Upset Michigan writer on Auburn football after Nate Marshall visit: 'NIL playing a role in recruiting wins'

GBM Wolverine's Chris Peterson believes uncommitted 4-star DL Nate Marshall's Auburn football visit is a major negative for Michigan, and claims that the On To Victory NIL collective is why the Tigers are winning so much on the recruiting trail.

"Auburn is putting together some recruiting wins but I'm sure NIL is playing a role in that," Peterson prefaced before saying, "Michigan football also can't really sell the development aspect as much because it has a new D-line coach and a new defensive coordinator."

Certainly, besides any potential NIL payday, Marshall is a fan of AU receivers coach Vontrell King-Williams; who he praised as a stellar relationship-builder.

“I like Coach Vontrell,” Marshall said (h/t On3). “He’s from where I’m from, so we have that connection. He’s been recruiting me for a year or two, so we have that relationship, that bond. He was an analyst here when JG (Jeremy Garrett) was here. For him to be here, it actually really helps Auburn’s chances. He’s a guy that I was already close to, talking to every day.”

One has to think Vontrell-King had more to talk about with Marshall than his potential NIL payday. Even if he didn't, money talks, and Auburn appears to have more to offer than the defending national champions.

Auburn football thriving in NIL without top AU donor

The Tigers are showing recruits the money despite doling out buyouts for both Bryan Harsin and Gus Malzahn and Charles Barkley choosing not to donate to his alma mater to help reel in top recruits in football or basketball.

Barkley left the door opened ajar to donating to football, but he's still not the reason why Auburn has been winning of late.

Fan donations and big booster backing are buoying Auburn in a big way, and those who are being left in the dust don't appreciate it.