Episode 172: Blue Bloods In The Round - An NIL Experience: w/ Coach Derek Mason & Brandon Jarnigan

Episode 172 of The Hitstreak, a podcast where we talk about anything and everything! 

This week we are joined by the Head Football Coach of MTSU’s Blue Raiders, Derek Mason, as well as, the President and Co-Founder of ALC, Brandon Jarnigan!


Episode in a Glance:
Check it out! Today's episode explores the evolving landscape of college athletics, particularly focusing on the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) on student athletes. We highlight the partnership between MTSU and the Athlete Licensing Company (ALC) to create opportunities for athletes to monetize their personal brands while fostering community connections. Brandon, Derek, and I also delve into the challenges and opportunities presented by NIL, the importance of education for athletes and their families, and the future of college sports in this new era. Later on in the episode, we delve into the complexities of financial literacy for young athletes, the significance of intellectual property rights, and the burgeoning creator economy. Brandon and I discuss the importance of contracts and agreements in protecting athletes' interests, the future of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) monetization, and the value of social media as a brand asset. Finally, we're also going to highlight the need for transparency and support for athletes navigating these new financial landscapes, culminating in a discussion about an upcoming event aimed at educating and empowering athletes and their families.


Key Points:
- The landscape of college football has changed significantly due to NIL.
- Community engagement is crucial for college programs.
- Understanding contracts and agreements is essential for athletes.
- Athletes need to be aware of tax implications related to NIL income.
- Building a strong personal brand can enhance an athlete's marketability.
- Transparency in NIL agreements is vital for all parties involved.
- The future of college sports will continue to evolve with NIL.
- Financial literacy is crucial for young athletes.
- Social media accounts are valuable brand assets.
- Intellectual property rights must be protected.
- The creator economy is rapidly growing and evolving.
- Athletes need support in navigating monetization.
- The upcoming event aims to educate athletes and families.


About our guests:
Derek Mason, with 30 years of collegiate coaching experience, is in his second season as head coach at Middle Tennessee, taking the helm on Dec. 6, 2023. Before MTSU, Mason worked as an SEC Network analyst in 2023 and served as defensive coordinator at Oklahoma State (2022) and Auburn (2021). From 2014-2020, Mason was Vanderbilt's head coach, leading the program to two bowl appearances and notable SEC victories, including over Tennessee and Georgia. At Vanderbilt, he also coached consensus All-American Zach Cunningham.


A standout player at Northern Arizona, Mason graduated with a degree in criminal justice in 1993. He and his wife, LeighAnne, have two daughters, Makenzie and Sydney.

Follow and contact:
Instagram: @coachderekmason | @mt_fb | @mtathletics

goblueraiders.com

Brandon Jarnigan is President & Co-founder of ALC,  an NIL rights management company that delivers Strategic NIL Services and Technology to Universities, Student-Athletes and Licensees. ALC works with programs in the largest, most competitive athletic conferences, including the SEC, Big 10,ACC and Big 12.He is a finance executive with 20+ years of experience in finance & accounting.

Brandon is a Nashville native and former collegiate athlete in track & field at Belmont University and holds an MBA from UNC-Chap