is synonymous with excellence and global influence. Jordan Brand's decision to sign the Branch brothers reflects their potential both on and off the field, as well as the power of the USC brand in the Los Angeles market.

While the Branch brothers will not be able to wear Jordan gear during games due to USC’s existing team deal with Nike, this partnership is still a significant milestone. It illustrates how NIL opportunities are reshaping the college sports landscape, allowing athletes to leverage their brand power in unprecedented ways. This deal is also a testament to the Branch brothers' marketability and the influence they are expected to have in college football and beyond.

This partnership is expected to have ripple effects across college sports, potentially paving the way for more NIL deals involving high-profile college athletes and iconic brands. As the Branch brothers take the field this season, their performance will likely draw even more attention to the impact of NIL in collegiate athletics, further solidifying their place in the history of college sports.