• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, October 14, 2025

Thanks To NIL, College Athletes Are Now Publishing Books

  • An increasing number of college athletes are writing and publishing books in multiple different genres.
  • Some are doing so with the help of a specific NIL-focused company.
Penn State Freshman quarterback Drew Allar completes pass during college football game
Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Before the NCAA changed its name, image, and likeness rules, athletes needed permission to use their name to promote their own products — including books. 

But now, an increasing number of college athletes are writing and publishing books in multiple different genres. 

Some, like Duke track and field athlete Emily Cole, are selling books that could help them with brand building. Cole, for example, published a sports nutrition book called “The Players’ Plate” — part of a package of content that she hopes she can parlay into a career in the industry.

Others, like Penn State quarterback Drew Allar, have published children’s books that will help them connect with younger fans. Allar, for example, worked with a company called Exit 56 Publishing, which was created specifically to help athletes write children’s books. With its help, Allar published a story complete with illustrations.

The company has already published three books with multiple football players from Michigan and Penn State. And while CEO Andrew Vodopia plans to keep the company at three books for now, he hopes to work with women’s sports athletes in the future. 

One Year of NIL: There Is No ‘One Size Fits All’ Approach

From racking up deals to part-time jobs, not every athlete looks at…
June 30, 2022

Athletes probably won’t get rich off publishing books, but they are popular — especially if they’re signed. Allar’s book sold 100 signed copies in 24 hours after he posted a single tweet. (Allar has also decided he’s donating his earnings to charity).

Vodopia told Front Office Sports there are multiple intangible benefits. 

“This is them getting to do something outside their comfort zone,” he said, adding that business-related skills like networking and public speaking — which they’ll have to do in order to sell books — are valuable skills they’ll need after their playing days. 

Though he acknowledged the biggest drawback of an athlete engaging in this particular NIL activity — the time it takes. For athletes who have busy schedules and limited hours, even co-authoring a short children’s book can take more time than they have. 

But whether they love engaging with fans or want to establish themselves as an industry expert, that extra effort could be worth it.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Penn State Could Owe James Franklin Very Little of Buyout

FOS has reviewed Franklin’s 2021 contract extension.
Oct 11, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Indiana Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti watches game play against the Oregon Ducks during the fourth quarter at Autzen Stadium.

How Indiana Quietly Became a Big Spender in Football

The Hoosiers are ranked No. 3 in the AP Poll, the highest in program history.

College Football Coach Firings Nearing $100M in Contract Buyouts

Two other coaches besides James Franklin were fired Sunday.

Featured Today

Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with her teammates after her last second shot to take the lead 90-88 against the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025.
exclusive

Standoff Over WNBA’s Future Has Dominated Finals

CBA negotiations have stolen the spotlight from the Aces’ dominant performance.
Paul Cartier
October 5, 2025

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.

Penn State Fires James Franklin, Will Pay Nearly $50M Buyout

The Nittany Lions lost again Saturday, falling to 3-3 this season.
Sep 27, 2025; Evanston, Illinois, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava (9) passes the ball against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium.
October 10, 2025

Big Ten Vote on Investment From California Pension Expected

A vote is expected to happen as early as next week, FOS confirmed.
Patrick Kraft
exclusive
October 11, 2025

Penn State, Adidas Deny Wrongdoing Around $300M Apparel Deal

The school and the brand publicly defended their 10-year deal Saturday.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Oct 9, 2025; Rosemont, IL, USA; Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti speaks during Big Ten MenÕs Basketball Media Days at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.
October 10, 2025

In an Expanded March Madness, Big Ten Favors Straight Seeding

Discussion around expanding the tournament continues to escalate.
Congresswoman Lori Trahan talks with people outside the Shriver Job Corps Center in Devens June 18
October 10, 2025

Congresswoman Says College Sports Commission Process Is ‘Harming Athletes’

The CSC’s process is “slow, inefficient, and inscrutable,” Rep. Trahan said.
exclusive
October 9, 2025

LSU Signs Multimillion-Dollar Jersey Patch Deal Before NCAA Approval

A new proposal would allow jersey sponsors in 2026.
October 9, 2025

What If UNC and Belichick Part Ways? The Buyout Structure Is …..

If Belichick is fired without cause in his last two seasons, UNC owes him nothing.