Arizona State Sun Devils OC Marcus Arroyo Sounds Alarm Over NIL Challenges: “We Are Losing Recruits in the Portal to Schools That Are Just Flat Outbidding Us”

Arizona State Sun Devils OC Marcus Arroyo Sounds Alarm Over NIL Challenges: “We Are Losing Recruits in the Portal to Schools That Are Just Flat Outbidding Us”

Arizona State Sun Devils offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo has raised concerns over the growing challenges his program is facing in the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) era. In a candid statement, Arroyo highlighted how NIL deals have drastically reshaped college football recruiting, both for incoming freshmen and players entering the transfer portal.

Speaking to reporters earlier this week, Arroyo admitted that the Sun Devils have been struggling to compete with wealthier programs when it comes to securing top talent. “We are losing recruits in the portal to schools that are just flat outbidding us,” Arroyo said. “It’s not about relationships or the vision of the program anymore. For many of these kids, it comes down to who can offer the biggest check.”

This blunt acknowledgment reflects the growing pressure on programs like Arizona State, which do not have the same financial resources as some of the nation’s powerhouse programs. The NIL system, which allows athletes to earn money for endorsements and other opportunities, has created a stark disparity in college football. Wealthier schools with strong donor networks are now able to leverage lucrative NIL packages to attract high-profile recruits.

Arroyo emphasized that the Sun Devils are working hard to adapt to this new reality. “We’re trying to keep pace,” he said. “But the truth is, there’s a gap that’s hard to close when some programs can simply outspend everyone else. It’s frustrating because we’re building something special here, but it’s tough to compete when the playing field isn’t level.”

Arizona State, led by head coach Kenny Dillingham, has been focusing on rebuilding the program and establishing a competitive culture. However, NIL challenges have added an extra layer of complexity to the process. Arroyo expressed his concern that the current system risks prioritizing money over the values and opportunities that college football should represent.

“This isn’t just an Arizona State issue—it’s happening across college football,” Arroyo added. “We need to have a conversation about how to make NIL work in a way that doesn’t undermine the sport. Right now, it feels like we’re heading toward something unsustainable.”

Arroyo’s comments are likely to spark further debate about NIL’s impact on college football. While the system has created opportunities for athletes to profit from their talents, it has also exposed the widening gap between programs with deep pockets and those trying to compete without the same financial firepower.

For the Sun Devils, the focus remains on navigating these challenges and continuing to build a team that can compete at the highest level. But as Arroyo’s words suggest, the road ahead may be more difficult than ever.