NFL Star Jameson Williams Sues NCAA, SEC, and Big Ten Over Profits

The next step in the ever-evolving NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) era for the NCAA took place today. As NFL wide receiver Jameson Williams has filed a lawsuit against the NCAA, Big Ten Conference, and the SEC.

In the lawsuit, the former Alabama star says that the three organizations have been benefiting off his name, image, and likeness without fairly compensating him. According to a story from The New York Post, Williams is suing for the revenue he generated while playing college football...which he wasn't entitled to during much of his college career.

What Is Jameson Williams Suing College Football For?

The exclusive reporting from the Post lays out what Williams is asking for, and what they list would rock the college sports world if he wins. The requested compensation goes a step beyond your standard NIL deal.

Williams wants financial compensation for the defendants' use of his name, image, and likeness. Stating that the defendants have continued to benefit from him even after he went to the NFL. He is asking for the compensation for both his playing career, and the years since.

The lawsuit also asks for the social media earnings that he would have received during his playing career. Money he was not eligible for during the majority of his college career...and he blames the NCAA, Big Ten, and SEC for holding him back.

But this even goes a step further...the lawsuit is asking for Williams' cut of “the game telecast group licensing revenue” that was earned while he played. Stating that the defendants were paid for money earned, in part, by Williams performance on the field.

The lawsuit argues that the defendants continue to financially benefit off his college career through social media posts and televised highlight reels.

Was Jameson Williams Good Enough In College To Demand This?

During his college career, Williams spent the 2019 and 2020 seasons with Ohio State, where he helped lead them to a 7-1 record in the pandemic shortened 2020 season, and a 13-1 mark in 2019. Over his two years in Ohio, Williams contributed a 17.7 yards-per-reception average, and scored 3 touchdowns.

For his Junior season, Williams transferred to Alabama, where his stats exploded. That season he caught 79 passes for 1,572 yards and 15 touchdowns. His yard-per-game average was 104.8 that season, as he helped Alabama to the National Championship.

After winning the National Championship, Williams declared for the NFL Draft. That spring he was taken in the First Round by the Detroit Lions with the 12th overall pick. Since then, he has become a major part of the Lions explosive offense. In 2025 the Lions gave Williams a 3-year, $83 million contract extension.