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College Football GMs Surge Amid NIL and Transfer Portal

10/23/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The rise of NIL and the transfer portal has increased the prominence of general managers in college football.
USA Today ranked the highest-paid general managers, led by Michael Lombardi of North Carolina at $1.5 million.
Other notable general managers include Mark Pantoni of Ohio State and Jim Nagy of Oklahoma.
Penn State is at a crossroads after parting with James Franklin, seeking a new coach to restore Big Ten competitiveness.

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Story summary

The rise of NIL and the transfer portal has increased the prominence of general managers in college football.
USA Today ranked the highest-paid general managers, led by Michael Lombardi of North Carolina at $1.5 million.
Other notable general managers include Mark Pantoni of Ohio State and Jim Nagy of Oklahoma.
Penn State is at a crossroads after parting with James Franklin, seeking a new coach to restore Big Ten competitiveness.