I'm saying you are weighing a 1-9 record in a legacy rivalry far too low. NIL money doesn't follow the record, it follows much more, such as status, bragging rights, recent rivalry records, things that matter to donors. As important as getting an education is, if you don't win on the field against regional rivals, then you are losing program.
The Gophers have horrible losing records against Iowa and Wisconsin. What donor, that has a business in Minnesota and deals with businesses in Iowa or Wisconsin, is going to feel their NIL donation is going to make a difference to changing that trend? They are going to abandon boostership of Gopher Football, and probably most other Gopher Sports, for other D1 schools in Minnesota.
The administration now realizes how important money is when it comes to running an educational institution. Anyone who drives money away from the school, be it academic or athletic, is a liability.
It's Win, Baby, especially against Iowa and Wisconsin, and donations will be freer flowing. Winning is the culture that matters.
