The Evolving Landscape of Collegiate Athletics

The world of college athletics is ever-changing and evolving every day. In the past few years, there's been quite a shift with the introduction of NIL and the changes with the transfer portal.

These changes have impacted student-athletes' approach to their time in collegiate athletics and beyond. At Virginia Tech, these dynamics are shaping the experiences of student-athletes and others closely related to them.  

Lani White, a junior on the Virginia Tech Women’s Basketball team offers a first-hand account of how NIL and the transfer portal has impacted her collegiate career. Her experience as a student-athlete has been shaped by both her academic and athletic commitments, as well as the addition of the NIL.

“I think NIL has changed college athletics for the better for most athletes,” White reflects. “It has created a platform for student-athletes to set themselves up financially and personally for the future. It allows us to gain experience in business and branding while we’re still in college.” 

One of White's biggest obstacles has been navigating how to promote herself. “Basketball isn’t who I am,” she says. “It's just what I do, and NIL offers a way to express myself beyond my sport. Knowing how to promote yourself on social media can be difficult.” 

White transferred to Virginia Tech in 2023 from the University of Utah. Her experience in the transfer portal underscores another aspect of college athletics that has been reshaped by recent changes. The transfer portal alongside the implementation of the one-time transfer rule allows athletes to move between programs more easily. This can afford them the opportunity to find a school that may align more with their athletic and academic goals.  

“The transfer portal has impacted me in great ways,” White explains. “I came to Virginia Tech because of it. I feel like I’m in a better position here to set myself up for success, and I’m very grateful for that.” 

Caleb Ramsey, a student manager for the Virginia Tech Women’s Basketball team, has witnessed firsthand the effects of the NIL and the transfer portal on the team. Ramsey began working with the program in 2024. While he has not seen a large shift in the way the team operates, he has observed how the NIL has impacted the athletes’ approach to their personal brand on social media. 

“Athletes are now much more aware of their image,” Ramsey says. “They’re more conservative with what they post because they have money on the line. The stakes are higher for them, and it shows in how they approach sponsorships and media appearances.” 

Ramsey continues, “the athletes I’m around are passionate about their sport and remain focused on the game,” he adds. “If anything, money on the line pushes them to work harder.” 

Though NIL has altered how athletes promote their personal brand, the transfer portal has had an even greater impact on team. Virginia Tech Woman’s Basketball, like many programs around the country, has seen an influx of transfer players. For Ramsey, the roster changes are just a part of the changing landscape of collegiate athletics, but it does come with its own challenges. 

“There’s definitely an adjustment period when a new player comes in,” Ramsey says. “Sometimes they come from schools with different systems, so getting them to adjust to the way things work here can take time. The exciting part is getting to know the new players, understanding how they move, and figuring out ways to improve them.” 

Despite challenges with team turnover, Ramsey believes that the introduction of the NIL and transfer portal could have a long-term positive impact on college athletics. “I think it will lead to athletes staying longer in college. A lot of athletes realize the potential to make money in college, and that could drive them to take the sport more seriously, even if they don’t make it to the pros,” Ramsey explains. 

Megan Griesemer, an assistant athletic director who works with transfers in the compliance department gives some advice to athletes looking to transfer. “Transferring is a big decision. Anyone considering entering the portal needs to understand what they are looking for both athletically and academically,” Griesemer says. “Don’t just focus on the immediate opportunity, choose a place where you feel supported and where you can continue to grow.” 

White echos the sentiment, “Don’t just focus on your sport. Show who you are as a person, and when it comes to the portal, keep your options open and make the decision that’s best for you long-term.” 

NIL and the transfer portal have changed the landscape of college athletics. As the industry continues to evolve and grow, these changes are shaping not only the future of collegiate athletics, but also the future of individual athletes.