Playing the NIL world, requires information and data that includes player performance, capabilities etc. Top programs use data analytic sports services that rank college performance of Every player who plays footbal or basktball. They also do research on the current $$ that teams are placing on the players. VT, like many other programs use these services. For example player a 5 star all everything at university b gets 9 million. THen you create an algorhym net worth and then model what the institution is willing to go. THen you model all the rest of the 1000, of players and then you get an intial range what a program can offer. THis inlcudes ranking objectively your curren players. that goes into retaining players... Its not based on region, relative, or ties to the university but rather return on investment. VT has their eyes on other players who they think meet the team, and meets within our NIL parameters for a player and our plans for using the NIL dollars. Unless you are Texas, NIL is constrained, and the NIL manager has to play it out. Do you shop in the mid market world and get alot of 'potential players' who NIL value isn't as high and you bascially can buy more OR do you throw in your chip for a 5 star and use the entire budget for 1 year and nothing left for the other team members. This is where player personnel management goes. Also you dont want to get into an environment of crazy escalation without a plan, and your programs bounds and the gumption ofjust walking a way. (then you get the crazy fans who say we are broke). With extra $$$, and invigorated staff, I think Coach Young, has the tools to 'play the game" and get what he needs to be competitive. (and maybe steal a jewel in the mid majors with a value proposition.