• Loading stock data...
Sunday, February 1, 2026

Klutch Sports Reportedly Signs 1st High School Athlete

  • Malachi Nelson is the top-ranked football player in the 2023 class.
  • According to On3’s rankings, Nelson has an NIL valuation of $738,000.
Malachi Nelson

One of the nation’s top high school football recruits is making history for a prominent sports agency.

QB Malachi Nelson — the No. 1-ranked recruit on ESPN’s class of 2023 rankings — is signing with Klutch Sports, per Pete Thamel.

Nelson — who is committed to play at USC but took a visit with Texas A&M recently — is Klutch’s first high school client. The agency will presumably represent him in negotiations for NIL deals.

According to On3’s NIL rankings, Nelson has an NIL valuation of $738,000 — good for 39th on the list and well behind Arch Manning, the highest-valued football recruit in his class (No. 3 overall).

It’s a further foray into the NIL world for the agency founded by Rich Paul and LeBron James.

Klutch signed then-USC QB Kedon Slovis in the immediate months following NIL legalization, and in a conversation with Front Office Sports in February, executive Jade-Li English emphasized that the agency is doing its best to be a resource for college and high school athletes in the space.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

opinion

Is It Time You Stopped Hating the Patriots?

This New England team is less detestable than last time. Right?
Jan 29, 2026; Santa Clara, California, USA; A general overall aerial view of Levi's Stadium, the site of Super Bowl 60 between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks

Super Bowl LX Events Will Spread From San Francisco to San Jose

Levi’s Stadium is a trafficky 40 miles south of downtown San Francisco.

All the Sports Figures in the Latest Epstein Emails

The DOJ released millions of new records Friday.

Polymarket Barred From Nevada for at Least Two Weeks

Nevada’s gaming regulator is separately fighting a suit against Kalshi.

Featured Today

University of Southern California

College Athletic Departments Are Wooing Recruits With Content Studios

Schools are creating content studios to win recruits and donor dollars.
Dec 25, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Spencer Jones (21) reacts against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half at Ball Arena
January 30, 2026

Spencer Jones Is Having a Moment in the NBA—and on LinkedIn

The Nuggets forward and Stanford grad is a prolific poster and investor.
Tim Jenkins
January 24, 2026

How One NFL Pass Turned Into a Career on YouTube

Tim Jenkins missed the NFL. He took his football IQ to YouTube.
January 17, 2026

Sports Goes All In on Non-Alcoholic Drinks Boom

Athletes, teams, and leagues are pouring money into the NA beverage category.
Jan 9, 2026; Atlanta, GA, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) reacts after a fumble against the Indiana Hoosiers during the first half of the 2025 Peach Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

College Sports Enforcement Entity Builds Out Investigative Unit

The CSC has already launched inquiries into “several” schools for violations.
Dec 8, 2019; San Jose, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal goalkeeper Katie Meyer (19) dives for a penalty kick by North Carolina Tar Heels forward/Midfielder Rachel Jones (10) in the College Cup championship match at Avaya Stadium.
January 27, 2026

Stanford Settles Wrongful Death Suit With Soccer Player Katie Meyer’s Family

Meyer’s family alleged the school mishandled a disciplinary process.
Jan 24, 2026; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Tennessee Volunteers forward Nate Ament (10) dribbles past Alabama Crimson Tide center Charles Bediako (14) during the first half at Coleman Coliseum.
January 28, 2026

Bediako Judge Recuses Himself After Alabama Booster Ties Were Exposed

Bediako played in his second game for Alabama on Tuesday.
Sponsored

From Kobe Bryant to Tom Brady: Mike Repole’s Billion-Dollar Playbook

Mike Repole shares an inside look into building brands & working with star athletes.
Dec 6, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils quarterback Darian Mensah (10) looks to throw in the first quarter against the Virginia Cavaliers during the 2025 ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium.
January 27, 2026

Duke, Darian Mensah Settle Lawsuit, Opening Door to Transfer

It resolves the first lawsuit a school filed against a current player.
January 27, 2026

NCAA Asks Judge to Quit Bediako Case Over Alabama Ties

Jim Roberts and his wife are listed as Alabama boosters. 
January 26, 2026

Hearing to Decide Ex-Pro’s College Future Delayed by Snow

Charles Bediako had 13 points in Saturday’s game against Tennessee.
January 23, 2026

Judge Who Ruled Charles Bediako Eligible Is Six-Figure Alabama Booster

Bediako can play for Alabama on Saturday against Tennessee.