Can 17-year-old Texas athletes sign NIL deals now? Here’s what you need to know
With Governor Greg Abbott signing House Bill 126, a major shift in the Name, Image and Likeness landscape has reached Texas.
It allows colleges in Texas to pay athletes directly with NIL agreements. Previously, only outside entities could make deals. With direct college-to-athlete deals, institutions can entice a player to commit or pay a player who is already enrolled in the university.
The law also allows for high school athletes 17 years of age or older to sign NIL deals. With upcoming revenue sharing and NIL deals, young athletes have more options than ever.
However, don’t get things twisted — there are restrictions that every high school athlete and family in Texas should be aware of.
Student-athletes who sign NIL deals with colleges and universities may not receive compensation until they are enrolled and participating at that institution.
The ability to sign deals with universities does not mean other deals are now on the table. To keep UIL eligibility, athletes must keep their status as amateur performers.
“Students would not be eligible to continue to participate in UIL activities if they were to sign NIL agreements with any entity other than a college or university beyond this allowance,” a UIL spokesperson told the Star-Telegram.
The bill went into effect immediately, which could be a game-changer for someone like Felix Ojo, an uncommitted senior five-star recruit at Mansfield Lake Ridge.
Top programs such as Michigan, Texas, Colorado, Florida, Ole Miss and Texas Tech are vying for Ojo’s services. Now, after his 17th birthday, Ojo can have a better idea of which university can offer the most direct NIL compensation.
Although UIL athletes in high school can sign deals, that does not mean NIL has reached Texas high school sports.
Since payment can’t be received before enrollment in a college or university, the high school athlete’s amateur status is fully protected in Texas. In general, the Lone Star State’s NIL laws are more strict than most.
For example, in California, athletes can sign NIL deals with a few restrictions. Athletes can’t use a school’s name or logo, and they can’t wear uniforms or team gear. No deals can be made with schools or booster clubs.
The Lone Star State hasn’t reached that level, and the UIL fully restricts transfers for athletic purposes. Still, House Bill 126 is a sign that, even in Texas, the NIL landscape is rapidly changing.
This story was originally published June 17, 2025 at 11:30 AM.
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