Tigers under investigation for inappropriate reporting of NIL

The LSU Tigers became the first publicly known major athletic program face an investigation from the College Sports Commission (CSC), a new enforcement body created to oversee revenue sharing and third-party name, image and likeness (NIL) deals under the House settlement approved in 2024. The investigation centers on whether LSU failed to properly report one or more third-party NIL deals, according to a Jan. 15 email to The Aletic.

“The College Athletic Commission is investigating whether a member of one of your institution’s athletic teams has failed to report one or more third-party Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) jobs in accordance with applicable rules,” wrote Katie B. Medearis, head of the CSC investigation, to LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry. Medearis also requested a phone call with Ausberry or LSU’s compliance staff to discuss the matter.

While the Tigers have been highly visible this offseason, the investigation is reportedly unrelated to the LSU football. The investigation involves undeclared NIL compensation related to sports other than football, according to The Athletic and NOLA.com. LSU is also reportedly one of more than a dozen schools contacted by CSC about potential undeclared deals.

“As previously noted, CSC has contacted several schools to inform them of investigations into undeclared NIL jobs,” a CSC spokesperson said. “We will not comment further at this time.”

The reporting requirement stems from a House settlement that requires all NCAA Division I schools to disclose third-party NIL contracts worth more than $600 through NIL Go, CSC’s clearinghouse. Schools must deliver these contracts within five days of execution. NIL Go reviews contracts to ensure they have a valid business purpose, involve the direct exercise of an athlete’s NIL rights, and reflect compensation comparable to individuals in a similar situation.

“We have been in regular communication with CSC since the organization’s inception and appreciate their ongoing cooperation and guidance,” LSU said in a statement. “We expect this particular investigation to be resolved shortly. We will not comment further on regulatory matters.”

Since its launch in June 2025, NIL Go has processed 17,845 submitted contracts involving nearly 11,000 athletes across 40 sports. Of those, 17,321 deals worth $127.21 million have been approved through December 31, 2025. An additional 524 deals, worth $14.94 million, have not been resolved, while 10 remained in arbitration by the end of the year. According to CSC data, 52% of cases were resolved within 24 hours, and 73% within a week when all necessary information was provided. Overall, 44% of approved jobs were for athletes outside of football and men’s basketball.

On Jan. 9, the CSC issued updated guidance, warning schools that enforcement activity is imminent and that “some schools should expect to hear” from the commission. LSU was contacted on Jan. 15 as part of a move that began the following week. The CSC also raised concerns about certain contract structures discussed during the transfer portal period, warning that third-party promises of NIL compensation without proper approval could jeopardize an athlete’s eligibility.