NIL isn’t reserved for the Saturday afternoon stars. In many D2 and NAIA college towns, local athletes are the biggest celebrities in their zip codes.
The Big Fish Strategy: In a smaller college town, a local hardware store or restaurant will value a partnership with a star D3 athlete more than a massive brand values a D1 backup.
The Community Connection: Focus your brand on local impact. Smaller programs are deeply integrated into their towns. If you show you are a "community-first" athlete, you become an immediate asset to a smaller school’s athletic department.