Texas Longhorns OC Kyle Flood Sounds Alarm Over NIL Challenges: “We Are Losing Recruits in the Portal to Schools That Are Just Flat Outbidding Us”

Texas Longhorns OC Kyle Flood Sounds Alarm Over NIL Challenges: “We Are Losing Recruits in the Portal to Schools That Are Just Flat Outbidding Us”

Texas Longhorns offensive coordinator Kyle Flood has spoken out about the increasing impact of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals on college football recruiting, particularly in the transfer portal. In a recent interview, Flood expressed concerns over how NIL dynamics are reshaping the landscape and creating significant challenges for programs like Texas.

“We are losing recruits in the portal to schools that are just flat outbidding us,” Flood revealed. “It’s no longer about what we can offer in terms of development, culture, or opportunities. For many players, it’s becoming strictly about the money.”

The Longhorns, one of the most iconic programs in college football, have traditionally been a dominant force in recruiting. However, Flood’s comments highlight the challenges even a resource-rich program like Texas faces when competing against schools with deeper NIL war chests.

Flood explained that while Texas continues to invest in its recruiting strategy and player development, the rise of NIL has turned recruiting into a high-stakes bidding war. “We have a lot to offer, from world-class facilities to a passionate fanbase and a strong academic institution,” Flood said. “But when programs can outspend everyone else, it’s hard to compete on that front.”

Under head coach Steve Sarkisian, the Longhorns are preparing for their transition to the SEC, where the competition is even more intense. NIL challenges have added another layer of complexity to that move. Flood believes that the current system risks undermining the principles that college football was built on.

“This isn’t just a Texas problem; it’s a problem for college football as a whole,” Flood explained. “We need more structure and oversight to ensure NIL benefits are fair and don’t overshadow the sport. Right now, it feels like the programs with the deepest pockets are the ones with the advantage, and that’s not healthy for the game.”

Despite these challenges, Flood remains optimistic about the future of the Longhorns. He pointed to the program’s history of resilience and its ability to adapt to changes in the sport. Still, his comments serve as a wake-up call for the broader college football landscape, where NIL deals continue to reshape the competitive balance.

As the Longhorns prepare for their SEC debut, Flood’s concerns underscore the importance of navigating the NIL era carefully to maintain the program’s competitiveness while staying true to its values.