These hypothetical college-sponsor corporate deals would break the internet
The money being funnelled into college sports has become obscene. Between boosters and collectives amassing huge amounts of cash to boost recruiting efforts, revenue sharing agreements coming to fruition, and players earning huge paydays with their own name-image-and-likeness, the "business" of college sports has never been bigger.
Dr. Pepper has been the sponsor of the College Football Playoff, and it's trophy, since its inception in 2014, and every college football bowl game has its own individual sponsor. The NCAA Tournament always has a big list of corporate sponsors such as Coca-Cola, Capital One, and AT&T.
It's only a matter of time before colleges start linking up with big businesses as corporate sponsors to help fund not only top football and basketball players, but possibly even to keep smaller, non-revenue sports afloat.
Sponsorships could involve stadium naming rights, on-field advertising, uniform patches, and even required mentions in broadcasts.
We asked ChatGPT to take a humorous peek at some of the country's biggest football and basketball schools and give us some likely (or possibly wishful) corporate sponsors we'd love to see attached to the university and the slogans they might use.
University of Nebraska and Case IH Tractors
“Building offensive lines and harvesting soybeans with the same precision since 1869.”
University of Oklahoma and Sonic Drive-In
“Where you get touchdowns and tots in under 2 minutes.”
University of Louisville and Papa John’s
“Still delivering questionable pizzas and point guards.”
Ohio State University and Buckeye Candies Inc.
“The only place where poison nuts are considered a delicious recruiting incentive.”
University of Tennessee and Jack Daniel’s
“Smooth. Strong. And occasionally responsible for checkerboarding your memory.”
Duke University and Advil
“Because every March, someone’s got a headache from hating Duke—or losing to them.”
University of Georgia and Waffle House
“The Dawgs are always smothered, covered, and ranked No. 1.”
Notre Dame and Guinness
“When the ‘Fighting Irish’ name practically writes the sponsorship for you.”
Arizona State University and Red Bull
“Sustaining 2 a.m. study sessions and 11 a.m. kickoffs since 2005.”
University of Colorado and REI
“Coach Prime might sell Prime, but we outfit the Flatirons.”
Florida State University and Spirit Halloween
“Because when the season hits, we show up loud, fast, and ready to take over abandoned space.”
University of Wisconsin and Johnsonville Brats
“Home of the Badgers—and the best bratwurst tailgates in the Big Ten.”
University of Miami (Fl) and Coppertone
“Because the sun’s always out—and so are the NIL checks.”
University of Alabama and Golden Flake Potato Chips
“A snack so Southern, it might call Nick Saban coach.”
Texas Tech University and Dust-Off Compressed Air
“Lubbock: come for the football, stay for the occasional haboob.”
University of Michigan and Carhartt
“Wolverines wear maize—and heavy-duty duck canvas.”
Ole Miss and Vineyard Vines
“Because no one loses by 30 in Oxford while looking this good.”
Mississippi State University and John Deere
“Where the cowbells ring loud, and the tractors run louder.”
University of Oregon and Nike
“Just do it—49 different uniform combos at a time.”
University of Cincinnati and Skyline Chili
“Fueling Bearcats football and digestive debates since kickoff.”
University of Iowa and Butterball
“Because nothing says Hawkeye football like punting and poultry.”
LSU and Tabasco
“Because everything in Baton Rouge—including the offense—comes with extra heat.”
Virginia Tech and Bojangles
“Because nothing pairs with Enter Sandman like a Cajun filet biscuit.”
Auburn University and Home Depot
“War Eagle, power tools, and tailgates built to last.”
University of South Carolina and Palmetto Moon
“Cocky never goes out of style—or out without a stickered cooler.”
Texas A&M and Wrangler
“Gig 'em in jeans tough enough for Yell Practice and SEC Saturdays.”
University of Florida and Crocs
“Because Gator fans know fashion begins and ends with sport mode.”
West Virginia University and Bush’s Baked Beans
“Country roads, take me home—with a side of slow-cooked tradition.”
University of Texas and H-E-B
“Everything’s bigger in Texas—including NIL grocery deals.”
Indiana University and Red Gold Tomatoes
“Basketball’s in our blood—so is marinara.”
Syracuse University and Dunkin’
“Because upstate winters require coffee, donuts, and 2–3 zone defense.”
Kansas State University and Purple Powerade
“Official hydration of farm-built linebackers and night games in Manhattan.”
BYU and Albertsons
“Stocking shelves and shelves of caffeine-free soda for the Cougar faithful.”
Kansas University and Garmin
“Helping Kansas football find its way since forever.”
Penn State University and White Claw
“There are no laws when it’s White Out in Happy Valley.”
University of Arizona and Dutch Bros Coffee
“Brewed for 115° kickoff heat and 9 p.m. Pac-12 After Dark chaos.”
University of Kentucky and Ale-8-One
“The only thing more Kentucky than bourbon—and just as caffeinated.”
University of Illinois and State Farm
“Like a good neighbor, we’re middle of the Big Ten.”
Clemson University and Orange Crush
“Bold. Fizzy. And just a little too much in November.”
USC and Netflix
“Prestige, drama, and questionable endings—all streaming live from the Coliseum.”
Michigan State University and Monster Energy
“Fueled by chaos, caffeine, and at least one inexplicable upset every season.”
UCLA and Quiksilver
“Catching waves, credits, and Pac-12 exit flights—all before noon.”
USF and Hooters
"Wings. Wins. War on the Field. — Hooters Backs the Bulls!"
While some of these partnerships would obviously never happen, it's fun to think of how some might turn out. What company could you see your school linking up with for a partnership?