Are relationships more crucial than cash in college sports recruiting? The UCF Knights are navigating the evolving NIL landscape, balancing financial incentives with the power of personal connections. This episode explores how the Knights, alongside other major programs like Alabama and BYU, manage these dynamics in the competitive world of college football. Mike G and guest Brian Smith from Locked on the Portal dive into the need for specialized NIL management, akin to NFL GMs, to handle complex deals and budgets. They discuss the challenges of funding non-football sports, with football often being the primary revenue driver. Key figures like Scott Frost and Terry Mohajer are highlighted as they strategize for success in this new era. Tune in to discover how the UCF Knights are reshaping their recruiting strategies and what it means for the future of college sports.