AUSTIN, Texas — Want a snapshot of how far Texas NIL has come as we approach the four-year anniversary of student-athletes being allowed to profit from their name, image and likeness? And as we approach revenue sharing between schools and student-athletes beginning this fall?
Let's flash back to Dec. 6, 2021, when a Texas NIL initiative called "The Pancake Factory" promised scholarship offensive linemen at Texas $50,000 annually for doing some charitable work.
It was launched less than 10 days before the Dec. 15-18, 2021 signing period - and helped Texas land the nation's best haul of (seven) offensive linemen in the 2022 recruiting cycle.
Five of those Texas O-line signees committed to the Longhorns after The Pancake Factory was announced on Dec. 6, including 2024 Outland and Lombardi Award winner and 2025 NFL first-round draft pick by the New Orleans Saints - left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr., who committed on Dec. 11, 2021.
Three-star tackle Cameron Williams, who was just selected in the sixth round by the Philadelphia Eagles, committed to Texas on Dec. 12, 2021.
Four-star Neto Umeozulu, who is expected to start at left guard for Texas this fall, committed to Texas on Dec. 13, 2021.
Five-star DJ Campbell, the Longhorns' only returning O-line starter at right guard, signed with Texas on Feb. 2, 2022.