Oregon State Shakes Up Sports Leadership and NIL Deal

Major Changes in Sports Administration

Oregon State University is undergoing significant changes in its sports department. The university is parting ways with Brent Blaylock, their deputy athletic director. Simultaneously, they are reviewing their controversial deal with Blueprint Sports, a company managing NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals for athletes, which may soon come to an end.

Departure of Brent Blaylock

Brent Blaylock joined Oregon State in 2024 after a stint at the University of Arizona. He recently addressed the media regarding the school's deal with Blueprint, which has sparked controversy. However, his sudden departure has left many questions unanswered.

Blueprint Sports Deal Under Scrutiny

Scott Barnes, the athletic director, downplayed the importance of the Blueprint deal, asserting that other financial sources contribute more significantly to their NIL plans. However, this view is not universally shared. Kyle Bjornstad, founder of Dam Nation (a group assisting athletes with NIL deals), resigned after Blueprint took over Dam Nation, citing a lack of alternatives.

Challenges on Multiple Fronts

Oregon State is currently facing a multitude of challenges:

• Conference Transition: The university is preparing to join a new sports conference.
• Legal Issues: They are dealing with a significant lawsuit from a former coach.
• On-Field Struggles: Their football team has only secured one win this season.

With a upcoming match against Washington State, fans are not optimistic about a victory.